Which California lighthouses are wheelchair accessible?

Old Point Loma Lighthouse, Point Vicente Lighthouse, Point Pinos Lighthouse, and Pigeon Point Lighthouse have the most accessible grounds among California's 49 lighthouse sites — paved or level walks to the structure and exterior viewing. Several others are not accessible: Point Reyes Lighthouse requires descending 308 steps; Point Sur Light Station is a steep half-mile uphill walk.

Accessibility varies dramatically across California lighthouses. A wheelchair-using visitor should expect to see the structure from a paved or level path at most sites, and to skip the tower interior at almost all of them. The most accessible grounds:

• Old Point Loma Lighthouse — Cabrillo National Monument has a paved path to the lighthouse; interior stairs present but exterior viewing is fully accessible.
• Point Vicente Lighthouse — grounds accessible. Tower interior is not open to the public (active U.S. Coast Guard aid).
• Point Pinos Lighthouse — grounds accessible. Museum in the adjacent building; tower interior access limited.
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse — grounds and Fog Signal Building visitor center are accessible. Tower closed for restoration regardless.
• Alcatraz Light — a wheelchair- accessible route exists on Alcatraz Island, though the overall site has significant elevation changes.

The following are not accessible:

• Point Reyes Lighthouse — 308 steps down from the parking area; no accessible route to the lighthouse itself.
• Point Sur Light Station — strenuous half-mile uphill walk. Visitors with disabilities who can transfer to a park sedan may arrange a ride with advance notice (call ahead).
• Point Bonita Lighthouse — the suspension bridge to the lighthouse is currently closed; the viewing platform from the trail end is accessible during open hours.

Always verify with the managing agency before driving — accessibility features can change with restoration projects, weather, and staffing.