Which California lighthouses are free to visit?

More than a dozen California lighthouses are free to visit — including Point Vicente, Point Pinos, Pigeon Point (grounds), Point Reyes, Point Bonita, Point Cabrillo, Trinidad Head, and Point Fermin. A handful charge a vehicle or per-person fee, including Old Point Loma at Cabrillo National Monument and Point Sur Light Station.

The following California lighthouses are free to visit (grounds, exterior, and most interpretive areas):

• Point Vicente Lighthouse
• Point Pinos Lighthouse — donations accepted
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse — day use free; hostel and tower restricted
• Point Reyes Lighthouse — Point Reyes National Seashore has no entrance fee
• Point Bonita Lighthouse
• Point Cabrillo Light Station
• Trinidad Head Lighthouse
• Point Fermin Lighthouse
• Point Montara Light Station — grounds free; hostel rates vary
• Lime Point Light (Marin Headlands)
• Point Diablo Light (Marin Headlands)
• Cape Mendocino Light
• Humboldt Harbor Light
• Fort Point Light
• Santa Cruz Lighthouse

Lighthouses that charge a fee for entry include Old Point Loma ($20/vehicle for Cabrillo National Monument; America the Beautiful pass accepted) and Point Sur Light Station ($20 adults / $10 ages 6–17 / free under 5 for the guided tour).