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Piedras Blancas Lighthouse

Fl W 10s🇺🇸Central and Southern California, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Piedras Blancas Lighthouse

Completed in 1875, the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse served the coast of Central and Southern California. The white cylindrical tower measures 21 meters in height and its light is positioned 43 meters above sea level. This navigational aid emits a white light with a geographic range extending 21 nautical miles. The structure has remained operational since its initial lighting in 1875.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
43m
Light Range
20NM (37.0 km)
Geographic Range
21NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1875
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7191571 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
21m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Central and Southern California
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
35.6656°
Longitude
-121.2845°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Piedras Blancas Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 43 meters and a nominal range of 20 nautical miles (approximately 37.0 km), Piedras Blancas is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Piedras Blancas Lighthouse at night?+
Piedras Blancas displays the characteristic Fl W 10s — 1 white flash every 10 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Piedras Blancas Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Cayucos at 24.1 NM to the SE. Other ports served include MORRO BAY (27.9 NM SE), San Lucas (30.1 NM NNE), Creston (38.5 NM ESE), Port San Luis (39.7 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Piedras Blancas Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Piedras Blancas Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Piedras Blancas Lighthouse?+
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Piedras Blancas Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Piedras Blancas Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.