The Point Reyes Lighthouse is one of California’s most iconic viewpoints. It sits at the very tip of the Point Reyes Headlands after a beautiful hour-long drive through rolling hills, historic ranches, and coastal views. All the historic ranches are lettered in order, with “A Ranch” located at the southern tip. The operating B Ranch has cattle regularly crossing the park road.
The lighthouse itself sits at the very bottom of the bluffs, accessed by 300 strenuous staircase steps that often close due to high wind. At the bottom, there’s an exhibit on “fog technology” and a small room inside the lighthouse where you can get up close to the lens and equipment (although there are easier California lighthouses if your goal is to see a Fresnel lens). We decided not to make the climb up and down this time around.
Instead, we explored the area at the top. One highlight was the observation deck located right before the stairs begin, where nature docents were on hand to explain to us various bird and whale migration patterns. They also had binoculars that we borrowed to look for whales. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any this time around but it was still fun to observe ships in the distance (and other people as they struggled back up the steps).
The walk itself is beautiful, with unobstructed views of the ocean as the path winds around cypress trees and mid-century park staff residences. The character of the historic buildings added a lot of charm.