Amusement and Attractions
Point Sur Lightstation
Highway 1
Highway 1
Big Sur, CA
Phone: 831-625-4419
Phone: 831-649-7139
Email: info@pointsur.org
http://www.pointsur.org
Hours
Winter Hours (November through March):
Saturdays and Sundays: 10 A.M.
Wednesdays: 1 P.M.
 
Summer Hours (April through October):
Saturdays: 10 A.M. and 2 P.M.
Sundays: 10 A. M. (No tour on Sunday, April 26, rescheduled to Monday, April 27 at 10 A.M.)
Wednesdays: 1 P.M.
Thursdays (July and August): 10 A.M.

 

2009 Moonlight Tours:
April 9, Thursday – 6:45 PM
May 8, Friday – 7:00 PM
June 6, Saturday – 7:30 PM
June 7, Sunday – 7:30 PM
July 6, Monday – 7:30 PM
July 7, Tuesday – 7:30 PM
August 5, Wednesday – 7:15 PM
August 6, Thursday – 7:15 PM
September 4, Friday – 6:30 PM
September 5, Saturday – 6:30 PM
October 4, Sunday – 5:45 PM

Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean from the spectacular Big Sur Coast, the Point Sur Lightstation stands as a silent sentinel to a by-gone era. Point Sur is the only complete turn-of-the-century lightstation open to the public in California and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

From 1889 until 1974, families lived and worked in the buildings atop Pt. Sur. Now the lightstation is part of Pt. Sur State Historic Park and is being preserved for future generations. The unique stone lighthouse still guides ships with its light, though it is now totally automated. Restoration has been completed on many buildings; the rest fend off rain and wind as they have for 120 years.

Access to Point Sur is by guided tour only. The number of people allowed into Pt. Sur is limited, both to preserve the sense of isolation and drama, and for safety.

Your group will meet in the parking lot at the base of Pt. Sur's giant moro rock formation, where a docent will lead you on a leisurely uphill walk to the lighthouse, a half mile away. Your group will have plenty of time to climb the lighthouse tower for a look at the light itself, and to take a turn around the catwalk outside the light tower.

Along the way you may:

  • See whales on their ocean migration route (January through May) and others throughout the year
  • Watch pelicans fly in formation below you, maybe glimpse eagles, perigrine falcons, hawks or even California condors
  • Look down on rocks and crashing surf; look back on the Big Sur Coast
  • Feel the fog, the wind or the sunshine on your skin (often in the same tour)
  • See incredible spring wild flower displays
  • Hear about the "ghosts" of lightkeepers past (Moonlight Tours)

After a walk past the lightstation buildings, and a stop at the Visitors' Center, the group will return to the parking lot. You will have experienced life on a remote lightstation, if for only a few hours.

Winter Hours (November through March):
Saturdays and Sundays: 10 A.M.
Wednesdays: 1 P.M.
 
Summer Hours (April through October):
Saturdays: 10 A.M. and 2 P.M.
Sundays: 10 A. M. (No tour on Sunday, April 26, rescheduled to Monday, April 27 at 10 A.M.)
Wednesdays: 1 P.M.
Thursdays (July and August): 10 A.M.

 

ADMISSION

Adults: $10.00 (Moonlight tours $15.00)

Ages 6-17: $5:00 (Moonlight tours $10.00)

Ages 5 and under: free

(Prices are subject to change.)

Visa and MasterCard accepted.

THE RULES
Visitors may not remain in their vehicles.
No:

  • Pets (even left in cars)
  • Picnicking, food wrappers or trash
  • Large motorhomes or campers
  • Strollers or baby carriages
  • Beach access
  • Smoking

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography for personal enjoyment is encouraged. Photography for publication requires a permit.

ACCESSIBILITY
California State Parks does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park office to determine if their specific needs can be met. Call well in advance of your visit (831) 667-0528. To use the California Relay Service with TTY, call (800) 735-2929 (MCI) or (877) 735-2929 (Sprint) and without TTY, call (888) 877-5379. Online access:globalrelay.mci.com or www.sprint-crs.com

WEATHER/CLOTHING
Be prepared for cold and windy weather, even in summer. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing. Tours may be cancelled due to extreme weather.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Call (831) 625-4419 or email info@pointsur.org.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in our Gift Shop.

GROUP TOURS
Private tours may be arranged for groups of up to 40 people. There is a minimum fee of $200. Call well in advance (831) 625-4419 or email info@pointsur.org for information.

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