Pigeon Point Light Station State Park Web Site
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Visitor Center hours:
Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-4
Sunday 10-4
Closed in case of rain.
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
Pigeon Point Light Station is the newest addition to the California State Parks on the San Mateo Coast. Ownership was transferred from the U.S. Coast Guard to the California State Parks in 2005. The San Mateo Coast Natural History Association operates the Keepers Bookstore, sponsors the annual Anniversary Lighting of the First Order Fresnel Lens, provides support for over 35 lighthouse docents/keepers, and is helping to raise funds for the restoration of the lighthouse.
Light House Restoration
The lighthouse has been closed to the public since December 2001, when a section of the cornice on the exterior of the lighthouse fell off. Due to the on-going risk to the public, the area around the lighthouse is blocked off, but the grounds are open and the lighthouse can be viewed from the grounds.
The California State Parks Foundation is raising funds for the restoration of this unique lighthouse. You can help by making a donation to the special Light House Restoration Fund. All donations are tax deductible.
Pigeon Point Light Station
Programs/Special Events
Pigeon Point Light Station Docents and Keepers Bookstore
SMCNHA provides support for over 35 docents who present the natural and social history of Pigeon Point every Friday through Sunday. Docents/keepers receive training on the history of the Light Station, the cultural background of the area, and the natural history of Pigeon Point and its surroundings.
SMCNHA also operates the Keepers Store with volunteer docents/keepers every Friday through Sunday from 10 am until 4 pm. The store sells educational books, posters, games, stuffed animals, keepsakes, and apparel that directly relates to the Light Station, its history, flora and fauna. All proceeds go directly to support SMCNHA's programs in the State Parks on the San Mateo Coast.
Pigeon Point Anniversary Lighting
2006 Anniversary Lighting of the 1st Order Fresnel Lens
SMCNHA funds and supports the annual lighting of the First Order Fresnel lens on the anniversary of the lighthouse. The anniversary event occurs on the Saturday closest to the November 15, 1872 anniversary date and lasts all day. Food, entertainment, and related displays are always available at this popular event. This event is the only opportunity each year for visitors to observe the Fresnel lens in action.
Whale Watch
SMCNHA supports the annual Whale Watch, which occurs from mid-March through the end of May. During this time period, over 18,000 gray whales pass Pigeon Point during their annual migration from the protected lagoons of Baja California to their feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. This display of nature is particularly enhanced by the extremely close proximity with which the whales pass Pigeon Point. Whales can come as close as 15 yards and can number in the hundreds in a single day.
During the Whale Watch, docents provide additional information through the use of special interactive displays on the Point. Docents also assist visitors in identifying characteristics of gray whales at a distance. For more information on gray whales and their migration see the Links Page.
