Perched on the rugged San Mateo County coastline in Montara, California, Point Montara Light has guided mariners since 1900. The cast-iron tower, originally a fog signal station, was upgraded with a light to help ships navigate the treacherous waters south of San Francisco. Today it remains an active aid to navigation maintained by the Coast Guard.

While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public for climbing, the adjacent grounds operate as a HI USA hostel, offering overnight stays with stunning ocean views. Golden hour and foggy mornings provide the best photography conditions. Nearby attractions include the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve tide pools, McNee Ranch State Park hiking trails, and the scenic Half Moon Bay coastline just minutes south.

Explore Nearby

• Montara State Beach — State Park in California
• Gray Whale Cove State Beach — State Park in California
• Mission Crossing Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Twin Peaks — Public Land
• The Headlands Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Michigan