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
- Owner
- National Park
- Activities
- Photography, Whale Watching
- Amenities
- Lighthouse, Visitor Center, Restrooms
- Pet Policy
- No dogs allowed
- Fees
- Free parking, fee for shuttle in winter months
