Point Montara Lighthouse
Moss Beach, CA

History:
After numerous ship wrecks in the mid-1800's, a fog horn was installed at Point Montara, just next to Moss Beach. First sounded in 1872, the horn eased the way for ships entering the San Francisco Bay from the south. In 1900, a short light tower was erected to work in tandem with the fog horn and ensure an even more safe approach to the Golden Gate. Today, the Light is still an active aid to sea navigation, with its light visible for 14 miles at sea.

The lighthouse and turn of the century outbuildings have been well preserved and restored, and a hostel is located on the grounds. Many visitors find the accommodations and the location to be ideal for exploring the sandy beaches and tide pools lining Moss Beach. The beaches are great for swimming, surfing, jogging, horseback riding, and windsurfing. Bicyclists can cycle along the shore on the Bike Centennial California Coast Bicycle Route.

Source: about.com - California

Hours:
The grounds are open daily from 7:30-9:30 AM and 5-9:30 PM

Personal Note:
We were real disappointed that we didn't get there during the open hours. If you miss the hours, about 1 block north of the hostel entrance is a road, which I think is 14th St. Turn down there. You'll get some views of the light tower from there. That's where all of our photos were taken from. There are loads of power lines in the way, but nothing that Photoshop can't remove. :-)

Latitude/Longitude: 37.536274,-122.518687

Nearest Address:  8888 Cabrillo Hwy, Montara, CA

• From the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, get on SR1 heading south.
• Stay on SR 1 for about 6.5 miles when SR 1 merges onto I-280 south. Keep going on SR 1 / I-280 south.
• In about 1.5 miles SR 1 exits off of I-280. Take the exit (I believe it's exit 8) and keep on SR 1 south.
• Drive on SR 1 for about 13.5 miles. Look for the sign for the hostel; don't try looking for the lighthouse itself. We caught a glimpse of the hostel sign as we were passing it. :-)

View Larger Map