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POINT SUR LIGHTHOUSE


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Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean from the spectacular Big Sur Coast, the Point Sur Lightstation stands as a silent sentinel to a by-gone era. Point Sur, a National Historic Landmark, is the only complete turn-of-the-century light station open to the public in California. For tour information, Click Here
Point Sur, photo by Stan Russell
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.

Point Sur Lighthouse as seen from the ocean. Photo by Brock Bradford
Lighthouse as seen from the ocean with Pico Blanco in the background. Photo by Brock Bradford.

For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.

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.

Point Sur Lightstation
44350 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920

Halloween at Point Sur
October 21 & 28, 2023

An evening of ghostly fun will begin with a walking tour to the lighthouse in time for sunset. Then on to the Barn for some hearty snacks. The walk includes a 300' rise in elevation and stairs of 38 and 61 steps.
Hightlights include:
• "Paranormal investigators" sharing recordings from Point Sur's ghost hunts.
• Explore inside one of Point Sur's real haunted houses, the un-restored Triplex.
• Desserts and hot drinks.
• Professional story teller, Kevin Hanstick, delights with ghost stories told in the dark.
$100 Donation. Check Point Sur website for more information.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 15, 2023 TOUR SCHEDULE

Saturdays: 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Sundays: 10:00 AM

ADMISSION
Adults: $15.00
Ages (6 to 17) years old): $5.00
Children 5 and under are free
Prices subject to change.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover accepted

Arrive early at the gate for all tours as they are first-come, first-served and limited to 40 people.

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

Point Sur SHP Historic Naval Facility Tours
TOURS
Saturdays : 10:30 AM
1.5 - 2 hour walking tour
$10 per adult,
$5 ages 6-17, 5 and under are free

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 $200 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 the Point Sur Lighthouse
View from Point Sur Lighthouse. Photo by Stan Russell

For Specific details, times, pricing, and group information, visit the official Point Sur website

Big Sur has the honor of having one of the Top 10 Haunted Lighthouses in the United States.
Daily and moonlight tours available. www.pointsur.org

Point Sur, Big Sur is one of the Top 10 Haunted Lighthouses in the United States

Aerial photographs of Point Sur Lighthouse

PDF
Download our local Big Sur Visitors Guide in Adobe PDF.


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Big Sur Chamber of Commerce - http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org (831) 667-2100