The Lighthouse Road Trip near San Francisco That’s Dreamily Beautiful

You may not immediately associate lighthouses with San Francisco, but think again. We mapped out this lighthouse road trip to some of the most picturesque lighthouses in the area. Exploring this trip will bring you closer to the sea, nature, and of course our history in California. And believe it our not, you'll be shocked to see lighthouses near famous attractions. Also, one of the lighthouses is on an island, so it is optional. The road trip is a long full day trip, so you will probably want to start early for the trip.

To view the entire interactive map on Google, Click Here

1. Alcatraz Lighthouse: Alcatraz Island

Start your trip in the city, and board the ferry for Alcatraz. The Alcatraz Island Lighthouse is the first lighthouse built on the U.S. West Coast in the San Francisco Bay. If you want to skip this lighthouse then proceed to Fort Point.

2. Fort Point Lighthouse: Golden Gate Bridge

This lighthouse is under the Golden Gate Bridge. The original lighthouse, built in 1853, was a Cape Cod style lighthouse. Fort Point is a great place to explore too.

3. Point Reyes Lighthouse: Point Reyes Station, Marin County

Point Reyes Light Station was established in 1870 at Point Reyes. Why? Point Reyes is, by official records, the windiest and foggiest on the Pacific Coast.

4. Point Montara Lighthouse: 16th Street & Highway 1, Montara

Once you've retraced your path down the coast you'll approach this beautiful lighthouse. Point Montara Lighthouse was established in February 1875, and today has a youth hostel and lodging.

5. Pigeon Point Lighthouse: Highway 1, Pescadero

Head south on Highway 1 toward Pescadero. Built in 1871, Pigeon Point Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse, tied with Point Arena Lighthouse in Mendocino, on the West Coast of the USA.

6. Santa Cruz Harbor Walton Lighthouse: 680 Atlantic Ave, Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Harbor Walton Lighthouse is at the entrance to the Harbor along Seabright Beach. This lighthouse is easily accessible, so you can appreciate the view, the waves hitting the rocks surrounding the lighthouse.

If you want to see footage of one of the lighthouses then watch this video by YouTube user

Formica Aerial Videography on the Santa Cruz Harbor Walton Lighthouse:

Have you been to any of these lighthouses? Let us know. Also, if you're interested in exploring outside the city for day trips then check out 11 Small Towns Around San Francisco Where Everyone Knows Your Name.