Pigeon Point Lighthouse Restoration Continues as State Parks Plans November 14 Anniversary Celebration

PESCADERO, San Mateo County — The Pigeon Point Lighthouse restoration is proceeding with painstaking work high on the historic brick tower, while visitors can continue exploring portions of the surrounding state historic park.

According to California State Parks’ April 2026 restoration update, workers had completed lower sections of the tower’s masonry and moved to more complex work around the upper service-room level. Crews were replacing brick damaged by corrosion around embedded iron supports and constructing new features around the lantern area.

The lighthouse is still closed inside

The official Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park page explains that the lighthouse has been closed since structural problems led to restrictions after 2001. Restoration began in February 2024, but the tower itself remains closed pending completion. Visitors may view it from the accessible grounds; they should not interpret the existence of a restoration project as permission to enter the tower.

The park’s published day-use hours are 8 a.m. to sunset. Its visitor center and store generally operate Thursday through Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., subject to staffing. The park lists its address as 210 Pigeon Point Road, Pescadero, and a telephone number of 650-879-2120.

154th anniversary is scheduled for November 14

California State Parks lists a 154th anniversary celebration for Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 1–7 p.m. Planned activities include lighthouse crafts, talks about maritime history, bird walks and other family-friendly programming. The announcement also mentions a special chance to see the historic Fresnel lens illuminated while it remains in the Fog Signal Building.

The event is future-dated as of this report. Travelers should confirm the schedule with State Parks in case staffing, weather or construction changes affect programming.

What visitors can do now

See the lighthouse exterior and explore permitted grounds and exhibits.
View the restoration updates and virtual tour online for an inside look without entering the construction area.
Visit the Fog Signal Building during posted operating hours to learn about the light station’s original Fresnel lens.
Observe posted restrictions. State Parks says Rocky Point is closed to protect visitors from erosion hazards and nesting wildlife. Dogs, except service animals, are not permitted on the lighthouse grounds.

Admission and parking are free according to State Parks. The restoration highlights the challenge of protecting a working piece of coastal history while keeping visitors safely outside active construction areas.

Featured photograph: Cedric Letsch / Unsplash. Pigeon Point Lighthouse at sunset; illustrative photo, not an image of current restoration work.

Sources: California State Parks Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park page and April 2026 Lighthouse Restoration progress update. The tower is not represented as reopened.

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