1. Point Montara Light Station

0

,

Cancel

Open app

Search

Point Montara Light Station

4.7 (12 reviews)
Open • 9:00 am - 10:00 pm

Point Montara Light Station Photos

You might also consider

More like Point Montara Light Station

Recommended Reviews - Point Montara Light Station

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Chris M.

Let me start off by saying that I've never spent the night at the hostel located here. However, I have stopped here a few times. Why? This place offers some magnificent views of the Pacific coast around Montara! The directors of the hostel have told us that there is no problem to stop, park and walk around (as long as we don't bother those staying at the hostel). If you're driving along Highway 1 between Pacifica to Half Moon Bay, take a short detour here. Plan to spend at least a half hour walking around the premises and beach area. You won't be sorry!

Tanmoy M.

This place is so beautiful. people are extremely amazing. i had such an wonderful me time birthday there. i can sit down there with a cup of tea whole evening. such an hidden gem it is.

Cute...so little compared to Pigeon Point lighthouse
Devo S.

This is such a cute little lighhouse! Shortest little lighthouse I've ever seen, but it's extremely photogenic, which is why we stopped by here near sunset time, so Hubby could take his pics. Sadly, the marine layer blew in over the horizon (y'all have seen that before), so the sunset was blocked and we didn't get that great, beautiful golden light you usually get at the end of the day that would light up anything with that soft golden glow. We still got a few pics, though... If you have a chance to visit, or are doing a coastal lighthouse picture-taking tour like we happened to be, be sure to have Point Montara Light Station's cute little lighthouse on your list of places to visit. If you're really dedicated, you can stay in the hostel that's on property as well...I don't do hostels because I'm too much of a snob (I need my hairdryer! And a shower. And a flushing toilet. And my own room. You get the picture)

Signage Entrance
Joshua B.

Quaint lighthouse right off of Hwy 1. We always try to visit lighthouses on our trips, and this was just a couple miles north drive from Half Moon Bay. Can't review about the hostel (not our cup of tea) but the grounds were clean and maintained. Cute small lighthouse with nice views of the ocean. Able to stop walk the small grounds take some pics.

Small lighthouse, gorgeous location and grounds
Julianna H.

This is a gem of a lighthouse! Yes it's a hostel but you can roam the grounds as a visitor, the sign says to limit your visit to an hour. We thought we wouldn't need that long, but there are a few paths up to a gorgeous view and also down to a private beach and it's really spectacular. We were the only ones there and it was peaceful and serene. We watched the pelicans fly by and the waves crashing on the rocks below. The lighthouse itself is small and you can't go in but the history is laid out there for you to read and it's just a beautiful spot.

Eddie H.

Point Montara is a neat lighthouse, but given that Pigeon Point is less than an hour away, it is doesn't get as much attention. Part of the reason is the location (sits on the same property as a hostel) and it does not sit out along a deep stretch of land like Pigeon Point. The lighthouse and the view is still good (great for photos) but lacks that mystique and scenic appeal. Nonetheless, it is still worth a stop along the Hwy 1.

See all

Photo of John G.
513
1115
10401

6 years ago

Helpful 36
Thanks 0
Love this 33
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Joan W.
114
540
1699

10 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Sadaf S.
27
191
89

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Tanmoy M.
314
75
102

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Devo S.
963
1018
3550

11 years ago

Helpful 16
Thanks 0
Love this 15
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Aiz B.
45
88
137

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Ask the Community - Point Montara Light Station

Review Highlights - Point Montara Light Station

“Yes it's a hostel but you can roam the grounds as a visitor, the sign says to limit your visit to an hour.”

Mentioned in 8 reviews

Read more highlights

Verify this business for free

People searched for Landmarks & Historical Buildings 151 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

Verify this business

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - Dorm Bedroom

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel

4.3(87 reviews)
0.0 km

Great non-profit hostel. The grounds are so beautiful, and the scenery is sublime. The staff was…read morehelpful, and love the kitchen (bring your own food) and common areas with games. A few small complaints - the bathroom sink required holding the lever down (annoying - had to turn on the shower to wash my face), and no USB port or power outlet near each bed like some other hostels, although they do have a power outlet in the room, and wifi. While you're in the area, check out Fitzgerald Marine Reserve during low tide to see the sea critters, and walk the Devil's Slide Trail. If you're new to hostels, google "tips for staying in a hostel". It's not a hotel.

I was going to chalk my experience up to just a grumpy old lady but after chatting with another…read moregroup who went in after us I'm going to change that to grumpy old racist lady I proposed to my girlfriend down the street from here and we came here to take some pictures with the lighthouse, upon passing the gate we were almost immediately approached by this grumpy old lady. Huffing and puffing yelling at us that this is a private property. I (VERY NICELY) told her that we were under the impression that there was an easement to the beach (which is true), she then goes to say that we didn't sign the digital waiver at the door, ok fair enough, I immediately tell her that we will go right away back up to the gate and sign the waiver. She then proceeds to yell at us about how we are not allowed to do professional photoshoots, okay lady I get that maybe I do look like a model (especially compared to her) but some friends with a camera isn't a professional photoshoot. I once again, nicely explain to her that I just proposed and we're just trying to get a few pics of the location and we will go sign the waiver right away. She proceeds once again to repeat herself about the waivers which I don't understand because I already said we would go sign it right away and her talking is actually what is preventing from us from going to sign the waivers. She then ironically says "it's unfortunate that this is what you will remember from your engagement day" like what?! LADY if you know you're ruining our day why are you doing this? but fear not it did not ruin our day because I will not let some old hag ruin my day so I once again tell her we will go sign the waivers, she then has the balls to tell me that "this is a non-profit, there is a donation box at the door" ok PAUSE I would be MORE than happy to donate $50, even $100 to your location but not after the way you just treated us. We end up walking back up to the gate to sign the waivers and run into another couple making their way down the hill. I jokingly told them to make sure they signed the waiver or they would get yelled at to which they told me they didn't and proceeded down the hill. We ended up running into them at the parking lot again and they told us that they lady gave them no trouble even though they didn't sign the waiver. I jokingly said to them it's probably because of race (we are asian, they were Caucasian) to which they replied that they really may have been the case because they had no trouble at all. It's unfortunate such a beautiful location is run by such an old grumpy lady. I 100% own it that we should have signed the waiver upon entry but if rules exist they should apply to everyone regardless or age/race/gender/etc.. and on top of that once I already told her we would go sign the waivers she could have easily sent us about our way but I can't imagine why she felt the need to continuously lecture and yell at us.

Photos
HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - The Surfside House Kitchen

The Surfside House Kitchen

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - The Surfside House Living Dining Room

The Surfside House Living Dining Room

HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - The Surfside House Stove

See all

The Surfside House Stove

Devil's Slide Coastal Trail

Devil's Slide Coastal Trail

4.6(147 reviews)
5.5 km

Immaculate views! It can get quite windy on certain parts of the trail once about a mile in but…read moreit's well worth the walk. There is a sharp incline, then decline back down with views of the water. My wife and I were able to bring our baby in the stroller, but it was a challenge at times. We turned around once we got to the really windy part, because we were worried about it being too much for the baby in the stroller, even with the cover up. If you're going to Pacifica on a Spring or Summer day, this is the perfect place to stop by. I went on a weekday, in the middle of the day and was able to find a park spot easily. I'm thinking on the weekend the lot gets filled up quickly, so I'd recommend getting there early.

We got there a little later than we wanted, knowing parking could be an issue, but we got lucky and…read morefound a spot in the north parking lot around 10:30 AM. I didn't count the spaces, but I'd guess there are maybe 15-20, including a small unmarked parking area just before you get to the main lot. The walk starts with about five minutes of a slight uphill climb before you start heading downhill toward the south parking lot. It's about 1.3 miles each way. Once you get past that first little climb, the rest of the walk is pretty easy and right along the water with some great views. One of the coolest parts is that you're actually walking along the old Highway 1. Once you reach the south parking lot, which looked like it had around 25-30 spaces, you can see the Devil's Slide bunker up on the hill. It's another 10-minute walk or so if you want to go check it out. Parking is really the only downside. Both the north and south lots are pretty small, and there aren't many other options nearby. If they're full, you can continue south on Highway 1 for about a mile to Gray Whale Cove, where there's additional parking. Overall, it's a really nice walk. Not difficult, great ocean views almost the entire way, and walking along the old highway makes it a little more interesting than your typical coastal trail.

Photos
Devil's Slide Coastal Trail - Devil's Slide Historical Landmark (bunker)

Devil's Slide Historical Landmark (bunker)

Devil's Slide Coastal Trail - Anyone know what this is?

Anyone know what this is?

Devil's Slide Coastal Trail - Tunnel near the south parking lot entrance

See all

Tunnel near the south parking lot entrance

Devils Slide Bypass Tunnel - Devils Slide Bypass Tunnel

Devils Slide Bypass Tunnel

4.3(20 reviews)
5.5 km

The "Devil's Slide Bypass Tunnels" aka "The Tom Lantos Tunnels" are bypass tunnels that allow for…read morethe safe routing of Highway 1 pass Devil's Slide. Opened in March 2013, it's a modern tunnel that provides a safer road without the threat of rock slides and closures. It's named after Congressman Tom Lantos, who was instrumental in securing funding for the project. I drive thru these tunnels, mainly southbound*, at least 1-3 times a week for work. It's a relatively straight, long tunnel, well lit with fans. Headlights should be ON in the tunnel. It's a pretty boring drive, and that's the way it should be. The tunnel is wide enough if you need to pull over. The old views are not lost. The old Highway 1 is now a trail. There are small parking lots on the north and south ends of the tunnels. The Devil's Slide Tunnels were built to create a safer Highway 1. *Why mainly southbound? Because I go to Half Moon Bay and take Rt 92 back to the freeways.

It's not as scenic of a drive as the old portion of highway 1 that it replaced, but it's a hell of…read morea lot safer to travel through. No more treacherous rockslides on this part of highway 1! Driving through this tunnel always makes me happy because I know what lies on the other end. Beautiful beaches, wonderful hiking trails, and some of the most scenic viewpoints in the Bay Area await you on the other end of this tunnel. The tunnel runs along the coast through San Pedro Mountain and connects Pacifica to Montara and beyond. If you're driving from Pacifica to Montara, you can still access the old portion of highway 1 by the last exit right before the tunnel entrance, or the first exit right after you exit the tunnel. This part of highway 1 has since been designated as a pedestrian only path known as the Devil's Slide Coastal Trail. It's one of my favorite trails to hike/walk in Pacifica, and it's also a popular tourist destination. It's sad that this part of highway 1 had so many terrible rockslides over the years, but I'm happy that they were able to finally replace this section with this tunnel. It's a lot safer and the old section of highway 1 has become such a gorgeous coastal pedestrian trail.

Photos
Devils Slide Bypass Tunnel - Devils Slide Bypass Tunnel

Devils Slide Bypass Tunnel

Devils Slide Bypass Tunnel
Devils Slide Bypass Tunnel

See all

Nike Missile Site SF-51

Nike Missile Site SF-51

4.0(5 reviews)
9.6 km

During the cold war era from approximately 1953 to 1979, the United States Army built and operated…read moreclose to 300 Nike missile firing batteries in the United States. There were over 33 along the coast of California alone and most are now dilapidated. I know of one in Marin Headlands (Nike Missile Site SF-88) that is still intact and is now a museum. These missiles sites were strategically placed and built along the coast as a last line of defense against Soviet bombers. If you been to Mt. Tamalpais in Marin or along the San Francisco coast and Fort Funston, they are prominent fixtures among the terrain on cliffs and bluffs. This particular site is on top of Sweeney Ridge in Pacifica, and it's the highest point in the area. On a clear day, you can see across the bay all the way to Mission Peak. There are several ways to hike up here: Sneath Lane Trail - (5 miles round-trip, 540 ft. elevation change) paved to the top of the ridge, begins at the end of Sneath Lane in San Bruno Baquiano Trail - (2 miles round-trip miles roundtrip, 550 ft. elevation change) follows a high ridge for great views, begins at the end of Fassler Avenue Mori Ridge Trail - (4 miles roundtrip, 1020 ft. elevation change) a steep climb on a service road through lovely coastal prairie, it starts at Shelldance Nursery off Highway One Skyline College Trail - (2.5 miles roundtrip, 700 ft. elevation change) leaves from Parking Lot #2, traverses two very steep and eroded slopes before leveling off at the ridge This site is now badly deteriorated and is in decay. However, there are cool works of art made by local graffiti artists. The view up here is spectacular as you can see all the way North Bay, East Bay and South Bay. You have a nice view of the airport and San Mateo Bridge to the east. However, you can't see the Bay Bridge from there since San Bruno Mountain is blocking your view. Weather permiting, you can catch a glimpse of Golden Gate Bridge looking pretty and grand as always. It's a cool part of the history of California and United States right in our own backyard, and it's worth the hike just to get up here.

"Please don't play with the missiles!"…read more This site has interesting historical value, but there's not a whole lot to see here anymore. It's conveniently located on the Sweeney Ridge hiking trail, and it's not very difficult to get here. So perhaps worth a visit one time, but don't get your hopes set too high.

Photos
Nike Missile Site SF-51 - The old, dilapidated buildings are no longer here and appears to have been demolished and removed.

The old, dilapidated buildings are no longer here and appears to have been demolished and removed.

Nike Missile Site SF-51
Nike Missile Site SF-51

See all

Pacific Coast Highway 1 - Hwy 1 South,  Pacifica

Pacific Coast Highway 1

4.9(28 reviews)
6.0 km

Pacific Coast Highway 1 is a beautiful highway in terms of views! It overlooks the Pacific, with…read morebreathtaking scenery, vistas, and beaches! Highway 1 is a lovely coast-hugger! I never made the complete trip of the entire (over) 656 miles of Pacific Coast Highway 1, but I've been on it to get to cities like Santa Monica and to Venice Beach with its famous Muscle Beach outdoor weight lifting, skateboarding park, and the fun boardwalk brimming with shops and performers, fortune-tellers and boutiques! Thank you Pacific Coast Highway 1 for taking us to some of the loveliest, most memorable places in California!

I have been on every mile of the PCH as a kid throwing up in the back seat of a white convertible…read morecaddie with the top down north of San Simeon where the road twist and turns like a corkscrew to later in life jamming gears in a 6 speed tricked out Miata around this same curves and others and barely holding onto the road.  Also road trips from where it hooks in at 5 in the south all the way to Legget at the 101.  As a California boy I lived for the coast so was on some part of the PCH all the time. I use to think of PCH just as in the south state since it's referred as that more down there. Not as much in NorCal. Usually just the 1 but still it is the Pacific Coast Highway. The south state it passes through most all the beach towns until south of San Simeon til you hit Carmel. There are a few more here but different vibe than the ones further south. Continuing north through San Francisco across the Golden Gate bridge into hipster old school hippie rich Marin and on to the north coast. This is probably the stretch I love the most. Insane views and great towns with some of the best unknown bars, beer halls and restaurants in the state. Traveling the PCH is not a destination it is a journey along the California coast and all it has to offer and you should take your time to enjoy and soak in the history. As a invertebrate biologist student and mycologist back in the day I have spent an insane amount of time on the coast at all hours of the night and day chasing low tides and camping along the way in designated campsites and usually some hideaway of the road so I know it well. Take your time and enjoy the beach towns and beaches in the south and the rugged coastline and establishments along the way.

Photos
Pacific Coast Highway 1 - Hwy 1 South,  Pacifica

Hwy 1 South, Pacifica

Pacific Coast Highway 1 - Beach

Beach

Pacific Coast Highway 1

See all

Point Montara Light Station - landmarks - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...