The Lighthouse Circuit

Access, tours, hours, fees, and closures change often. Always verify with the official source before driving.

Regional circuit

Central Coast

Highway 1 from Santa Barbara to Pescadero

3–4 daysBasecamps: Santa Barbara, Monterey/Pacific Grove, Half Moon BayDramatic cliffs, iconic Highway 1, deep history

Six lighthouses along the most cinematic stretch of California coastline. Point Sur is the crown jewel — reserve a tour weeks ahead.

South to north

The route

6 stops

  1. Historic photograph of Point Conception Lighthouse

    Stop 01 · Lompoc

    Point Conception Lighthouse

    View from a distance or boat

    View lighthouse
  2. Aerial view of Point San Luis Lighthouse near Avila Beach

    Stop 02 · Avila Beach

    Point San Luis Lighthouse

    Avila Beach — shuttle or hike

    View lighthouse
  3. Piedras Blancas Light Station near San Simeon

    Stop 03 · San Simeon

    Piedras Blancas Light Station

    San Simeon — elephant seals next door

    View lighthouse
  4. Point Sur Light Station lantern room above the Big Sur coast

    Stop 04 · Big Sur

    Point Sur Light Station

    Big Sur — book tour in advance

    View lighthouse
  5. Point Pinos Light, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast

    Stop 05 · Pacific Grove

    Point Pinos Lighthouse

    Oldest continuously operating on the West Coast

    View lighthouse
  6. Pigeon Point Lighthouse, a 115-foot white tower south of Pescadero

    Stop 06 · Pescadero

    Pigeon Point Lighthouse

    Pescadero — stay at the hostel

    View lighthouse

Pro tip

Highway 1 through Big Sur is subject to landslides and closures. Always check Caltrans before attempting this route.

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