Point Pinos Lighthouse (Text Below)
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Point Pinos Lighthouse is located on the northernmost tip of the Monterey Peninsula. At a time when people sought to add a measure of safety to navigation of the seas, this point of land, marking the entrance to Monterey Bay, was a definite hazard to the mariner. A great stride in the direction of safety was the erection of this stone lighthouse similar in style to other West Coast lighthouses. Shortly after California became a state, the United States Congress appropriated funds for 6 lighthouses on the coast and one of these was at Point Pinos. It's beacon has lighted the way since 1855.
The buildings, lens and prisms of the light are all original and the interior has been restored by the Central Coast Keepers Association to its original decor. Point Pinos is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The lighthouse is open for tours 1:00 pm. to 4 pm. Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and most holidays. Call (408) 648-3116 for more information.