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Point Pinos Lighthouse

Occ W 4s🇺🇸Central and Southern California, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Point Pinos Lighthouse

The Point Pinos Lighthouse first illuminated the coast in 1855. Its white, 13-meter tower stands 27 meters above the water, casting a light visible for 17 nautical miles. The lighthouse emits an occulting white light, meaning it flashes periodically. Built on the shores of Monterey Bay in Pacific Grove, California, it has remained operational for over a century and a half. Although automated in 1975, the lighthouse still uses its original third-order Fresnel lens. The grounds are now surrounded by the Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Links.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
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.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Occ W 4s
Flash Type
Occ
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Oc
Focal Height
27m
Geographic Range
17NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1855
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7208119 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Central and Southern California
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
36.6334°
Longitude
-121.9338°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Point Pinos Lighthouse at night?+
Point Pinos displays the characteristic Occ W 4s — 1 white flash every 4 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 Point Pinos Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Point Pinos Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Monterey at 2.6 NM to the SE. Other ports served include MOSS LANDING (12.4 NM NE), Santa Cruz (20 NM NNW), Capitola (20.2 NM N), Corralitos (22 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Point Pinos Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Point Pinos 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 Point Pinos Lighthouse?+
Point Pinos 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 Point Pinos Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Point Pinos 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.