Point Reyes Lighthouse is a working beacon on a remote California headland, open to visitors on a limited schedule
Point Reyes Lighthouse stands on a rocky peninsula 30 miles north of San Francisco, at the tip of Marin County. The lighthouse itself — a white tower built in 1870 — still operates as an active aid to navigation. Unlike many lighthouses that have become museums, this one remains staffed by the U.S. Coast Guard and continues to warn ships away from the rocks below.
The lighthouse is part of Point Reyes National Seashore, a federal park managed by the National Park Service. Visiting requires a drive through the park, then a walk down 308 steps carved into the cliff face. The structure is open to the public, but only on specific days and hours, and the site closes entirely during high winds or rough seas.
Getting there takes planning. The nearest town with services is Point Reyes Station, about 30 minutes away. There is no food, water, or restrooms at the lighthouse itself, though the visitor center near the park entrance has both. Cell service is unreliable throughout the area.
Key Takeaways
- Point Reyes Lighthouse is open to visitors Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but closes without notice during high winds or heavy seas.
- The walk down to the lighthouse is 308 steps on a steep cliff trail; the return trip is uphill and takes most people 20 to 30 minutes each way.
- There are no services at the lighthouse — bring water, snacks, and layers because the headland is windy and often cold even when the rest of Marin County is warm.
- Point Reyes National Seashore charges no entrance fee, but parking at the lighthouse trailhead fills by mid-morning on weekends and holidays.
Hours, closures, and how to check before you visit
The lighthouse opens Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific time. It is closed Tuesday and Wednesday year-round. These hours can shift seasonally, so check the National Park Service website for Point Reyes National Seashore before you leave home.
The site closes without advance warning when winds exceed 40 miles per hour or when seas are rough enough to create dangerous spray on the stairs. The Coast Guard makes this call each morning. If you are planning a visit and the weather looks uncertain, call the visitor center at (415) 464-5100 after 9 a.m. to confirm the lighthouse is open. There is no online status page; you have to call.
The park itself never closes, but the road to the lighthouse trailhead can close during storms or after heavy rain if the road surface is damaged. Again, a phone call to the visitor center is the fastest way to know.
The walk: what the 308 steps actually mean
The trail to Point Reyes Lighthouse is short but steep. The full round trip is less than a mile, but the descent is 308 steps on a metal staircase bolted to the cliff face, with a metal railing. The stairs are exposed — there is no shelter from wind or sun on the way down.
The return trip is uphill all the way. Most people take 10 to 15 minutes to descend and 20 to 30 minutes to climb back up. The stairs can be slippery when wet, and the wind at the bottom is often much stronger than at the top. Wear shoes with good grip, not sandals or smooth-soled shoes.
The trail is not closed to anyone based on age or fitness, but the National Park Service does not recommend it for people with heart conditions, severe arthritis, or fear of heights. There are benches partway down where you can rest. If you start the descent and decide to turn back, that is fine — many people do.
What to bring and what the weather is actually like
Point Reyes Lighthouse sits on an exposed headland where the Pacific Ocean meets the San Francisco Bay. The weather there is almost never the same as the weather in nearby towns. Even on a warm, sunny day in Marin County, the lighthouse area is often cold, windy, and foggy.
Bring layers: a long-sleeved shirt or light jacket, even in summer. Bring water — at least one liter per person — because there is nowhere to refill it at the lighthouse. Bring snacks if you plan to spend time there. Sunscreen and a hat are useful because the sun reflects off the rocks and water, and there is no shade on the stairs or at the lighthouse base.
The wind is the biggest factor. It is almost always present and often strong enough to make standing difficult. find any loose items — hats blow away regularly. If you have a camera or phone, hold it carefully; people drop them on the stairs.
Parking and getting to the trailhead
Point Reyes National Seashore has no entrance fee. Parking at the lighthouse trailhead is free but limited. The lot holds about 20 cars. On weekends, holidays, and nice-weather days, it fills by 9:30 or 10 a.m. When the lot is full, the National Park Service closes the access road to the trailhead, and you have to park at the visitor center and wait for a space to open.
If you arrive and the lot is full, you can park at the visitor center (about 5 miles away) and wait, or come back another day. There is no overflow lot and no reservation system. Weekday visits, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are much less crowded.
The drive from the visitor center to the lighthouse trailhead takes about 20 minutes on a narrow, winding road. The road itself is scenic — you pass through coastal scrub and grassland — but it is not fast. Plan for the full drive time.
What you see at the lighthouse and nearby
At the base of the stairs, you reach a small platform in front of the lighthouse tower. The tower itself is not open to climb inside. You can walk around the outside, take photographs, and look out at the ocean and the rocks below. On clear days, you can see the Farallon Islands to the north.
The rocks around the lighthouse are home to sea lions, harbor seals, and various seabirds. Binoculars are useful. The area is also known for whale watching — gray whales migrate past in winter (December through April) and spring (April through June). You may see them from the lighthouse platform, though they are often far enough out that binoculars help.
The visitor center, near the park entrance, has exhibits about the lighthouse history, the Coast Guard, and the local marine environment. It also has restrooms, water, and a small bookstore. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How to get there from San Francisco and nearby towns
Point Reyes Lighthouse is about 30 miles north of San Francisco. From the Golden Gate Bridge, take U.S. Route 101 north to San Rafael, then follow signs for Point Reyes National Seashore. The drive from the bridge to the visitor center takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. From the visitor center to the lighthouse trailhead is another 20 minutes.
There is no public transit to Point Reyes National Seashore. You need a car. The nearest town with gas, food, and lodging is Point Reyes Station, about 30 minutes from the lighthouse. Inverness, a small community, is closer to the park entrance.
If you are visiting from Marin County (San Rafael, Novato, or Fairfield), the drive is shorter — usually 45 minutes to an hour from those towns to the lighthouse trailhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog to the lighthouse?
Dogs are not allowed on the stairs or at the lighthouse platform itself. They are allowed in other parts of Point Reyes National Seashore on leash, but not on this particular trail. Leave your dog at home or in the car if you plan to visit the lighthouse.
Is the lighthouse accessible for people in wheelchairs?
No. The trail is a steep staircase with no elevator or alternative route. The visitor center is accessible, but the lighthouse itself is not.
What if I get to the parking lot and it is full?
You can park at the visitor center and wait for a space to open, or return on a different day. Weekday visits are less crowded. There is no way to reserve a spot in advance.
Can I visit the lighthouse at sunset?
The lighthouse closes at 4:30 p.m., which is before sunset most of the year. Sunset viewing is not possible at the lighthouse itself, though the visitor center and other areas of the park remain accessible after hours.
How long should I plan to spend at the lighthouse?
Most people spend 30 to 45 minutes total: 10 to 15 minutes down, 15 to 20 minutes at the base looking around, and 20 to 30 minutes back up. If you are interested in whale watching or photography, you may stay longer.