Piedras Blancas Light Station

Piedras Blancas Light Station is a 21-meter-tall lighthouse positioned on a rocky outcrop along Highway 1, warning ships away from perilous cliffs and reefs. The structure occupies an exposed point with broad views of the ocean and the surrounding coastline.

The lighthouse was built in 1875 and installed a Fresnel lens made by the French manufacturer Henri Lapaute to guide vessels safely through Pacific Coast waters. This technology became a milestone in maritime safety along this treacherous coastline.

The lighthouse serves as an educational hub where visitors learn how maritime navigation worked and why these structures mattered to California's shipping routes. People come here to understand the solutions sailors needed to navigate safely along this dangerous coast.

Visiting the lighthouse requires booking a guided tour in advance, which includes a roughly one-mile walk through exposed coastal terrain. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the path is windy and exposed to the elements.

The site operates as a historic park and wildlife sanctuary, making it a year-round hotspot for observing whales, elephant seals, and sea otters. This combination draws nature enthusiasts who merge their visit with wildlife watching opportunities.

Location: San Simeon

Inception: 1875

Height: 21 m

GPS coordinates: 35.66560,-121.28400

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43