Point Sur Lightstation
Explore a complete, turn-of-the-century lighthouse perched dramatically on a volcanic rock overlooking the Pacific. A journey through history and stun...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Catch the 10 AM tour
Point Sur Lightstation
Best Time
Catch the 10 AM tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a complete, turn-of-the-century lighthouse perched dramatically on a volcanic rock overlooking the Pacific. A journey through history and stunning Big Sur scenery.
"Incredible tour of the lighthouse with lots of facts about its origins and its upkeep over the decades. A must see lighthouse."
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
Gates close at 10 AM sharp for weekend tours. Arrive by 9:30 AM to secure your spot! :admission_tickets:
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's windy and foggy! Bring a windproof jacket and hat, even on sunny days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Lighthouse
Summit of the volcanic rock
Explore the complete turn-of-the-century lighthouse, a National Historic Place.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Along the tour path
Breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, sea lions, and marine life.
Naval Facility Point Sur
Base of the rock
Discover the history of the Cold War-era SOSUS station.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tour Availability & Arrival
Weather Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
Gates close at 10 AM sharp for weekend tours. Arrive by 9:30 AM to secure your spot! :admission_tickets:
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's windy and foggy! Bring a windproof jacket and hat, even on sunny days.
🚶♀️ Be Ready for a Hike
The 3-hour tour involves a 360-foot elevation gain and stairs. Beginner-level hiking. :athletic_shoe:
🚫 No Food or Dogs
Pack snacks for before or after the tour, as food and pets are not allowed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
Gates close at 10 AM sharp for weekend tours. Arrive by 9:30 AM to secure your spot! :admission_tickets:
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's windy and foggy! Bring a windproof jacket and hat, even on sunny days.
🚶♀️ Be Ready for a Hike
The 3-hour tour involves a 360-foot elevation gain and stairs. Beginner-level hiking. :athletic_shoe:
🚫 No Food or Dogs
Pack snacks for before or after the tour, as food and pets are not allowed.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell reception is almost non-existent. Have maps downloaded beforehand. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Point Sur Lightstation tour for its historical insights and breathtaking coastal views, calling it a must-see Big Sur attraction. While the 3-hour duration and moderate hike are noted, most find it well worth the effort. The unpredictable foggy weather is a common drawback, impacting the views for some, and the strict adherence to tour times requires early arrival.
"Wow! Very cool and definitely worth seeing! My only complaint is that the weather didn't cooperate with us that day so it was so foggy the entire time we missed out the view but if you can it's worth a visit on the weekend! Please note, don't be like us, bring a jacket that is windproof and plan for it to be cold, layers are best. It was very windy the entire time and foggy so while it may feel like 70 degrees in the sun, it was 50 degrees the entire time on the tour. Plan ahead to ensure you get there, they close the gates at 1000 promptly and due to the recent roadwork highway 1 there is a single lane portion that adds about five minutes to your trip if you catch it at the wrong time. They do offer a sunset tour about once a month, which sounds very cool assuming the fog doesn't ruin your view. Not necessarily kid friendly but we brought our 4 and 6 year old girls. They don't allow food on the tour so just plan ahead especially since it will go over lunch hour. As they say online it's about a mile walk but there are a lot of stops along the way to talk about the history of the lighthouse. All in all, it was worth it and we may have to come back to see it without the fog. The tour costs $15 for adults, and $5 for kids over 5 years old. No military discount. The 1950s era remodeled assistant lighthouse keepers house was pretty cool! They are in the process of remodeling the other house to be in a 1930s era theme."
Matt Wittkopp
"Incredible tour of the lighthouse with lots of facts about its origins and its upkeep over the decades. A must see lighthouse which includes beautiful views the entire way to the top on a clear day.
Bonus: look out towards the ocean on your way up the rock, lots of things to see between sea birds, sea lions and we even had some whales."
Thomas Cifranik
"Amazing experience—definitely recommend. Arrived around 930 and was close to the front in line. The tour guides let cars in around 9:45 where the cars are parked at the bottom.
Very informative tour lasting around 3 hours. We’re able to go inside the lighthouse and walk around the grounds. Also saw a lot of seals and just an amazing view overall.
Bring layers and a hat!"
Teresa Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Point Sur Lightstation is located on Highway 1, south of Bixby Bridge. Tours meet along PCH-1. Be aware of potential single-lane roadwork that can add time to your journey.
Parking is available at the bottom of the point where the tour caravan begins. Volunteers are typically there around 9:30 AM.
No, you must join a guided tour. The drive from the meeting point to the lighthouse is in a caravan style, starting at 10 AM sharp.
Driving your own vehicle is recommended for flexibility, especially with the limited tour schedule and potential roadwork on Highway 1.
Public transport is not a practical option for reaching Point Sur Lightstation due to its remote coastal location and limited tour access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The tour costs $15 for adults and $5 for children over 5 years old. There is no military discount.
No online reservations are available. Tours are first-come, first-served, and tickets are purchased on-site. Arrive early!
Tours are typically offered on Wednesdays at 1:00 PM and on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) at 10:00 AM. Gates close promptly at 10:00 AM.
Currently, there are no advertised discounts, including military discounts. The stated prices are for adults and children over 5.
No, access to the Point Sur Lightstation is only permitted via guided tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided walking tour typically lasts around 3 to 3.5 hours, including stops for historical information and exploration.
The tour involves a 360-foot elevation gain and two stairways, but it's considered beginner-level hiking. Many stops are made along the way.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers. A windproof jacket and hat are highly recommended due to strong winds and fog.
Restrooms are available at the base of the point before the tour begins and at the top near the lighthouse keeper's house.
Keep an eye out for sea birds, sea lions, and potentially whales during your visit. Cows have also been spotted near the ocean.
📸 📸 Photography
Every stop along the path offers stunning coastal views. The summit provides the most dramatic panoramas of the Pacific Ocean.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide.
Morning light can be beautiful, but be prepared for fog. Sunset tours are offered monthly and can offer unique lighting if the fog cooperates.
While not explicitly forbidden, large tripods might be cumbersome on the tour path. Check with the park staff upon arrival for specific guidelines.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Arrive very early to secure spots, as tours are first-come, first-served. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks for before and after the tour, as food is not allowed during the 3.5-hour excursion. Dress everyone in layers, as the coastal weather can be unpredictable and windy.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Since tours are first-come, first-served and don't require advance booking, you can decide to visit spontaneously. The main costs to consider are transportation and any food you might purchase before or after the tour, as there are no dining facilities on-site.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Recommendations: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the coastline and the lighthouse. A telephoto lens is useful for wildlife spotting. Be prepared for challenging light conditions due to fog and wind, and always have a protective camera cover.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Point Sur Lightstation
The guided tours offer a deep dive into its fascinating history, from its construction and operation to the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families. You'll learn about the technological advancements in lighthouse keeping and the challenges faced by those stationed here. The tour also includes exploration of the assistant lighthouse keeper's house, which has been remodeled to reflect its 1950s era, with another house being restored to a 1930s theme.
Beyond the lighthouse itself, the site also encompasses the Naval Facility Point Sur SOSUS station, a Cold War-era intelligence-gathering post. Visiting both sites, though not possible on the same day due to scheduling, offers a comprehensive look at the strategic importance of Point Sur throughout different historical periods.
Navigating the Big Sur Coastline
+1Visitors should be aware that Highway 1 can be subject to roadwork and occasional closures, which may impact travel times. The reviews mention a single-lane portion that can add about five minutes to your trip if you catch it at the wrong time. It's advisable to check current road conditions before your visit.
Due to the remote location, cellphone reception is almost non-existent along this stretch of Highway 1. It's crucial to download offline maps or print out directions before you set off to avoid getting lost.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
Common sightings include sea lions basking on the rocks or swimming in the surf, as well as a variety of sea birds that call the coast home. Some visitors have even reported spotting whales offshore, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
Even the local ranch cows have been known to wander down towards the ocean, providing a unique and often adorable sight. The natural beauty of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, of which Point Sur is a part, ensures a rich and diverse ecosystem to observe.
+1
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