Last weekend we drove an hour to Pescadero California to visit the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse located along Highway 1. It was a chilly, windy, cloudy day and the fresh, crisp, cool air on our skin was just what we needed after being cooped up in the house all week from being sick.
The drive out of San Jose to Pigeon Point Lighthouse was surprisingly beautiful. We drove through narrow and winding roads that brought back memories of our drive to Hana in Maui we took a few months back. Thankfully the roads felt much safer and were a lot less curvy (and nauseating) as the drive to Hana. We were fortunate to see some fall foliage on our drive and huge massive trees along the way. We also saw some cows and horses and the cutest farm houses and big red barns. It was truly the quintessential country life. Rowell and I wanted to stop by the side of the road but with the kids with us, we just didn’t think it was safe with all the cars zipping by.
Once we made the turn on Highway 1, we were greeted by the Pacific Ocean. Waves crashing along the side of the highway and people stopping to take pictures every chance they get. Although there was a little drizzle, people didn’t seem to mind at all. In fact, the clouds made for an amazing backdrop and the sounds of the ocean was so calming and peaceful.
As you get closer to the lighthouse, you will see it from a distance so you can’t miss it. Theres a small parking lot thats free of charge as well as restrooms. But just to forewarn you, the restrooms were not clean at all so we didn’t use it.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse was built in 1871 to guide ships on the Pacific Coast of California and it is the tallest lighthouse in the West Coast. While you’re not able to go inside the lighthouse, (a section of it was roped up for repairs) we were still able to go up the stairs to take a closer look. From here you get a perfect view of the ocean. It was one of those moments where I had to step back and remind myself that this is literally in our backyard. How lucky are we to be living in such a beautiful state?!
At the bottom of the lighthouse was this cool looking branch that was the perfect spot to take pictures with the ocean as the background. It was so picturesque. Just be careful though, especially if you have kids, because there isn’t a barrier and you can easily fall off the edge. On the grounds of the lighthouse is a hostel for travelers called Pigeon Point Hostels.
To get a closer look of the ocean and a view of the lighthouse behind you was a pier that was so perfectly placed and made for amazing photos that we will treasure forever.
If you plan to visit Pigeon Point Lighthouse (and I highly recommend you do), just be aware that it is closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesday and the hours are 8am to sunset. I could just imagine what the sunset or sunrise looks like from here on a clear day!
On November 12th, the lighthouse is celebrating its 144th anniversary with a free event open to the public from 1:00-7:00pm. The celebration will include live music, children’s activities, ground tours and more. Sounds like a great opportunity for another visit!
My Look:
Red Vest (old, similar style), Level 99 Jeans, Black Sweater, Booties (old, similar style)
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