Perched on the windswept cliffs of Point Reyes National Seashore, this historic lighthouse has guided mariners since 1870 through one of the Pacific Coast’s foggiest and most treacherous stretches. The original first-order Fresnel lens, now displayed in the nearby visitor center, is a masterpiece of 19th-century optics. The lighthouse is not open to public climbing, but visitors can descend the dramatic 308-step staircase to the observation area when conditions permit. Dawn and late afternoon offer the best photography light, especially during winter when elephant seals gather at nearby beaches. Don’t miss the Tule Elk Reserve, Drakes Beach, and the charming village of Point Reyes Station just minutes away.

Explore Nearby

• Tomales Bay State Park — State Park in California
• Marconi Conference Center State Historic 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