Lighthouse Sunset on the Pacific Coast Highway – Montera, California

Point Montara Lighthouse
Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1)
Montera, California

Montera Lighthouse From Below at Sunset

Point Montera Lighthouse is a working beacon AND a Hostelling International hostel. How cool is that? Very…to me at least!

I grew up on a small island in between Manhattan and Queens in New York City. At the northern tip, there was a lighthouse. I’ve been obsessed ever since.

Situated alongside the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), the Point Montara Lighthouse is just 25 miles south of San Francisco and easily accessible by car on a day trip.

California's Highway 1 - the Pacific Coast Highway - as seen from the Point Montera Lighthouse

I had visited the lighthouse before on a birthday adventure with my wife, but not at sunset.

These photos came from my most recent visit with Randy, a childhood friend with whom I spent many-a-day playing wiffleball by the lighthouse on our island.

Inside the lighthouse keeper's old house, an window offers the perfect dirty view of the sunset

According to the Montera Point Lighthouse official site:

Originally established in 1875 as a fog signal station after several ships ran ashore in the late 1860s, this historic lighthouse is still an operating aid-to-navigation maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. The hostel has been in operation since 1980 through a partnership with California State Parks.

The outside of the Montera Lighthouse Keeper's House

Guests are accommodated in both shared and private rooms in former Coast Guard quarters and the historic fog signal building. Enjoy cozy lounges, a secluded beach cove with tide pools, and landscaped native plant gardens. Amenities include DSL Internet and free WiFi, on-site laundry, free parking, and an espresso bar. In addition, you can rest assured that your travel footprint will be minimized, as the hostel is a certified green business.

One day I hope to return yet again to the Point Montera Lighthouse on California’s Highway 1 and stay in the hostel itself. When I do, I’m sure I’ll have more photos :)

For the comments: what is your favorite lighthouse?