Pigeon Point Hostel: Where Lighthouse Views and Oceanside Hottub Converge

Pigeon Point Hostel in Pescadero, California offers travelers spectacular ocean views from an outdoor hottub. Fifty miles south of San Francisco and 27 miles north of Santa Cruz, Pigeon Point lighthouse is the second tallest on the west coast, in operation since 1872. Hostelling International converted the three former lighthouse keeper's cottages into guest facilities.

While soaking up the evening salt air in the outdoor hottub, visitors to Pigeon Point's lighthouse hostel can watch brown pelicans and Pacific harbor seals and in the right season might catch a glimpse of a gray whale.

Approaching Pigeon Point Lighthouse, we drove up the winding road in a fog so dense, my husband struggled to distinguish the pavement. Nervously peering out the windshield on the passenger side, I strove to identify looming disasters before we drove head-on into them. We were looking for a nearly invisible turnoff, a small dirt road leading toward the ocean. As we neared, we could follow the beam of light from Pigeon Point Lighthouse until it circled away from us. Then we were helpless until it circled around to us again. Like a ship lost at sea. This drive demonstrated poignantly why ships need lighthouses to guide them through the foggy night.

The 3 picturesque cottages each contain a shared kitchen and living room, while guests of the Pigeon Point Hostel may choose shared or private sleeping rooms. Some rooms offer private baths, while others come with shared bathrooms. The cottages provide wi-fi access. The cottages are clean and well-maintained.

We chose Pigeon Point Hostel specifically to enjoy the lighthouse ambiance, but the enticement of an oceanside hottub cemented the decision. Although we were en route from Santa Cruz to San Francisco when we stayed there, we were delighted to find nearby attractions such as the Butano State Forest, an uncrowded wood where our young children could experience majestic redwoods. Año Neuvo State Reserve is also nearby, a haven for breeding sea lions and elephant seals. The reserve is the largest mainland breeding colony in the world for the northern elephant seal, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Pescadero Marsh, a refuge for blue heron, is one of several nearby cliff-backed beaches where Pigeon Point lighthouse hostellers might choose to swim.

Pigeon Point Hostel is located off Rt. 1 at 210 Pigeon Point Road in Pescadero, California, tel. 650-879-0633. Private rooms range from $59 to $111 per night depending on occupancy, while 6-bedded dorm rooms cost $23-25 per adult and $11.50 to $12.50 per child . Hostel membership is required and daily membership can be purchased on site for $3 per day.

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Año Neuvo State Reserve
Pescadero Marsh