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Pescadero · Half Moon Bay · Pescadero · Coastside

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Coast · Lighthouse · Cliffs · Bluffs

A 115-foot lighthouse on a rocky promontory between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, one of the tallest on the West Coast. Open grounds with dramatic Pacific bluffs and a hostel tucked beneath the tower.

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You may see a few photos from nearby locations here. Many shoots span multiple spots in the same session.

What it costs
$950 – $1,950
Typical range for a session at Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Where you land comes down to the session you choose. A shorter weekday session sits at the low end; a weekend session with more time and more edited photos sits at the top. There's no deposit, and you pay after the shoot, not before.

Ready when you are

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

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From the photographer
Chris Schmauch
by Chris Schmauch, owner of GoodEye Photography

A 115-foot lighthouse on a rocky promontory between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, one of the tallest on the West Coast.

A 115-foot lighthouse on a rocky promontory between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, one of the tallest on the West Coast. Open grounds with dramatic Pacific bluffs and a hostel tucked beneath the tower. About 50 miles south of San Francisco on Highway 1.

What to expect

The lay of the land

Footwear
Sand-friendly shoes or barefoot work best. Heels sink; long bridal trains pick up sand. Flats are great for the walk down and back.
Best Time of Day
Golden hour, about 45 minutes before sunset. Low sun at that hour is what flatters skin and water alike. Midday and overcast sessions still work — softer light, less depth.
Best Season
Year-round. Winter and spring produce the cleanest light; summer marine layer adds atmosphere rather than killing sessions.
Weather
Coastal fog can linger from June through August but softens midday light rather than ruining it. Light rain, mist, and wind don't stop us.
Privacy
Public access — expect other people around. Long open stretches let us settle apart from foot traffic; weekday or off-peak sessions are noticeably quieter.
Drive times

Getting here

Downtown Half Moon Bay8 min
Pescadero20 min
San Francisco45 min
San Jose50 min
Santa Cruz1 hr
Approximate, off-peak driving.
Worth knowing

A few things about Pigeon Point Lighthouse

  • West-facing — the last stretch of good light runs right into blue hour, especially clear winter evenings.

  • Exposed — wind picks up in the afternoon. Bring layers + a hair-tie if it's a coast cliff.