| Lighthouses have always been very intriguing to me. | | | | the bay. Remember, it is rustic, with limited utilities. It is |
| There is something magical about these dwellings as | | | | open for day tours to explore during the summer as |
| they stand alone on the seashore ready to offer | | | | well. |
| assistance with their flashing lights and fog horns to | | | | East Brother Light Station, Elan and Katy Stewart - |
| ships during storms. | | | | Lighthouse Innkeepers |
| Lighthouses are considered castles of America, | | | | If you are looking for more of an economical stay, |
| offering history and sharing many tales from the | | | | travel south of San Francisco, on the coast, to Point |
| Lighthouse Inn-keepers. It is fascinating to listen to the | | | | Montara Lighthouse. This Lighthouse was established in |
| folklore stories these inn keepers share with us. | | | | 1875 on one of the more treacherous coastlines |
| Lighthouses are actually sprinkled across the United | | | | because of the heavy fog known to San Francisco. It |
| States and most prominent on the east and west | | | | has been restored and preserved by Hostelling |
| coastlines and in the Great Lakes region. Are there | | | | International - American Youth Hostels and CA State |
| actually Lighthouses that offer overnight | | | | Parks in cooperation with the US Coast Guard and is |
| accommodations to you? | | | | open for people to partake the mystic ways of a |
| Let's go on a private tour of a sampling of northern | | | | Lighthouse. You might enjoy the occasional great view, |
| California Lighthouses. Did you know there are 3 | | | | as it is not always surrounded by the fog. There are |
| Lighthouses locally in the San Francisco bay area | | | | opportunities for hiking and with plenty of attractions to |
| available to spend the night in? All three are | | | | see in the vicinity around this house. |
| approximately 45 minutes from the cities of San | | | | Point Montara Light station |
| Francisco and San Jose. | | | | Always a favorite, the next Lighthouse is further south, |
| The first Lighthouse we will explore is the East Brother | | | | on Highway One, south of Half Moon Bay. At 115 ft., |
| Light Station in San Pablo Bay. This Light Station is one | | | | Pigeon Point Lighthouse, is one of the tallest |
| of the oldest operating lighthouses on the west coast | | | | Lighthouses in America. Even though the actual |
| complete with a working lens and a fog signal that you | | | | Lighthouse was closed recently in 2001, because of |
| will become familiar with. It is a Bed & Breakfast | | | | damage, the grounds and the hostel are still open to |
| Inn, open Thursday through Sunday where you may | | | | stay at. Half hour guided history walks around the |
| spend the night. You will receive a gourmet dinner and | | | | lighthouse grounds are available 10am - 4pm Friday |
| breakfast during your stay along with a tour of the | | | | through Sunday, except on rainy days. |
| grounds. Your dollars spent here have an impact as | | | | It is great to be adventurous and find some these |
| they go directly to the non-profit organization that was | | | | places that we are still able to stray away from the |
| established for its upkeep and maintenance of the | | | | mainstream crowds in this congested region. Think |
| buildings. This stay is really for the adventurous, as you | | | | about it, this is right in the backyard of the greater San |
| have to park your car and travel by a boat that will | | | | Francisco bay area. Be alert to the loud and low sound |
| pick you up and take you out to this serene island in | | | | of the fog horns that you may hear! |