Bay Area Day Trips - Pigeon Point Light House, Pescadero

If there is a lighthouse in the area you are visiting, you should definitely consider paying a visit. Wondering why? It is because, more often than not, lighthouses are built in some of the most picturesque locations - On a bluff overlooking the ocean/sea surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers. The Point Reyes Lighthouse near San Francisco and Point Loma Lighthouse near San Diego are great examples. Another such example is the Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero which is in between San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Take a look at these pictures and I am certain you will agree.





From the deck area behind the Lighthouse, you can see the harbor seals sunbathing on the rocks. It is a sight that inspires you to sit down, relax, enjoy the sun and count your blessings. 




From this beautiful deck, you can also watch pacific grey whale migration from December to May. Especially, from March through May, female gray whales bring their calves into the bay south of the lighthouse on their journey from Baja California to Alaska. Apparently, the calves swim slowly and close to the shore and are very visible in the early morning or late evening. I made a mental note to visit this place again during this season and will report back what we have seen, hopefully with some pictures of the big whales.


Another interesting thing I learned is that the Ano Nuevo State Reserve which is located 7 miles south of the Pigeon Point is the largest mainland northern elephant seal breeding colony in the world. The breeding and birthing season is from December 15th to March 31st and they offer guided tours for $7 per person. For reservations and more information, you can check here

Other attractions within 5 miles from Pigeon Point are: Pescadero State Beach that offers a wide beach, large dunes, rocky coves and protected lagoon and Butano State Park known for its redwood trees and hiking trails. 

Pick a gorgeous spring day, enjoy the beautiful drive, the fantastic views, the fresh flowers, the gigantic whales and needless to say, the warm sunshine. Enjoy California!

UPDATE: We did take the guided seal tour in March 2018 and got to watch hundreds of elephant seals basking in the sun (as usual) but also some mating action as well as seals chasing others (at a very slow pace obviously :). It is about a 3 mile pleasant round-trip walk from the parking lot to the beach area and back, interrupted only by huge seals blissfully sleeping on the trail. 

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