Pigeon Point Lighthouse Undergoes Restoration

Historic California lighthouse gets $16-18 million renovation to preserve its legacy and improve navigation safety.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Pigeon Point Lighthouse, a historic landmark along the California coast north of Año Nuevo, is undergoing a major $16-18 million renovation project to restore the tower, lantern room, and oil house. The lighthouse has a fraught history, with numerous shipwrecks occurring in the area prior to its construction in 1872, including the Carrier Pigeon, Sir John Franklin, Coya, and Hellespont. The renovation, supported by state funding and local organizations, will replace the automated beacon with the original Fresnel lens and make other improvements to ensure the lighthouse's continued role in safe navigation for years to come.

Why it matters

Pigeon Point Lighthouse has played a crucial role in guiding ships safely along the treacherous California coast for over 150 years. This renovation project will help preserve an important piece of California history and maritime heritage, while also ensuring the lighthouse can continue to serve its vital function of aiding navigation and preventing future shipwrecks in the area.

The details

The $16-18 million renovation project on Pigeon Point Lighthouse began in January 2024 and is expected to be completed this spring. The work includes replacing the current automated beacon with the original Fresnel lens that is currently housed in the fog signal room, as well as restoring the tower, lantern room, and adjacent oil house. The project is being supported by a state allocation as well as fundraising efforts by the California State Parks Foundation, Coastside State Parks Association, and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.

  • Pigeon Point Lighthouse went into service on November 15, 1872.
  • A fog signal began working at Pigeon Point in September 1871, prior to the lighthouse tower's completion.
  • The renovation project on Pigeon Point Lighthouse began in January 2024 and is expected to be finished this spring.

The players

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse located along the California coast north of Año Nuevo that has guided ships safely for over 150 years.

California State Parks Foundation

A non-profit organization that is helping to raise funds for the Pigeon Point Lighthouse renovation project.

Coastside State Parks Association

A local organization that is contributing to the fundraising efforts for the Pigeon Point Lighthouse renovation.

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

A non-profit that supports California state parks in the Santa Cruz area, including contributing to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse renovation.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The renovation project on Pigeon Point Lighthouse is expected to be completed this spring, at which point the original Fresnel lens will be reinstalled and the tower, lantern room, and oil house will be restored.

The takeaway

The Pigeon Point Lighthouse renovation project is an important effort to preserve a vital piece of California's maritime history and ensure the lighthouse can continue to play its role in safe navigation along the treacherous coastline for years to come. The $16-18 million investment, supported by state funding and local organizations, will help restore the lighthouse to its former glory and equip it with modern safety features.