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Point Pinos Lighthouse

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

Location & Light Range

About Point Pinos Lighthouse

Point Pinos Lighthouse is a maritime navigation aid located in Central and Southern California, US. It is currently operational and active, providing guidance to vessels navigating the surrounding waters. The light sits at a focal height of 27 meters above mean sea level.

Light characteristic: The identifying signal of this lighthouse is Occ W 4s. This means the light produces 1 flash every 4 seconds. Mariners use this distinctive pattern to positively identify the light and distinguish it from other aids to navigation in the area. The light displays a white signal, the most common color for major coastal lights.

Position: Point Pinos Lighthouse is positioned at 36.6334°N, 121.9338°W, near Central and Southern California in US.

Geographic context: Point Pinos Lighthouse is situated on the North Pacific Ocean, within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. The location falls within the temperate maritime climate zone.

Nearby lighthouses in US: Other lighthouses in the region include Abagadasset Point Range, Absecon, Admiralty Head Light, Ahukini Breakwater, Alameda County (Oakland Area) Lighthouses. View all on the Lighthouses Directory.

Nearby Ports

Monterey

USMY3

2.6 NMSE

MOSS LANDING

USMLG

12.4 NMNE

Santa Cruz

USSRU

20 NMNNW

Capitola

USCGP

20.2 NMN

Corralitos

USTO3

22 NMNNE

Flash Characteristics

Characteristic Signature
Occ W 4s
Flash Type
Occ
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
4s

Physical Specifications

Focal Height
27m
Light Range
Not available
Status
ACTIVE
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.