Things to Do at Point Pinos Lighthouse

Point Pinos Lighthouse stands as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States, having guided mariners safely through Monterey Bay since 1855. This historic beacon, located in Pacific Grove, California, represents a crucial piece of maritime heritage and continues to serve as an active aid to navigation while welcoming thousands of visitors annually who come to explore its rich history and stunning coastal setting. The lighthouse features classic Cape Cod architecture with its distinctive white-painted stone and brick construction, topped by a traditional lantern room that houses a third-order Fresnel lens. Beyond its operational significance, Point Pinos Lighthouse serves as a fascinating museum showcasing the lives of lighthouse keepers, maritime artifacts, and the evolution of lighthouse technology over more than 165 years of continuous service.

Point Pinos Lighthouse is located at 80 Asilomar Avenue in Pacific Grove, easily accessible by car via Highway 68 from Monterey or Highway 1 from Carmel. Free parking is available on-site. The lighthouse is approximately 2 miles from downtown Pacific Grove and 4 miles from Monterey. Public transportation options include Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) bus routes that stop nearby. The location is also bike-friendly with scenic coastal bike paths connecting to the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail.