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From 1899 until 1974, families lived and worked in the buildings atop Pt. Sur. Today Point Sur is a ghost town. The unique stone lighthouse still guides ships with its light, though it is now totally automated. Restoration has begun on a few buildings, the rest fend off rain and wind as they have for 110 years, awaiting paint and shingles.
Lighthouse as seen from the ocean. Photo by Brock Bradford.
LIGHTHOUSE TOURS
The number of people allowed into Pt. Sur is limited to preserve the sense of isolation and drama.
Your group will meet in the parking lot at the base of Pt. Sur's giant rock formation, where a docent will lead you on a leisurely uphill walk to the lighthouse, a half mile away. Your group will have plenty of time to climb the lighthouse tower for a look at the light itself, and to take a turn around the catwalk outside the light tower. The walking tour consists of a rise in elevation of 360 feet and two stairways of 40-60 steps each.
Schedule:
Year Round:
Saturdays: 10 A.M. and 2 P.M.
Sundays: 10 A.M. (No tour April 25, 2004)
Summer Schedule:
Wednesdays 10 AM and 2 PM (April through October)
Thursdays: 10 A.M. (July and August)
Moonlight Tours for 2008
- April 19, 2008, Sunday - 6:45 PM
- May 19, 2008, Tuesday - 7:15 PM
- June 17, 2008, Tuesday - 7:30 PM
- June 18, 2008, Wednesday - 7:30 PM
- July 17, 2008, Friday - 7:30 PM
- July 18, 2008, Saturday - 7:30 PM
- August 16, 2008, Saturday - 7:00 PM
- August 17, 2008, Sunday - 7:00 PM
- September 15, 2008, Monday - 6:15 PM
- September 16, 2008, Tuesday, 6:15 PM
- October 14, 2008, Tuesday - 5:30 PM
- October 15, 2008, Wednesday - 5:45 PM
Moonlight Tours are not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
Arrive Early. First come, first served. Reservations not accepted.
ADMISSION
Adults: $8.00
Teen (6 to 17) years old): $4.00
Children under 5 are free
Prices subject to change.
THE RULES
Visitors may not remain in their vehicles.
No:
- Pets (even left in cars)
- Picnicking
- Large motorhomes or campers
- Strollers or baby carriages
- Beach access
- Smoking, eating or drinking
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography for personal enjoyment is encouraged. Photography for publication requires a permit.
ACCESSIBILITY
California State Parks does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park office to determine if their specific needs can be met. Call well in advance of your visit (831) 667-0528. To use the California Relay Service with TTY, call (800) 735-2929 (MCI) or (877) 735-2929 (Sprint) and without TTY, call (888) 877-5379. Online access:globalrelay.mci.com or www.sprint-crs.com
WEATHER/CLOTHING
Be prepared for cold windy weather, even in summer. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing. Tours may be cancelled du to extreme weather.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Call (831) 625-4419 or e-mail info@pointsur.org
GROUP TOURS
Groups (maximum of 40 people) may arrange for special private tours of Point Sur. A minimum of $100 will be charged. Call (831) 625-4419 for information or e-mail info@pointsur.org
Along the way you will:
- See Gray whales on their ocean migration route (December through May) and during the summer months you may be lucky enough to see Humpback and Blue whales.
- Watch pelicans fly in formation below you, maybe glimpse an eagle, California condor, or perigrine falcon
- Look down on rocks and crashing surf, look back on the Big Sur coastline
- Feel the fog, the wind or the sunshine on your skin (often in the same tour)
- See incredible spring wild flower displays
- Hear about the "ghosts" of lightkeepers past (Moonlight Tours)
After a walk past the light station buildings, and a stop at the visitors center, the group will return to the parking lot. You will have experienced life on a remote lightstation, if for only a few hours.
View from Point Sur Lighthouse. Photo by Stan Russell
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