An easy coastal escape from San Francisco for lighthouse lovers, nature seekers, and slow-roadtrip fans.
If you’re looking for a short, scenic getaway from San Francisco that trades city crowds for ocean air, rugged cliffs, and historic lighthouses—you’re going to love this one. I’m in Northern California pretty often visiting friends and this time I decided to turn it into a mini road trip.
Instead of packing my schedule in the city, I wanted to lean into nature. While searching for unique places to stay near San Francisco, I stumbled upon two lighthouse hostels along the Northern California coast—only about 30 minutes apart. That was all the convincing I needed.
I’ve always been a sucker for lighthouses, so this felt like a dream itinerary in the making.
Weekend Trip from San Francisco:
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Day 1: Coastal Road Trip + Point Pigeon Lighthouse Hostel
Leaving the Bay Area
I left my friend’s place in Alameda (East Bay) around 10:00 AM to avoid peak traffic. If you drive straight to Point Pigeon Lighthouse Hostel, it’s about 1.5 hours, but I highly recommend taking your time.
The drive itself is half the magic—rolling hills, forested backroads, and stretches of farmland dotted with nurseries and small farms. Most places weren’t open yet since it was a weekday morning, but it’s absolutely a route I’d come back to explore more intentionally.
Along this stretch of coast, there are dozens of state beaches scattered between South San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and beyond—perfect for a choose-your-own-adventure kind of road trip.
Pro Tip: California State Park Pass
If you’re a California resident, head to your local library and check out a California State Parks Pass. It covers 200+ parks statewide and is essential for road trips like this.
Otherwise, expect to pay $5–$15 per park for parking. Most beaches use self-service fee stations, and enforcement can vary—so park/pay at your own risk.
San Gregorio State Beach
San Gregorio State Beach was my first stop—and easily one of the most interesting beaches I’ve seen along this part of the coast.
The beach is completely covered in driftwood, with artists and visitors creating hundreds of wooden structures you can wander through (and even sit on). It feels a bit like an outdoor art installation meets wild coastline.
I recommend walking up the hill near the parking lot for a higher vantage point. From there, you can see the wide open expanse of beach on the other side, backed by dramatic cliffs.
Wildlife lovers will be happy here too—I spotted several blue herons along the trails and shoreline. I easily spent about an hour wandering, exploring, and soaking in the views.
Pomponio State Beach
Just a few minutes down the road is Pomponio State Beach, a peaceful spot with:
- Sandy oceanfront views
- A small lagoon
- Picnic tables and barbecues
A large flock of seabirds was hanging out in the lagoon when I visited. They were right in the middle of bathing, so it was a flurry of flapping wings and splashing water—super fun to watch.
This ended up being my lunch stop, and it was incredibly peaceful. Only a handful of other people were around, making it a perfect low-key break before continuing on.
Bean Hollow State Beach & Pebble Beach
Bean Hollow State Beach is a one-mile stretch of the San Mateo coastline with two main areas:
Pebble Beach
True to its name, Pebble Beach is covered in smooth, ocean-polished stones. It’s a unique beach, and while it’s tempting—collecting pebbles or anything else is prohibited.
Bean Hollow Beach
Bean Hollow Beach itself features a small sandy cove bordered by rocky tide pools—great for exploring at low tide.
The two beaches are connected by the Arroyo de los Frijoles Trail, a scenic one-mile coastal trail with interpretive panels for a self-guided walk.
Full honesty: I attempted the hike but turned back when I reached a stream crossing on the beach (I was wearingwalking shoes). I ended up driving to the second parking lot instead. The section I did walk was beautiful, though—just wear hiking sandals or water-friendly shoes if you plan to do the full trail.
Even if you don’t hike, Pebble Beach alone is worth a stop.
Checking In: Point Pigeon Lighthouse Hostel
By mid-afternoon, it was time to head to Point Pigeon Lighthouse Hostel for check-in around 3:30 PM.
I normally don’t stress about early check-in—but this hostel is special.
The Cliffside Hot Tub Experience
There’s a small, private cliffside hot tub overlooking the ocean that can be reserved in 30-minute slots, and reservations are first-come, in person only, starting at check-in.
- $10 per person per slot
- Four people max
- Sunset slots go fast
Even though I arrived around 3:15 PM, the sunset slot was already taken. I assumed it was someone who had stayed the night before and got first dibs. I grabbed the time right before sunset—and honestly, it worked out perfectly. Clouds rolled in later anyway, softening the light and making it extra moody.
We loved it so much that we booked the tub again after dinner. While it was cloudy that time, I can only imagine how incredible the stargazing would be on a clear night!
Staying at the Hostel
I convinced one of my friends to join me for the night, and we split a private triple room for about $140/night.
The room was simple:
- A bunk bed
- Small table and chair
- Shared bathrooms
- Access to a communal kitchen and common areas
They also offer dorms, doubles, and family rooms, and prices vary by season—but overall, it’s affordable for such a jaw-dropping location.
You’re perched right on the cliffs, with the lighthouse just steps away and the Pacific Ocean right outside your window.
A Quick Note About the Lighthouse
At the moment, the actual lighthouse building itself is under construction as part of a revitalization project and won’t be open to the public until spring 2027. While you can’t go inside right now, it honestly didn’t take away from the experience at all. The setting, cliffs, and ocean views are still incredible—and I will 100% be coming back once the restoration is complete.
Dinner in Half Moon Bay
For dinner, we drove about 20 minutes north to Half Moon Bay, where there are tons of great dining options. We chose a cozy Mediterranean restaurant, but you really can’t go wrong here—plenty of seafood, casual spots, and sunset-friendly restaurants to choose from.
Optional Stop: Año Nuevo State Park
I didn’t make it to Año Nuevo State Park this time, but it’s worth mentioning.
It’s famous for its elephant seals, and during breeding and pup season, access is restricted to guided tours only. Tours book up well in advance, and when I checked about a week out, everything was already full.
If seeing elephant seals is on your list, definitely plan ahead.
Day 2: Redwoods, Marshes & a Second Lighthouse
Slow mornings, wildlife stops, and sunset cliffs along the Northern California coast.
Sunrise at Point Pigeon
I got up early to catch sunrise at Point Pigeon, walking around the cliffs and snapping photos of the lighthouse as the sky slowly shifted colors. Even with the lighthouse building itself under construction, the morning still felt incredibly peaceful—cool air, crashing waves below, and that quiet, end‑of‑trip calm that always sneaks in.
By the time I wandered back, my friend was awake and packing. She may or may not have decided to call off work after that (I like to think I’m a very good influence), which meant we suddenly had a full extra day to explore together. Truly the best kind of unexpected plan.
Butano State Park
Our first stop was Butano State Park, a small and very underrated park about 20 minutes inland from the coast, tucked into the hills and forests around Pescadero.
If you love redwoods but don’t love crowds, this place is a dream. The trails were quiet, the forest felt lush and green, and we barely saw anyone else the entire time. One thing to watch out for here: banana slugs. They were everywhere, slowly cruising across the trail, so keep an eye on where you step.
Little Butano Creek Trail
We walked the Little Butano Creek Trail, one of the shorter trails in the park. It’s flat, scenic, and perfect if you want an easy redwood walk without committing to a longer hike. A great stop if you’re road‑tripping and want something peaceful but not exhausting.
Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve
After our forest wander, we headed back toward the coast to Pescadero Marsh Trail—a stop I was especially excited about.
I’m a bit of a birdwatching nerd, so marshes like this are always high on my list. This is a short, flat walk that’s great for wildlife spotting. When we visited, most of the activity was migratory ducks hanging out in the wetlands, but I’d imagine this place really comes alive during dawn and dusk, when even more birds and animals tend to appear.
The landscape here feels completely different from the redwoods—open, breezy, and full of quiet movement.
Lunch Stop: Sam’s Chowder House
By late morning, we were ready for lunch and headed to Sam’s Chowder House.
The food here is genuinely excellent, but the real star is the patio overlooking the harbor. This place fills up fast, so I highly recommend coming early or on a weekday if you can.
After lunch, we took a short walk around the harbor before splitting up—my friend headed back to the East Bay, and I continued north toward the second lighthouse of the trip.
Mavericks Beach
On the drive up, I stopped at Mavericks Beach, the legendary surf spot known for its massive waves.
The waves here are very seasonal, so it doesn’t always look like the dramatic photos you’ve probably seen. There weren’t any surfers out when I visited, but it was still worth stopping. I wandered the beach and explored a few nearby trails for sweeping coastal bluff views.
There’s also an abandoned WWII-era tugboat that lies shipwrecked next to the beach in the outer harbor of Pillar Point.
Cypress Tree Tunnel at J.V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Next was one of my favorite spots in Northern California—the Cypress Tree Tunnel at J.V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
I love a good tree tunnel, and between this one and the famous Point Reyes version—it’s truly chef’s kiss. The lighting can be tricky for photos, but it’s still a magical place to walk through and usually not too crowded.
There are often seals sunbathing on the beach below, and if you’re lucky, you can spot them from above. You can also access the beach from here. The area has picnic tables, bathrooms, and informational signs near the parking lot, making it an easy place to linger.
Montara State Beach
From there, I checked out Montara State Beach for a little while.
Several surfers were out in the water, and there are a few coastal bluff trails nearby if you want to stretch your legs or get a different view of the shoreline. It’s a low‑key stop but a nice one if you’re already in the area.
Sunset: Gray Whale Cove State Beach
For sunset, I headed to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, and it absolutely delivered.
Cliffs surround this sandy cove, and whales are often spotted close to shore here during migration season. To reach the main viewpoint, you’ll need to cross the road and hike down a short trail.
I didn’t have time to find my way all the way down to the beach, but even from above it looked incredibly peaceful. The sunset that night was brilliant—it’s been a long time since I’ve seen the ocean reflect so much light and completely illuminate the horizon. One of those moments where you just stop and take it all in.
Dinner + Overnight: HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel
After sunset, I grabbed dinner at Taqueria El Timon—great tacos and exactly what I wanted after a long day of exploring—then headed to HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel for the night.
This hostel has a cozy, old‑cabin feel and sits closer to town, tucked off a small turnout road that I completely missed the first time (it was dark), so definitely keep an eye out. There’s a gated entrance, which keeps it closed off from the public and feeling tucked away.
The small New England–style lighthouse here is operational and incredibly charming. Fun fact: it’s one of the only lighthouses to have operated on both coasts of the U.S. and was once considered lost for years until someone recognized it by chance.
The hostel itself isn’t as well maintained as Point Pigeon—the buildings, kitchen, and dorms are older—but in a way, that made it feel more authentic and cozy.
When I stayed, the guests leaned much older (mostly retirees), which did make dorm sleeping a bit challenging—older folks tend to sleep louder. The upside? Everyone went to bed early and woke up early. When I was getting ready for sunrise around 6:30 AM, I was actually the last one awake, which made the morning feel calm and easy to navigate.
If your travel style favors early mornings, quiet evenings, and a cozy, lived‑in feel, this hostel fits the vibe beautifully.
Day 3: Sunrise Vibes, WWII History & the Best Taco Bell Ever
Early mornings, coastal history, light chasing, and a very iconic lunch stop.
Sunrise at Point Montara Lighthouse
I kicked off the last day with another early morning, because once you’re staying next to a lighthouse, sunrise is basically mandatory.
I stepped outside the hostel to catch the sun coming up over the ocean and just soaked in the calm, quiet vibes. There’s a small path right next to the hostel that leads down toward the bluffs—and eventually the beach—but I stayed up top this time, slowly wandering around the grounds and taking in the sweeping ocean views. Cool air, soft light, and barely anyone around… a pretty perfect way to start the day.
Devil’s Slide Bunker (WWII History Stop)
After packing up, I headed to my first stop of the day: the Devil’s Slide Bunker, perched on Devil’s Peak.
The bunker was originally built during World War II as a triangulation and observation station. Back when it was active, a lookout would sit here with binoculars, scanning the ocean for enemy ships. If anything suspicious appeared, they’d radio a massive six-inch gun nearby—which could take care of the problem before ships ever got close to shore.
With modern missile defense systems, the site eventually became obsolete and was abandoned in 1949, leaving behind this quiet, empty bunker overlooking the Pacific. It’s a fascinating (and slightly eerie) glimpse into coastal defense history.
Optional Walk: Devil’s Slide Trail
On the other side of the parking lot is the Devil’s Slide Trail, a 1.3-mile multi-use path converted from an old stretch of Highway 1.
The trail runs high above the ocean and includes benches, overlooks, and observation scopes where you can pause and take in the rocky coastline below.
Personally? I thought the trail was nice, but nothing mind-blowing. If you’ve got time, it’s a pleasant walk—but if you’re short on time, I’d prioritize checking out the bunker and then keep moving.
Cypress Tree Tunnel (Round Two)
By around 9:00 AM, the sun had climbed higher, and I realized it might be the perfect time to revisit one of my favorite spots—the Cypress Tree Tunnel.
And it paid off.
I timed it just right and caught light rays streaming through the trees. I spent a solid ten minutes running around, trying to catch as many angles as possible before the light shifted. Totally worth the detour.
Gray Whale Cove Trails & WWII Remnants
After the tree tunnel, I headed back toward Gray Whale Cove, parking at the same trailhead I’d used the night before for sunset.
This area has multiple trails and loops, making it very much a choose-your-own-adventure kind of hike. Along the way, you’ll see remnants of the Ocean Shore Railroad and additional World War II bunkers, still embedded in the landscape.
I took the north trail from the parking lot and walked for about 30 minutes before turning back. One of the abandoned bunkers along the trail is covered in graffiti and definitely interesting to peek into. It looked like someone may have used it as a temporary shelter at some point—there was a dog bed and a few other items inside—so I kept my visit brief and respectful.
Eventually, I reached a vantage point overlooking both the road and the ocean and decided that felt like a good place to call the hike.
Lunch Stop: Taco Bell Cantina, Pacifica
From there, I headed to lunch—and honestly, this might’ve been the most iconic stop of the entire trip.
I went to the Taco Bell Cantina in Pacifica, and yes, it fully lived up to the hype.
A $5 meal, ocean views, surfers in the water, and sunshine? Peak Taco Bell experience. 100/10, would recommend. I hung out here for about an hour, relaxing, warming up in the sun, and fully embracing the absurd joy of it all.
Rockaway Beach
After lunch, I continued a little farther north to Rockaway Beach.
It’s a cute, laid-back beach with switchbacks leading up to a viewpoint at the top of the hill, offering nice views of the coastline below. There were quite a few fishermen here, adding to the mellow, local feel of the area.
Heading Home
By early afternoon, the familiar coastal haze had rolled in—the kind that comes with sunny days along the coast. As a photographer, that soft white layer can put a damper on contrast and clarity, so I decided it was the perfect moment to call it.
I left around 1:00 PM to beat traffic and made it back to Alameda in about 40 minutes—one of the many perks of doing this trip midweek.
Final Thoughts
And just like that, the lighthouse loop came to an end.
This two-night, midweek coastal getaway was quiet, uncrowded, and incredibly easy—perfect for Bay Area locals or anyone visiting who wants a nature-forward escape without a long drive. Between lighthouses, redwoods, WWII history, wildlife, and ocean views, it packed in a lot without ever feeling rushed.
If you can swing it midweek, I can’t recommend it enough.
If you’re planning more adventures, be sure to check out my other California travel guides, including coastal road trips, national parks, and scenic day trips. And if you loved the dramatic landscapes here, you’ll definitely want to explore my guide to Point Reyes National Seashore in Northern California — another incredible stretch of coastline filled with windswept cliffs, wildlife, and unforgettable views.
P.S. Like the vibe of these photos?
I’ve turned some of my favorite travel shots into art prints over on my Etsy shop! Not every place I write about makes it into the shop, but if you’re into dreamy landscapes, vintage surfers, or just love a cute puffin, come take a look: Night Star Studio on Etsy
