Few People Know One Of Northern California’s Most Popular Lighthouses Is Hiding A Dark And Terrifying Secret

If you’ve lived or traveled in California for any significant length of time, you know that the landscape is peppered with historic lighthouses along the coast, all the way from the southern border with Mexico, to the northern border with Oregon. And each one possesses its own unique aspects and history. What you might not know is that there is one popular Northern California lighthouse holding a dark secret.

The Point Sur Lighthouse is located along Highway 1 in Big Sur, CA, approximately a 45-minute drive from the city of Monterey proper (the official address is in Monterey).

Listed as a California landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places, it is part of today’s Point Sur State Historic Park.

The Point Sur Lighthouse was first put into service on August 1, 1889.

In addition to serving as a beacon of light for seacraft along this rugged and dangerous part of the California coastline, it was also a pivotal Naval facility. Manned 24 hours a day, it remained in service until the mid-1970s.

Part of the lighthouse's history here encompasses its role in the Cold War which began in 1947 between the U.S., the Soviet Union, and their respective allies,

Even though the lighthouse has successfully lit the way for many sailing vessels since its inception, there have been numerous shipwrecks and significant losses of life.

One of the most well-known such incidents here, which interestingly enough was not related to a ship, was the crash of the U.S.S. MACON airship in 1935. Because of the high number of such incidents, coupled with the secret government mission, keepers of the lighthouse over the decades swear that the lighthouse is haunted. In fact, there have been numerous sightings of presumed victims from some of the crashes meandering the property and wreaking havoc from the other side of the veil.

The Visitor Center on the property is a great place to start your exploration here.

The exhibits inside include ancient relics and memorabilia, photographs, and other information about the history here and in the area. It also houses some parts from the U.S.S. MACON airship that were recovered decades after it went down in the choppy, frigid waters.

From any angle, the views of this historic lighthouse are breathtaking!

Sure, there are some dark and disturbing secrets and paranormal activities here, but it is still one of the most beautiful and unique tourist attractions in Northern California.

Extensive restoration efforts are underway by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and tours are offered for the different entities here weekly. Be sure to check the official website for days and times.

Have you been to the Point Sur Lighthouse? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also learn more on the lighthouse's Facebook page.

If you’re looking for something else to do while in the Big Sur area, check out Partington Cove.