Point Pinos Lighthouse, Pacific Grove

Point Pinos Lighthouse, built in 1855, is a lovely spot to visit! The lighthouse is beautiful and very well-cared-for. It is not as musty as some lighthouses. There are cypress trees and bright flowers in the garden, as well as a clean restroom and gift shop, where you pay. You can walk a loop around the lighthouse, seeing it from all angles. Inside the lighthouse, a docent welcomes you downstairs, and another upstairs, where there is an exhibit about Point Pinos during World War II. The winding staircases are pretty, and you can peek up at the historic 3rd order fixed fresnel lens which is still active. A lookout room upstairs has idyllic views of the green golf course, white dunes, and blue sea. 

Make sure you visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary while you are nearby. It is a peaceful spot all times of year, with butterflies flittering about Nov-Feb. Tall trees of all different sorts, and smaller trees with flowers, make this a magical place.
After, go for a walk on the coastal trail that offers spectacular views. You can park just minutes from here at the end of Asilomar Ave, where it meets Ocean View Blvd. Then walk in either direction for miles. The sights are incredible, especially on a sunny day! If you walk east, you will be on the Perkins Park Coastal Trail, walking 1.2 miles to Lovers Point Park, and then 1.2 miles further to Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row. If you walk west, you will be on the Asilomar Coastal Trail, walking 1.8 miles to Asilomar State Beach.

Directions

Entrance is $7. Gardens are free.
Point Pinos Lighthouse is located at 80 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove. There is a parking lot in front.

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