News

Each November, thousands of visitors gather to witness the annual lighting of the original first-order Fresnel lens at Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and to celebrate the anniversary of the first lighting more than 130 years ago. The annual celebration, instituted by Hostelling International more than a decade ago, has become so popular that the California State Parks department now acts as master of ceremonies by inviting the U.S. Coast Guard to switch the lights, and local community and environmental organizations participate as well.