Gray's in Fashion

Whale Watching at Pigeon Point Light Station on San Mateo Coast

12.15.2016
Peninsula & South Bay
Water, Relaxing

{Note: Due to winter weather, before visiting this spot check ahead for any road and trail closures and/or hazards before heading out, and exercise good judgement for overall safety.}

Built in 1872, Pigeon Point Lighthouse is an iconic mainstay on the San Mateo Coast. It's great to visit anytime, but go in winter and get a big bonus: you might spy a gray whale migrating. And Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park is one of the best places for spying them.

The best vantage point for spotting grays is a short stroll away on a boardwalk overlook. Docent tours can be booked ahead of time for a guided walk in the area. If the weather's good and the sea is calm, you can head down to adjacent Whalers Cove, a secluded beach acquired and preserved by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

BONUS EVENTS 2024: Pigeon Point Lighthouse also leads guided History Walks each month.

BONUS STAY: Hostelling International’s Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of only a few accommodations on this stretch of the coast. The four guesthouses, salty and weathered, each have a private room and fully equipped kitchen and are ideally situated next to the old lighthouse. What else is sweet about this spot? Guests have access to a secluded hot tub perched above the bluffs facing the ocean. Jacuzzi jets and whale watching—hot combo!

The Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park is 50 miles south of San Francisco on Hwy. 1. The address is 210 Pigeon Point Rd., Hwy. 1 Pescadero. The day-use area is open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Walk on the Wise Side

    A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (S

    View
  2. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

    View
  3. woman hiking Mt Tam east peak
    Sponsored

    Marquee Marin

    There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

    View

  2. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

    View

  3. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

    View