Pigeon Point Lighthouse SHP is located about an hour’s drive south from San Francisco. The park’s grounds preserve one of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast and a group of light-keeper’s homes. Shoreline tide pools, and plenty of scenic viewpoints along a beautiful, yet rugged coastline are part of the appeal here. Pigeon Point, once known as Whale point, is still famous for its views of migrating gray whales and abundant shoreline wildlife.
   The lighthouse, sorely in need of some tender-loving-care, is closed to the public. The light-keeper’s quarters remain open and operate as a hostel. Offering lodging for 50 overnight guests, these four buildings provide female and male bunkrooms, community showers, kitchens, and living rooms.
   When the ship Carrier Pigeon ran aground on her maiden voyage in 1853 cries for a lighthouse began to stir the slow wheels of progress. The lighthouse and first-order Fresnel lens, finally built in 1872, was designed to warn maritime traffic of the dangerous shoals just off the coast. Today, efforts of lighthouse restoration have been placed on the shoulders of an already strapped California State Parks Foundation (CSPF). State officials say even if they had the money, it would be years before repairs could be completed. While the lighthouse remains closed, a restoration break-through was recently announced. State park officals secured 9.1 million dollars in state funding for a major renovation. Work is slated to begin in 2021, but more money is needed to shore up the bottom of the lighthouse, replace windows, and modernize its winding metal staircase.

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