Lighthouse Visitor Center — Attraction in Fairfax

Both of my visits were on the 'wrong' day, the visitor center was closed, but that did not deter me. The First time was August, a melancholy time, we had just spread my father's ashes. The day started off sunny, but knowing the weather of the coast, it can change. It did and the constant wind was blowing, there was a chill in the air. I still wanted to take pictures and I found what I was looking for - the fog slowly coming in, giving a slight mystical appearance to the road. It lead to a bend, what was around that bend? Little did I know that the second trip would not be without my wife. But the sun was shining (never fails on the coast - when you want sun, it is foggy, when you want fog, the sun shines). I tried to 'recreate' the first visit's picture. Did not, too far in and the sun was shining, BUT this time, there was no chill in the wind. I do intend to go a third time, in the autumn (when, unk)., and spend some time just sitting and viewing, it is such a beautiful place, with whom, that is another question, or just by myself. The roads (one time straight Sir Francis Drake Blvd and second out of Santa Rosa) have great beauty to be seen between the forests and the coast. Going to Point Reyes should not be a day trip, stop, take your time, enjoy the scenery, spend a night or two or however many. There is a lot to see and enjoy, either by yourself or someone you care for. I highly recommend visiting Point Reyes and making all of the stops...

The view from the top, before the stairs to the light house, is amazing. Go just for that view. The view: to the right is the coastline. Some large rock outcroppings at the shoreline have hundreds of birds on them. The distant sound of their chirping can be heard above whe wind and waves!

Know this, those stairs are difficult! You need to be somewhat fit, or you'll be sucking air like a fish out of water. They are not wide enough for two people to pass while stepping. The sign says the distance is equal to a 30-story building.

If you decide to venture to the lighthouse, you're in for a treat. So do your cardio and stair master to prepare!

The visitor center is thankfully before the stairs. Now, if you think getting to this point is a breeze, think again. You have to hike up a paved hill that, for some strange reason they don't allow anyone up, even to drop off handicapped

The parking lot is small for the number of visitors, so you'll probably park even farther downhill! Keep that in mind!

Restrooms are at the parking lot. So go before you GO to...

A beautiful place for a day trip! The ocean views are stunning and the lighthouse is a wonderful spot of California history.

A few things to note, though. It is a LONG drive out to the point. From the community of Inverness, it’s still almost an hour out to the point.

Parking is VERY limited in the provided spaces. Plan on parking up the road from the provided parking lot and walking. From the parking lot, it is almost half a mile walk to the visitors center. And it can be a little steep if you’re not used to it.

From the visitor center, there is the concrete stairs that go down to the lighthouse itself. The warning sign isn’t joking when it says it is a strenuous climb back up the stairs. It is!

The point is that you should be prepared for this adventure. It is worth it. I definitely recommend this place for anyone who like history...