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Photo: Michael from San Jose, California, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The oldest continually operating lighthouse on the West Coast, having begun operating in 1855. The lighthouse/museum/giftshop are closed due to COVID, but the grounds/gardens are open whenever there are docents available.
Point Pinos Lighthouse is an operational lighthouse located in Monterey Bay, Pacific Grove, California, United States. Originally lit on February 1, 1855, it remains an active United States Coast Guard aid to navigation, and is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States. Automated in 1975, Port Pinos retains its original third order Fresnel lens, but is surrounded today by the Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Links. On-site museum exhibits and other lighthouse related functions are operated by the city of Pacific Grove, Monterey County.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Ocean View Boulevard and Sunset Drive run along the coastline, offering access to a spectacular landscape. The area is strewn with tide pools, and sea otters, seals and sea lions are often seen in the waters; whales may be sighted by those who are lucky. A bike path runs along much of the route making it an excellent place to bike or hike.
One of the most popular resting spots for Monarch butterflies in the winter half of their migration pattern. Thousands settle there from October to March. They may look like dead leaves until you look closer. Bring binoculars.
A one-mile strip of sand and rocky coves, this beach offers a 0.75-mile-long (1.2 km) walking trail, with tide pools that can be explored. Across the street, a boardwalk leads through the Asilomar Dunes, a restored area of sand dunes. Upwelling of frigid waters from the undersea Monterey Canyon makes this area far too cold for swimming, but it is popular with scuba divers and snorkelers due to the huge variety of marine life.
Public park and beach.
A museum dedicated to the natural history of the Monterey Bay area, with many exhibits geared toward children.
Drive or bicycle along this spectacular route. The northern end is in Pacific Grove and it runs through the gated community of Pebble Beach. The road winds through miles of breathtaking coastal views, with turnouts along the way at the most historical and picturesque sites, including the iconic Lone Cypress tree and the Pebble Beach golf course lodge. The entrance fee provides a map, as well as the rights to gawk at the lavish homes within the gated community. Motorcycles are not permitted.