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About Point Reyes Lighthouse in Inverness, California

Point Reyes Lighthouse is perched on a ledge at the Point at the farthest distance from the park entrance. Unfortunately there is no beach access from the lighthouse, but Point Reyes National Seashore has many sandy beaches to choose from including the south end of The Great Beach which is nearby. Also close to the lighthouse is Chimney Rock which as hiking trails and a seal rookery to check out. From the lighthouse parking lot it is nearly a half-mile walk to the visitor center. Then it is 300 stair steps down to the lighthouse itself. Your efforts to drive and hike down here will be rewarded with an informative visitor center, a stunning lighthouse, and if it is not a foggy day, excellent views too.

The visitor center and the lighthouse are only open Friday through Monday year-round. The stairs are closed during high winds so check the weather forecast before committing to this trip. Bring a camera for sure and pack warm clothes because even when it’s not raining the wind and humidity can make it a cool place to be outside walking around. If you are here during the winter months whales can be spotted offshore so consider binoculars or a zoom lens for your camera.

To get there start at the Point Reyes National Seashore Bear Valley Visitor Center and drive Bear Valley Road to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which ends 19 miles later at the lighthouse lot. Allow several hours of drive time to get out here and back again. In the winter months you must take a shuttle bus from the parking lot at Drakes Beach.

Address
27000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
Inverness, CA 94937
Phone
415-669-1534
Park Name
Point Reyes National Seashore
Pet Details
No dogs allowed
Fees
Free parking, fee for shuttle in winter months
Activities
Photography, Whale Watching
Amenities
Lighthouse, Visitor Center, Restrooms
Map of Point Reyes Lighthouse
Inverness, US
7:07 am, June 6, 2023
temperature icon 56°F
L: 54° H: 56°
Feels like 55.13 °F overcast clouds
Wind gusts: 6 m/s
UV Index: 0.23
Precipitation: 0 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 5:49 am
Sunset: 8:31 pm
Humidity 92 %
Pressure1010 mb
Wind 6 m/s

Nearby Beaches

Drakes Beach

3.5 miles away

Drakes Beach is a remote beach in Point Reyes National Seashore that requires a long scenic drive to reach....

View beach

Point Reyes South Beach

3.6 miles away

South Beach is the southern access to Point Reyes Beach, an 11-mile long strand nicknamed “The Great Beach” in Point Reyes National...

View beach

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Lodging

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