Piedras Blancas Light Station facts for kids
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| Piedras Blancas Light Station | |
 Piedras Blancas Light Station
Location in California
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| Location | Point Piedras Blancas San Simeon California United States |
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| Coordinates | 35°39′56.3″N 121°17′03.6″W / 35.665639°N 121.284333°W |
| Year first constructed | 1875 |
| Automated | 1975 |
| Foundation | masonry basement |
| Construction | brick tower |
| Tower shape | conical tower |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, black trim |
| Height | 70 feet (21 m) |
| Focal height | 142 feet (43 m) |
| Original lens | First order Fresnel lens made by Henri Lapaute |
| Current lens | VRB-25 |
| Characteristic | Fl W 10s. |
| Admiralty number | G3982 |
| ARLHS number | USA-598 |
| USCG number | 6-0265 |
Piedras Blancas Light Station is located at Point Piedras Blancas, about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) west by northwest of San Simeon, California. It was added to the California Coastal National Monument in 2017.
Contents
History and management
The first-order Fresnel lens at Piedras Blancas was first illuminated on February 15, 1875. The Piedras Blancas lighthouse was originally 100 feet (30 m) high to the top of the ventilator ball, but earthquakes damaged the structure over the years. On December 31, 1948, final damage from an earthquake centered 6 miles (9.7 km) off the point led to the decision to remove the upper three floors: the fourth landing, watch room, and lantern. Missing the ornate upper floors, the truncated lighthouse now stands about 70 feet (21 m) tall. The lens was moved and is on display in the nearby community of Cambria.
A sound signal was added in 1906.
In 1939, management was transferred from the United States Lighthouse Service to the United States Coast Guard. In 1975, the light was automated, the sound signal removed, and the light station was unmanned. A group of biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received permission to establish a biological research station in 1977. In 2001, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) assumed management of the site and was tasked to offer structured public access, allow site-specific research to continue, and restore the light station to its period of greatest historical significance (1875 to 1940). The Piedras Blancas Light Station Association is a non-profit partner of the BLM, helping to raise funds for restoration and maintenance.
The lighthouse continues to serve as an aid to navigation. A Vega VRB-25 produces a flash every 10 seconds. The light station is managed as a historic park and wildlife sanctuary.
The Piedras Blancas Light Station has been designated as an Outstanding Natural Area.
Access
Access to the 19-acre (7.7 ha) site is by guided tours, available every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (except federal holidays) year round. From June 15 through August 31, tours are offered Mondays through Saturdays (except federal holidays). The fee is $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6 to 17; and free for ages 5 and under. Special tours for parties of 10 or more may be arranged. The tour lasts two hours and includes the historic lighthouse and support buildings, wildlife viewing, and spectacular scenery along an easy half-mile interpretive trail.
Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery
The largest elephant seal rookery on the West Coast is located about a mile south of the lighthouse along California Highway One. A large parking area and boardwalk offer easy access to view the elephant seals. Docents from Friends of the Elephant Seal provide insight as to what the visitor is viewing. Open year-round.
Marine protected areas
Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve and Marine Conservation Area are marine protected areas offshore from Piedras Blancas Light Station. Like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.
Gallery
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Piedras Blancas, 2014.
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Tours of the Piedras Blancas Light Station are offered regularly.
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Native plants ablaze with color in early summer.
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Piedras Blancas Light Station viewed from the beach below, May 2020
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Sea otters rest and feed in the waters surrounding Piedras Blancas.
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