Pigeon Point Light 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, a group of light-keeper’s homes, shoreline tide pools, and plenty of scenic viewpoints along a beautiful, yet rugged coastline. 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.
     The lighthouse, built in 1872, signaled the dangerous shoals just off the coast. When the ship, Carrier Pigeon, ran aground on her maiden voyage the cries for a lighthouse began to stir the slow wheels of progress. Over time, the ship’s name, Pigeon, displaced the name Whale Point. Efforts of lighthouse restoration have been placed on the shoulders of an already strapped California State Parks Foundation. Meanwhile the lighthouse remains closed, but still operates in a reduced capacity as a navigational aid.