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Pigeon Point Lighthouse

pescadero, ca

This lighthouse was built in 1872 after an unusual amount of ships were wrecked beginning in 1853. In one three-year period, forty-nine lives were lost in this graveyard. Later, investigations showed the wrecks to be a result of very heavy fogs that obscured the rocks until it was too late.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse was named after the sailing ship Carrier Pigeon that ran up on the rocks in sight of the point.  The area was originally known as Whale Point because of the many whales that passed offshore. It is still a great spot to view the whale migrations.

The light was automated in 1970 and still remains a very active and necessary aid to navigation. The tower stands one hundred and forty-eight feet above sea level and she is identified by her flashing white light every ten seconds that can be seen for twenty-four miles.

This area is open to the public and should be a must-see place to visit.