Piedras Blancas Light Station
Historic lighthouse on a wildlife sanctuary, offering guided tours with stunning coastal views and abundant marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Limited tour availability
Piedras Blancas Light Station
Best Time
Limited tour availability
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse on a wildlife sanctuary, offering guided tours with stunning coastal views and abundant marine life.
"A hidden gem on Highway 1, offering incredible wildlife and history for a modest price."
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are essential and fill up fast! Check the official website for schedules and book ahead.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing, especially for whales and distant seals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Light Station Grounds
Piedras Blancas Light Station
Explore the grounds of this 1875 lighthouse, offering stunning coastal views and a glimpse into maritime history.
Elephant Seal Rookery
Adjacent to the Light Station
Witness hundreds of elephant seals lounging on the beach – a truly unforgettable wildlife spectacle.
Coastal Trails & Views
Sea Bluff Trails
Walk along scenic trails with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and rocky coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tour Availability & Booking
Wildlife Viewing & Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are essential and fill up fast! Check the official website for schedules and book ahead.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing, especially for whales and distant seals.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Coastal weather is unpredictable; be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures.
🚗 Location Awareness
It's north of Cambria, closer to San Simeon. Note the specific address!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are essential and fill up fast! Check the official website for schedules and book ahead.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing, especially for whales and distant seals.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Coastal weather is unpredictable; be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures.
🚗 Location Awareness
It's north of Cambria, closer to San Simeon. Note the specific address!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be exploring trails and the station grounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Piedras Blancas Light Station for its incredible wildlife viewing, particularly the elephant seals, and the informative, engaging guided tours. Many highlight the stunning coastal scenery and the historical significance of the lighthouse. It's often described as a hidden gem offering great value for the modest tour price.
"We did the $10 tour for this light station (light house). You cannot go up in the light house but you are able to walk into the base of it. The walking tour was awesome!! They showed us some baby Falcons, otters, seals, and elephants seals!! We did not expect to see so much nature. This was very worth the price and time!"
Andrea Y
"If you're cruising along Highway 1 near San Simeon or Hearst Castle, do not skip this hidden gem!
Tours 3 times a week, during Fall, Springs and Winter Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. About 2hr longs very formative and also time to explore the light stations grounds. As well, great spot to catch Elephant seals, maybe otters and whales. As well, take advantage and walk on the trails along the sea bluff and enjoy the views of the pacific."
christopher perez
"This Lighthouse is a real gem! You have to make reservations to visit. The site is managed by the BLM and the docents provide an excellent tour. The scenery is unique and amazing!"
Mike Beckage
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Piedras Blancas Light Station is located at 15950 Cabrillo Hwy, San Simeon, CA 93452. It's about 15 miles north of Cambria and easily accessible via Highway 1. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, the station is directly on the iconic Highway 1, making it a convenient stop for those driving the scenic coastal route.
The closest town is San Simeon, California. Cambria is a bit further south, about 15 miles away.
While you can see the exterior and the adjacent elephant seal rookery without a tour, guided tours are required to access the lighthouse grounds and interior.
Yes, there is parking available at the site, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tours typically cost around $10 per person. It's highly recommended to check the official website for the most current pricing and to book your tickets in advance.
Absolutely! Advance reservations are strongly recommended, as tours have limited capacity and can sell out. Visit the official Piedras Blancas Light Station website to book.
Tour availability varies, often occurring only a few days a week (e.g., Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays) and typically in the morning. Always confirm the current schedule online.
Guided tours allow access to the base of the lighthouse and the surrounding grounds. You cannot climb to the top of the tower.
Information on discounts is best found on the official website. It's always a good idea to check for any available promotions or group rates when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic lighthouse grounds, learn about its maritime history from knowledgeable docents, and witness incredible wildlife like elephant seals, otters, and potentially whales.
Yes, kids often enjoy the wildlife viewing and the open spaces to explore. The trails are generally easy to navigate.
Tours are typically around 2 hours long, providing ample time to explore the grounds and learn about the history and local ecosystem.
The area is famous for its elephant seal rookery, and you might also spot sea otters, various seabirds, and even whales offshore.
Restroom facilities are generally available at the visitor center or near the tour starting point. It's advisable to confirm this when booking your tour.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lighthouse against the dramatic coastal backdrop, the expansive elephant seal beach, and the rugged sea cliffs. Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light.
Yes, photography is generally permitted on the grounds during the tour. Be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide.
A telephoto lens is great for wildlife, while a wide-angle lens is perfect for the lighthouse and expansive ocean views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national monuments and wildlife areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds. However, the wildlife is active throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers on Highway 1
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The rugged coastline and sea cliffs also offer stunning landscape shots, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Remember to bring a versatile lens kit to capture both the grand vistas and the intricate details of the wildlife. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Piedras Blancas Light Station
+1In 2017, the light station was added to the California Coastal National Monument, recognizing its historical and ecological importance. While the light is now automated, the site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and preserved for its historical significance and the incredible biodiversity it supports. Guided tours offer a fascinating look into its past and the lives of the keepers who once maintained it.
Wildlife Encounters at Piedras Blancas
Beyond the seals, the waters off Piedras Blancas are rich with marine life. Keep an eye out for sea otters playing in the kelp beds, various species of seabirds soaring overhead, and, during migration seasons, whales like gray whales and humpbacks breaching offshore. Bringing binoculars can greatly enhance your viewing experience and allow you to spot creatures further out at sea.
Navigating Your Visit: Tours and Access
While you can view the elephant seals and the exterior of the lighthouse from the roadside, the guided tour provides a much richer experience, allowing you to walk the grounds and understand the significance of this historic landmark. Remember that you cannot climb to the top of the lighthouse itself, but the tour offers plenty of insights and photo opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit