The Point Reyes Lighthouse is located at the western-most point of the Point Reyes Headlands. Due to concerns that Point Reyes’ heavy fog could obscure the lighthouse, it was built 275 feet down the bluff. In 1975 the station was automated and in 1977 it was handed over to the National Park Service. The Lighthouse Visitors Center is located .04 mile from the parking lot and the lighthouse is down another 313 stairs.

During the winter months, Point Reyes Lighthouse is one of the best places along the California Coast to view the California Gray Whales on their annual migration from Alaska to Mexico.

As of May 2025, the Lighthouse Visitors Center and the stairs leading down to the lighthouse are open Thursdays through Mondays, 10 am to 4 pm; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The stairs are closed when wind speeds exceed 40 mph.