Point Reyes Lighthouse

Historical landmark · Marin County

Point Reyes Lighthouse

Historical landmark · Marin County

Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness, CA 94937

Highlights

1870 lighthouse museum with docent tours & ocean views

Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness, CA 94937 Get directions

nps.gov

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The Ultimate Guide to Stunning, Surprising, or Hidden Filming Locations

"The extremely high winds and dense fog that descend from the Gulf of Farallones onto Point Reyes, California, necessitated a need for a lighthouse. As such, the Point Reyes Lighthouse was built in 1870. The beacon spends the majority of the year wrapped in a thick cloak of fog. The stark imagery of the lighthouse on the edge of a rocky cliff surrounded by murk and great waves crashing around it has inspired artists. The poet Weldon Kees was so moved by the Point Reyes Lighthouse that he wrote the poem “The Exposed Reef.” The poem recounts the harrowing experience of a sailor being swept away by raging waters and crashing onto the jagged rocks at the base of the lighthouse. In 1954, Kees would return to Point Reyes to collaborate with the filmmaker William Heick to make a documentary on the lighthouse. Most people today will recognize the Point Reyes Lighthouse from the cult horror film The Fog, directed by John Carpenter. In the film, Adrienne Barbeau portrays a disc jockey whose radio show broadcasts from the lighthouse. She uses her show to warn the townspeople of a supernatural fog carrying with it a crew of undead pirates. The area where the Point Reyes Lighthouse is located is now a national park. The Lighthouse Visitor Center has exhibits on maritime history as well as information on the native sea life. Weather permitting, park visitors can walk the 300 plus steps down to the lighthouse and enter inside to view the lens and gear works. Update as of April 2020: The lighthouse and its first-order Fresnel lens and clockworks were recently restored and re-opened." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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View Postcard for Point Reyes Lighthouse

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View Postcard for Point Reyes Lighthouse

Kateryna Novodvorska

Google

The place is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth the drive. There’s a small public parking lot with limited spaces, but you can also find parking along the road. You’ll find public restrooms near the parking area and another one along the trail to the lighthouse. There’s also a souvenir shop and an educational center nearby. The views are truly breathtaking. A few tips before you go: 1. It’s very cold and windy, so make sure to wear warm clothes and a hat. 2. The walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse is about 0.4 miles, followed by 313 stairs. Going down is easy, and on the way back up there are a few benches where you can take a break. The stairs are also quite narrow. 3. The stairs are open Thursday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. If wind speeds exceed 40 mph, the stairs will be closed for safety. 4. I suggest combining this trip with Chimney Rock and Cypress Tree Tunnel.

Himanshu Kumar

Google

Amazing view, must go. Read my poem if you have time: Where the dirt road surrenders to the dune, And sea grass whispers a forgotten tune, There stands a cottage, weathered, salt-and-grey, To watch the slow dissolving of the day. It’s tucked behind a wild and wind-swept pine, A crooked, friendly, welcome sort of sign. Inside, stand a little library with sun-bleached rows, A whispered soundtrack softly flows. The window is open to the sea, And you are sitting next to me. No need for words, no grand display, You understand my silent way. The turning page, the distant gull, A quiet, comfortable lull. feeling a corner of the worn armchair, run your fingers through my hair. No calendar, no hurried pace, Just sunlight on your thoughtful face. The sand is tracked across the floor, We do not hurry to the door. This stillness settles in my soul, It makes me feel completely whole. A haven built of wood and sand, The gentle touch of your warm hand. This is the peace I've longed to find, An ease of heart, and soul, and mind.♥️

Helen Marquis

Google

The 313 stairs down to the lighthouse are open 10am - 4pm Thursday-Monday, unless the wind exceeds 40mph. It's well worth making the effort to time your visit with the stairs being open as it's a fun walk down to the lighthouse and back. There are several rest spots on the stairs if you start to feel the burn in your legs on the way up. The views are spectacular, and when I visited in April there were multiple whales visible from the lighthouse. There's a visitor center at the top of the stairs for more info, plus a couple of bathrooms. The parking lot is a short walk away along a paved road.

Dina Deguzman

Google

It's truly an amazing spot, especially when it's not foggy and you see the amazing scenery like out of a painting. The problem is that it is rarely not foggy, and when it's clear, the wind is out of control, and the light house is closed when there are high winds. The best is to check the website before planning the trip to check on weather conditions. They inform when it is closed due to wind or it's too foggy to see anything. Either way, it's an amazing place!

Stewart Carnes

Google

We had a great time exploring the area. Nice easy stroll. The stairs to the lighthouse were closed. Beautiful views and scenery.

Eric Marshall

Google

It was a crystal clear day in the morning when we visited. The walk was challenging, but well worth it! It is important to time your visit to be there when they open the Lighthouse so you can see the amazing work of art that the no.1 fresnel lens is! The fog rolled about 2:00 and stayed for all the next day!

Daria Kurovskaya

Google

Beautiful place! The views of the lighthouse and ocean were absolutely stunning. We didn’t go down to the lighthouse itself, but there’s a great observation area that offers amazing views. Parking can be tricky on busy days, but we got lucky and found a spot. Otherwise, it is always an option to park alongside the road. Overall, a lovely place to enjoy the scenery and relax! Let me know if you’d like to add anything!

Laurie Hiatt

Google

Lucky to be able to go down the steps to the lighthouse and go inside the tiny area to hear the ranger tell about the old lamp. LOTS of steps down, and back up...but there are resting spots, and beautiful views. It can be very windy, so dress accordingly. Saw some whale spouts while out here. Visitor center is small but informative.