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Pillar Point Harbor Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇺🇸San Francisco, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Pillar Point Harbor Lighthouse

This 14-meter cylindrical tower, with an expanded upper section, stands 15 meters above sea level at the end of Pillar Point Harbor's west breakwater. It emits a white flash every 5 seconds, visible for 11.9 nautical miles. The lighthouse guides vessels into Pillar Point Harbor, located on the north end of Half Moon Bay, near Sausalito. While the site is accessible, the tower itself is closed to the public. Its operational status confirms its ongoing role in maritime safety.

Why it matters: This light is essential for marking the end of the west breakwater, providing critical guidance for vessels entering Pillar Point Harbor, particularly during periods of low visibility.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Location

City
San Francisco
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
California
Sea Region
Pillar Point Harbor, at the end of its west breakwater, on the north end of Half Moon Bay.
Latitude
37.8107°
Longitude
-122.4772°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sausalito(3.4 km)
Admiralty No.
G4007
USCG No.
6-4145
ARLHS No.
USA-629

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical

Structure: A 14m round cylindrical tower with an expanded upper portion.

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pillar Point Harbor Lighthouse at night?+
Pillar Point Harbor displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Pillar Point Harbor Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pillar Point Harbor Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is TRAVIS at 1.4 NM to the N. Other ports served include Sausalito (2.7 NM N), Tiburon (3.9 NM NNE), San Francisco (4.4 NM ESE), TREASURE ISLAND (5.1 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pillar Point Harbor Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pillar Point Harbor 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 Pillar Point Harbor Lighthouse?+
Pillar Point Harbor 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 Pillar Point Harbor Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pillar Point Harbor 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.