Place

Lighthouse Observation Deck Picnic Table

A picnic table in the middle of a paved observation deck with a view looking out across the ocean.
Lighthouse Observation Deck picnic table.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts
Location:
The picnic table at the Observation Deck above the Point Reyes Lighthouse is located 0.5 miles (0.8 km) west of the parking lot at the western end of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Inverness, California. Geographic Coordinates: 37.99645, -123.02099

Picnic Table, Recycling, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trash/Litter Receptacles

One picnic table is located at the Observation Deck above the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Use of the picnic tables is free of charge and first-come, first-served.

Rules for Picnicking:

  • Leaving food unattended is prohibited.
  • Don't feed the wildlife.
  • Don't litter. Take all waste home or dispose of all waste in garbage and/or recycling receptacles provided. Please don't put any non-recyclable materials in recycling receptacles.
  • Leave No Trace. Do not carve into the picnic tables.
  • Gas Campstoves and Fires:
    • Visitors are welcome to use their own small portable gas campstoves. Be aware that this is a very windy location.
    • Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited. Visit our Beach Fires page for information about building wood fires in the national seashore.
    • Gas campstoves must be attended anytime they are generating heat.
  • If you move the picnic table, before you leave, move it back to where you found it when you arrived.
  • Groups of over 25 people who wish to picnic in the park must first obtain a permit. Because there are limited places in the park which can accommodate a picnic group of this size, and to minimize the impact of such a group on other visitors, a permit system is necessary for groups of 25 or more. Contact the Special Park Uses office by email for more information.

Basic Information

  • Picnic tables: one (1)
  • Charcoal grills: None.
  • Parking: The lighthouse visitors' parking lot is located ~0.5 miles (~850 meters) to the east at the western end of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. (Directions from the Bear Valley Visitor Center; Download the Point Reyes Lighthouse Area map. [247 KB PDF])
  • Toilets: Flush toilets are located ~500 feet (~150 meters) to the east.
  • Water: A drinking fountain and water bottle filling station are located ~500 feet (~150 meters) to the east.
  • Refuse disposal: Garbage and recycling receptacles are located ~280 feet (~85 meters) to the east.
  • Shade: None.
  • Exposure to wind: Very exposed.

Point Reyes National Seashore

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Last updated: October 10, 2024