Point Sur State Historic Park
Point Sur State Historic Park
4.5
About
This historic lighthouse located around Point Sur is now a state park.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Point Sur State Historic Park and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
8 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
173 reviews
Excellent
138
Very good
27
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Lisa P
2 contributions
Sep 2022
Well worth the time. Very good tour guides who were knowledgable and funny! They are only open for tours 1-2 times per week and only allow 40 people in per tour. Get there early. There was a line!
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
madNY
Kent, WA120 contributions
May 2021
This is an amazing park and we only did a little bit of it. We walked the Southshore section and then out to Bird Island. Really fun. There were seals with pups on the beaches below us, sea lions and even some otters too. And of course lots of birds.
Written May 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim_and_Barbie
California657 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
The Point Sur lighthouse tour is a great little activity to do in Big Sur. It combines some interesting history, with nice views, and a little good old-fashioned exercise.
They don’t take reservations. Officially, the tours are limited to 40 people, but that’s not an exact limit, and they try to accommodate everyone who shows up. (Although they do turn people away if there are a lot more than 40!) I suggest getting there 30 minutes before the tour starts. People taking the tour will gather at the entrance gate on highway 1, and wait for the tour guide to come out to open the gate.
When I arrived (about 15 minutes before the tour), I found a pretty big crowd gathered at the gate, and I worried about whether or not I would get turned away. Some people were waiting in their cars parked near the gate, and some people were standing in a large group at the gate.
Here’s the trick: When you go in, you will be driving through the gate, not walking! After the guide gets the gate open and gets organized, she will start letting cars through one at a time. Don’t stand by the gate while you are waiting, because you will just need to walk back to your car and get into the line of cars. The people who get there early and stand by the gate will actually end up at the end of the line to go inside because they need to walk back to their cars.
In my case, even though I was one of the last cars to drive up, I was one of the first cars to go through the gate because all the people who had been standing at the gate needed to walk back to their cars. While they were walking back, the people who had been waiting in their cars (including me) drove around the empty parked cars and through the gate. So, the bottom line is to wait in your car and be ready to drive through when the tour guide is ready.
With respect to the tour itself, there is a lot of walking, but the guide goes at a slow pace and stops frequently on the way up the long hill. The tour takes you through the lighthouse and a few of the other associated buildings. The history is interesting, and the views are impressive. You should also be able to see birds and sea lions on the rocks. Be prepared for strong wind.
One more tip: The tour ends at the gift shop, where you will pay the fee for the tour. Most people browse around the gift shop for a while before paying. So, there’s no line at the cashier when you first arrive at the gift shop, but after a while the line can get long.
If you don’t think you’ll be buying any souvenirs, pay your tour fee as soon as you get to the gift shop. However, if you do think you might buy something (or if you change your mind later and want to buy something after all), don’t bother to stand in long line. Just keep browsing around until the line dies down. They won’t lead the tour group back down the hill until everyone has paid, so don’t worry, you’ll get your chance. The gift shop includes some interesting historical wall displays and little movies.
They don’t take reservations. Officially, the tours are limited to 40 people, but that’s not an exact limit, and they try to accommodate everyone who shows up. (Although they do turn people away if there are a lot more than 40!) I suggest getting there 30 minutes before the tour starts. People taking the tour will gather at the entrance gate on highway 1, and wait for the tour guide to come out to open the gate.
When I arrived (about 15 minutes before the tour), I found a pretty big crowd gathered at the gate, and I worried about whether or not I would get turned away. Some people were waiting in their cars parked near the gate, and some people were standing in a large group at the gate.
Here’s the trick: When you go in, you will be driving through the gate, not walking! After the guide gets the gate open and gets organized, she will start letting cars through one at a time. Don’t stand by the gate while you are waiting, because you will just need to walk back to your car and get into the line of cars. The people who get there early and stand by the gate will actually end up at the end of the line to go inside because they need to walk back to their cars.
In my case, even though I was one of the last cars to drive up, I was one of the first cars to go through the gate because all the people who had been standing at the gate needed to walk back to their cars. While they were walking back, the people who had been waiting in their cars (including me) drove around the empty parked cars and through the gate. So, the bottom line is to wait in your car and be ready to drive through when the tour guide is ready.
With respect to the tour itself, there is a lot of walking, but the guide goes at a slow pace and stops frequently on the way up the long hill. The tour takes you through the lighthouse and a few of the other associated buildings. The history is interesting, and the views are impressive. You should also be able to see birds and sea lions on the rocks. Be prepared for strong wind.
One more tip: The tour ends at the gift shop, where you will pay the fee for the tour. Most people browse around the gift shop for a while before paying. So, there’s no line at the cashier when you first arrive at the gift shop, but after a while the line can get long.
If you don’t think you’ll be buying any souvenirs, pay your tour fee as soon as you get to the gift shop. However, if you do think you might buy something (or if you change your mind later and want to buy something after all), don’t bother to stand in long line. Just keep browsing around until the line dies down. They won’t lead the tour group back down the hill until everyone has paid, so don’t worry, you’ll get your chance. The gift shop includes some interesting historical wall displays and little movies.
Written July 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gomin
Nuneaton, UK83 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
Drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is an amazing road trip. We overnighted in Carmel, Cambria and Santa Barbara and would have booked an extra night in S Barbara in hindsight. The road hugs the rugged coastline for most of the journey which means lots of hairpin bends but a new vista aound each turn. Lots of wildlife to see along the route and a plethora of golden eagles.
There are plenty of pull offs to park and take photos and I would recommend the drive South as you are on the sea side of the road and you can pull over without crossing the highway.Try not to go in june as locally it is called the june gloom caused by warm air from the land meeting the cold ocean and forming fog or mist along the coastal strip. Temperatures can be 20 F lower than a couple of miles inland.
There are plenty of pull offs to park and take photos and I would recommend the drive South as you are on the sea side of the road and you can pull over without crossing the highway.Try not to go in june as locally it is called the june gloom caused by warm air from the land meeting the cold ocean and forming fog or mist along the coastal strip. Temperatures can be 20 F lower than a couple of miles inland.
Written June 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Tripadvisor Member
This is one of the best things I have ever done. Just driving by the gated/locked entrance to the dirt road that leads to the lighthouse makes you want to see more. Tours are limited to 30 people, and it is first come first serve. You park your car on HWY 1 by the gate and before the tour time, a docent drives up to count the people and then you drive thru the gate up to the base of the lighthouse. From there, you are led slowly up the "mountain", with the docent giving you history of the lighthouse station. The views are the best in Big Sur because Point Sur sits far out into the ocean and looking back and out is incredible. Gets very windy and cool, so dress warmly. Also, spend money in their gift shop...all proceeds go to restoration. We went in late June...we were told that going in April or May, you can see the whales perfectly and is better than any whale-watching tour. This tour is only $5 per person! TAKE IT, you won't be sorry.
Written June 27, 2002
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
etweeden
London, UK749 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
People go to this place for the photo ops mostly. But on weekends and Wednesday's, they go to tour the light station. Tours are docent/ranger led, and last about 3 hours, so be prepared to make a day of this (with a stop at Bixby Creek Bridge, perhaps). First, this is a hike, not a stroll or a walk. You gain over 300 feet on the way up. Next, this place is windy, dress in layers, carry a small water bottle. Next, be prepared for the views once you get up there. They are the best part of the tour (unless you love lighthouses, then in that case, my apologies). Next, be prepared for surprises, such as the tool shed, the whale's jaw, the Naval Facility, and the fact that before 1937 there was no road into this place. Be ready for the wildlife - the sea lions and bird life surely, but also the hundreds of smaller creatures that live in the brush on this rock. Other advice: use your own toilet facilities before going. Arrive early (minimum 30-40 minutes); take cash (fee, $12), and finally, check their website about closure/open dates and times, fees, etc. (parks.ca.gov). The park is being gradually restored, and is in the process of upgrading the accessibility of the facilities. If you have such challenges, contact the park first, and they can assist. Enjoy!
Written September 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MSWMom50
Modesto, California2,078 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
My sister and I visited the Point Sur Lightstation by taking a tour a few days ago. We were very fortunate to have the best day possible for the tour, sunny, clear and warm with no wind. It was a gorgeous day and a wonderful tour. We did not need a reservation for the 1:00 Wednesday tour which is limited to 40 people. We showed up and parked along Highway 1 (west side) at mile marker 54.1, which is across from the lighthouse rock and near a gate. At approximately 12:45, our tour guide came and unlocked the gate and the cars began driving in, first come, first served, stopping to get info from the tour guide and provide names of the attendees in the car. We then drove about 1/2 mile down a dirt road to the staging area at the bottom of the huge rock where we parked our vehicles. There are porta potties available in this area before the tour starts. There were two groups, so each group was rather small and there was no problem hearing the tour guide. When the tour began we walked up the long road, a rather steep uphill, stopping at times for a talk by the tour guide who also showed old photos or pointed out interesting landmarks. Much of the walk is uphill on a narrow road, but it is a fairly leisurely walk. For those that have mobility issues, don't like uphill walks or can't stand on your feet very long, this tour could be difficult. The views on the walk were outstanding of the rocky beaches, hills, meadows and ocean below. The road winds around the back of the big rock that you can't see from the highway and goes for about 1/2 mile from the base. The elevation gain is about 350 feet. After a tour of the lighthouse and an exhibit room next door, we climbed some stairs for a tour of the lightstation keeper's houses, barn and blacksmith shop. We were able to go inside the main house, which is decorated in 50's style as if a family is living there. Very charming and atmospheric. There is also a gift shop where you pay for the tour and can buy souvenir items. Our tour guide, Tyerin, was just excellent. She was a wealth of information on the history of the lighthouse, the Big Sur area, shipwrecks, living on the rock, etc. You will learn a great deal more than you expected on this tour. Of all the lighthouses I have visited in my travels, this is the most interesting and extensive tour I have taken and it is set in the most dramatic scenery as well. Gorgeous ocean and coastal views and a great place to view nature. From the top of the rock we saw and heard seal lions below and watched migrating grey whales spout. Cost of the tour is $12.00 for adults, ages 6-17 is $5.00, age 5 and under is free. I thought the price was very reasonable for the type of tour offered. They accept credit cards as well as cash. The tour lasts three hours and you stay together as a group the whole time. This is not the kind of tour where you come and go at leisure. We drove in together and at the end of the tour we walked down the rock and then drove out together. The tour is offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. (winter hours from November through March); and Saturdays and Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Sundays at 10:00 a.m. (summer hours from April through October). There are also moonlight tours offered certain evenings in the spring and summer. This is one of the best activities available in the Big Sur area, don't miss this tour!
Written January 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanDGiusto
Sardinia, Italy209 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
Located south of Big Sur, wonderful scenery. The tour takes roughly 3 hours. Limited space, try to arrive early, at least half an hour before the schedule (if gate is closed... come again).
Up the hill it may be windy, dress in layers.
Before going, check their website: http://www.pointsur.org
Up the hill it may be windy, dress in layers.
Before going, check their website: http://www.pointsur.org
Written June 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trail35580
Portland Orgon1 contribution
In 1966 my husband was in the coast guard and we were stationed in housing on the rock. Living in the stone buildings and walking to and from the lighthouse each day were part of it. The wall in the housing were 3 ft. thick to cut down on the wind that blows constant, and the fog horn that blows more than half of the time. An experience of a life time and we loved it. Wish I could just go up there and renew memories.
Written July 4, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve5863
Avon, OH12,807 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Located 19 miles (30.6k) south of Carmel along the PCH (CA-1), this park preserves the historic Point Sur Lightstation which sits dramatically a top a gigantic 361 foot (110m) high volcanic rock overlooking the sea.
Unfortunately, the unusually wet, stormy winter has washed out a small bridge along the road that winds up the side of the huge rock to the lightstation forcing the parks indefinite closure. At least one can still get a view of the distinctive lightstation from pullouts along the highway, and if one looks closely at the left side of the rock, one can see work being done to repair the road.
Unfortunately, the unusually wet, stormy winter has washed out a small bridge along the road that winds up the side of the huge rock to the lightstation forcing the parks indefinite closure. At least one can still get a view of the distinctive lightstation from pullouts along the highway, and if one looks closely at the left side of the rock, one can see work being done to repair the road.
Written April 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No it's a bit of a hike
Written October 24, 2018
Does Point Sur State Historic Park have trails/access besides the lighthouse tour? Just wondering if its worth visiting the park if we cant make the tour of the lighthouse.
Written August 29, 2018
My understanding is that there are no trails that you can go on inside the park other than the tour. But you could call/e-mail the volunteer site and ask. Trip Advisor is not allowing me to include the link or the info email on this reply. The phone number is 831-625-4419.
Written August 31, 2018
Can you spend the night? If so, how do I find out what the rates are?
Written July 2, 2018
No you cannot but they do night tours. Call the parks and recreations dept for more details.
Written July 3, 2018
Thank you for your review. I am planning to visit next week. I am reading a lot on internet about road closures and how the big sur costal highway is affected. When did you visit?
Written May 29, 2017
I visited in August so I wasn't affected by the massive landslide this week that shut down highway 1. The Big Sur area is definitely affected and the California Department of Transportation (Trip advisor wouldn't post this response with a URL in the message regardless of how many ways I've tried to alter characters in the link. Please google it) has issued an alert listing specific closure points along highway 1 starting at San Luis Obispo to Gorda. The website lists an alternative route to bypass the closures. It also provides a free phone number to call once you're in California to get up to the minute updates on road conditions and detours.
Written May 29, 2017
Do you have to do a tour? I'm just hoping to get in the gate and let the kids walk around a bit on our drive down the coast. Thanks!
Written October 30, 2015
Showing results 1-5 of 5
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing