Farallon Island Light
Perched on the remote Southeast Farallon Island 27 miles off the San Francisco coast, this historic lighthouse has guided mariners through treacherous Pacific waters since 1856. Originally a first-order Fresnel lens tower, the current automated light replaced the original structure and continues active service today. The Farallon Islands’ extreme isolation and protected status as a National Wildlife Refuge make this one of California’s most inaccessible lighthouses — the island is closed to public access, and visitors cannot climb the tower. Photography is best from charter boats during fall whale-watching season when clear skies prevail. Nearby attractions include Point Bonita Lighthouse in the Marin Headlands and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
Word count: 120
Explore Nearby
- Mount Tamalpais State Park — State Park in California
- Samuel P. Taylor State Park — State Park in California
- The Headlands Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Michigan
- Twin Peaks — Public Land
- Mission Crossing Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
