In California's San Mateo County, near the village of Pescadero, is Pigeon Point State Park, home to one of the country's tallest lighthouses - Pigeon Point. Built in 1871 and reminiscent of the lighthouses along the New England coast, the majestic 115 foot Pigeon Point structure is still used today by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Named after a shipwreck, the Carrier Pigeon, Pigeon Point Lighthouse boasts remarkable coastline views off its rocky shores. Although damage caused by collapsing brick work, forced the closure of the lighthouse's interior, the surrounding grounds and functioning buildings are open to the public including a new bookstore and interpretive center.
Each year, around November 15th, the park hosts a celebration that includes marine mammal displays, living history demonstrations and special educational videos all culminating in the lighting of the lighthouse's original first-order Fresnel lens. The Fresnel lens, manufactured in Paris at the Henry-LePaute company, is so delicate that it wasn't assembled until it safely within the lighthouse's tower room. The Fresnel lens was lit for the first time at sunset in 1872. Comprised of 1,008 hand polished lenses and prisms, it would flash a single white light every ten seconds when viewed from a distance. Pigeon Point is just one of the fun Things to do in Half Moon Bay and the surrounding area.
In addition to the lighthouse, the natural beauty of the Pacific coast is a destination within itself. Perched high above the cliffs, scenic views of the ocean, harbor, and native seals are an attraction for all. During spring and winter migrations, California gray whales travel northbound to warmer waters and journey close to the shallow waters of the Point. Several vista points are available along the park grounds and board walks providing many picture-taking opportunities. The beach at Pigeon Point is sandy with some driftwood and rocks strewn about in the surfline. The beach is broad enough to stretch out, have a picnic, and watch the gulls fly about. The small sand beaches are located on both sides of the lighthouse which is situated on a very rocky point.
Layered clothing is always recommended, as the weather is unpredictable. Average temperatures range from 40° to 60°, with occasional northwest winds. The rainy season for this area is November through March.
The park opens daily at 8:00 a.m. and closes at sunset. Public parking, phones and restrooms are available at the park entrance and a picnic area is available on the grounds. With the exception of rainy days, guided half-hour tours of the lighthouse grounds are available every weekend, Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information call (650) 726-2120.
Four of the housing buildings for the lighthouse keeper were renovated and now offer Hostel services to young travelers. More mature visitors, and those with families, will find lodging options in nearby Half Moon Bay. The four star Beach House Hotel is a local boutique hotel. Each of the hotel's 54 loft suite rooms are designed to take full advantage of the spectacular ocean views. The San Francisco Bay Area and many of the southern suburbs have some of the finest bed and breakfasts in California - visit InnSite for ideas on where to stay.
A trip to Pescadero must also include a stop at Duarte's Tavern. Visitors and locals alike enjoy meals in an atmospheric restaurant that has changed very little in its one-hundred plus years of operation. Enjoy any of the house specialties like Cioppino, Artichoke Soup, and Olallieberry pie.
Located off of CA Hwy One, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, Pigeon Point State Park is just a mere 5 miles south of Pescadero and 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay, between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz.
