Point Pinos Lighthouse, Pacific Grove

This was a wonderful stop to make. The tour is short but informative. You can view the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in California, see the living space of the lighthouse keeper, and learn the significance of lighthouses in a historical context. The tour is free, with a suggested donation of $4/adult. The volunteers were knowledgeable and friendly. Lovely views, and even got to see some deer grazing.

Beautiful old lighthouse was trumped by the nasty rude old women that volunteered there. They were extremely unfriendly & made snarky remarks about our family as we walked by them on the 2nd floor of the lighthouse. All in all it was a very disappointing experience.

Great little piece of history with a little museum in a beautiful location. Can't go wrong. Free entry but donation encouraged. Very friendly and knowledgeable volunteer docents.

Monterey is always a joy to visit. With the cool temperatures, the ocean breezes, the friendly people, the aquarium, and so much more, I found the lighthouse to be a wonderful inspiration. Having been in continuous operation since 1855, it is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the west coast, and the docents will repeat this factoid several times, for anyone who will listen. The lighthouse is open for tours in the afternoons from 1 to 4. The volunteers seem to love their jobs. Situated on the tip of the Monterey peninsula between two fairways, back from the coast a couple hundred yards is a small house with a giant light on the steeple, or whatever you call the part with the big rotating light. The history of the types of light sources, the notes of the keepers, the reports of the issues during the war, make this a very informative stop. Whether you are being self guided or docent toured, there is so much on the wall and in the story to make this an eye opening adventure. I really enjoyed my stop and it takes some time to read the wall postings. I also enjoyed sitting on the second floor and just watching the waves crashing on the rocks, and speculating about watching for ships over the decades. This well preserved site give a glimpse into an era, or even a group of eras unknown or never contemplated by most. For any history buff it is a must. For the curious it is a Pandora's box and for everyone it is a great view.

Bathrooms, free tour, donations accepted, can't walk on top, look out for golfers and deer.