Piedras Blancas Light Station

The Piedras Blancas Light Station is located along California’s central coast about 15 miles north of Cambria, California, USA. The entrance to the light station is on Cabrillo Highway (Highway 1). It is currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

The light station is open to public but through organized tours. The cost of the tour is nominal and is offered regularly. The tour duration is about two hours and is led by knowledgeable tour guides. On the tour you will get access to the light house and support structures. You will also be able to go for a walk on a trail where you get the opportunity to view wildlife and beautiful scenery. A gift store is also located on the property.

The caretakers of the light station along with volunteers have done a good job of removing non-native ice plant from the property. There is a small display to show visitors what ice plant looks like. Ice plants are native to South Africa, but they thrive along coastal California. They are low maintenance and provide excellent erosion control. They also produce brilliant-colored flowers. The property is also used for research on whale population. During the migration period, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) whale team takes a daily count of whales.

While the bottom of the light house is open to visitors, the light source is not accessible. The stairs that go up the light source is closed to visitors. Over the years several light sources have been used as a beacon for navigation. Examples of these light sources are displayed in the light house.

To restore, preserve and interpret the history and natural resources of the Piedras Blancas Light Station, a non-profit organization has been established. This organization, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, hopes to make sure this historic park is available for future generations.