Point Sur Lighthouse

Spot sea life and admire the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Big Sur region from the top of this 19th-century lighthouse.

Point Sur Lighthouse is a destination for maritime history enthusiasts as well as those who enjoy spotting varied wildlife and appreciating spectacular natural scenery. This is one of the only complete 19th-century lighthouses in California that is open for public visits. Climb to the top of Point Sur Lighthouse for impressive views, visit the keeper’s quarters and learn about its history and legends.

Inaugurated in 1889, the lighthouse has since been guiding seafarers on a treacherous route along the Pacific Ocean. Gaze at the tall structure atop a 360-foot-tall (110-meter) rock on a headland in Point Sur State Historic Park. Families lived in the lighthouse until 1974, after which it became automated. Despite warnings from the beacon, several ships have run aground along this rocky coastline.

Join a volunteer-led tour of the lighthouse, which starts with an uphill walk along a paved road to the headland. Hear stories about the isolated lifestyle of the families who lived here and peek inside their lodgings. Find out about the shipwrecks and the factors that caused the ships to lose control. Listen to tales of the shipwrecked sailors who reputedly now haunt the lighthouse.

Climb the two staircases to reach the light room and observation deck. Marvel at the panoramic views of the craggy Pacific Ocean shoreline and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Spot gray whales on their migration route between December and April. Glimpse condors, eagles, pelicans and peregrine falcons. Watch as powerful waves break on the rocks and nearby beach.

The lighthouse is about a 15-minute drive north of Big Sur Village and a 50-minute drive from the city of Monterey. Use free parking at the base of the headland.

Tours of Point Sur Lighthouse take place year-round on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and charge an admission fee. Moonlit tours are offered on select evenings from April to September. Visit the lighthouse’s official website for more information. Weather conditions here are variable so bring warm clothing.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Point Sur Lighthouse

Bixby Bridge

This single-span bridge is a magnificent feat of engineering that provides incredible views of one of the finest stretches of U.S. coastline.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Hike, camp or picnic among the redwood trees, waterfalls and dramatic coastal cliffs that have inspired artists, poets and writers for the past century.

Garrapata Beach

Search for wildlife in the abundant rock pools and be at one with nature at this wild and untamed stretch of perfect white sand.

Partington Cove

Follow a winding trail through a scenic canyon to a remote bay, which served as a loading harbor for tanbark in the late 1800s.

Point Lobos State Reserve

This wildlife sanctuary, a magnet for nature lovers and artists, is a jewel of the California State Park system.

Hotels near Point Sur Lighthouse

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

1 Old Golf Course Rd

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Monterey, this luxury resort is within a 15-minute walk of Lake El Estero and Monterey Bay. Monterey County Fairgrounds and Munras Avenue are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Carmel Mission Inn

3665 Rio Rd

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this hotel is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from The Barnyard and within 3 mi (5 km) of Carmel Beach and 17-Mile Drive. Carmel Mission Basilica and Sunset Center are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Two Portola Plaza

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Monterey, this resort is within a 5-minute walk of Monterey Convention Center and Fisherman's Wharf. Monterey Bay and Munras Avenue are also within 15 minutes.

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

700 Munras Ave

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this spa hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Monterey Convention Center, Dennis the Menace Park, and Fisherman's Wharf. Naval Postgraduate School and Steinbeck Plaza are also within 2 mi (3 km).

San Simeon Lodge

9520 Castillo Drive

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Situated by the sea, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Cambria State Marine Park and San Simeon State Park. San Simeon Nature Preserve and William Randolph Hearst State Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

The Morgan Hotel San Simeon

9135 Hearst Drive

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Situated by the ocean, this hotel is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from San Simeon State Park and within 6 mi (10 km) of Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay and Moonstone Beach Park.

Travelodge by Wyndham Monterey Bay

2030 North Fremont St

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Monterey, this golf motel is within a 10-minute walk of North Fremont Street and Monterey County Fairgrounds. Monterey Pines Golf Course and Monterey State Beach are also within 15 minutes.

Mariposa Inn & Suites

1386 Munras Avenue

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Dennis the Menace Park, Fisherman's Wharf, and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Carmel Beach and Pebble Beach Golf Links are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Hotel Abrego

755 Abrego Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Monterey, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Munras Avenue, Monterey Bay, and Fisherman's Wharf. Cannery Row and Del Monte Beach are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Silver Surf Motel

9390 Castillo Dr

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of San Simeon State Park and Cambria State Marine Park. San Simeon Nature Preserve and William Randolph Hearst State Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Courtesy Inn San Simeon

9450 Castillo Dr

Rated 3.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Cambria State Marine Park and San Simeon State Park. San Simeon Nature Preserve and William Randolph Hearst State Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Hotel Pacific

300 Pacific St

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Monterey, this hotel is steps from Monterey State Historic Park, Monterey Convention Center, and Maritime Museum. Perry House and Old Custom House are also within 5 minutes.

Cambria Pines Lodge

2905 Burton Dr

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a rural location, this spa hotel is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and 2.5 mi (4 km) from Moonstone Beach Park. Cambria’s Historical Museum and Cambria Center for the Arts are also within 1 mi (2 km).

The Monterey Hotel

407 Calle Principal

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Monterey, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Fisherman's Wharf and Monterey Bay. Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Days Inn by Wyndham Monterey Downtown

850 Abrego St

Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Munras Avenue and Monterey Bay. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Rodeway Inn near Downtown Monterey

1374 Munras Ave

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Del Monte Shopping Center, Dennis the Menace Park, and Fisherman's Wharf. Carmel Beach and Monterey Bay Aquarium are also within 6 mi (10 km).

FogCatcher Inn

6400 Moonstone Beach Dr

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Nestled on the beach, this Cambria hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Moonstone Beach, San Simeon State Park, and Cambria State Marine Park. Leffingwell Landing and Moonstone Beach Park are also within 15 minutes.

Days Inn by Wyndham San Simeon

9280 Castillo Dr

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of San Simeon State Park and Cambria State Marine Park. San Simeon Nature Preserve and William Randolph Hearst State Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Moonstone Landing

6240 Moonstone Beach Drive

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Cambria, this beach hotel is within a 10-minute walk of San Simeon State Park and Moonstone Beach Park. Moonstone Beach and Cambria State Marine Park are also within 5 minutes.

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

9415 Hearst Drive

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Nestled on the beach, this San Simeon hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Cambria State Marine Park and San Simeon State Park. William Randolph Hearst State Park and Leffingwell Landing are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Hilton Garden Inn Monterey

1000 Aguajito Rd

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Monterey, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Lake El Estero, Monterey Bay, and Munras Avenue. Monterey County Fairgrounds and Fisherman's Wharf are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Ramada by Wyndham Monterey

2058 N. Fremont Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this motel is 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from Naval Postgraduate School and within 3 mi (5 km) of Dennis the Menace Park and Fisherman's Wharf. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Carmel Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Stargazer Inn and Suites

1046 Munras Ave

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Monterey, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Stevenson House, Monterey Bay, and Munras Avenue. Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Carmel Lodge

San Carlos St at 5th Ave

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Northwest Carmel, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach. 17-Mile Drive and Carmel Mission Basilica are also within 1 mi (2 km).