California’s lighthouses have guided ships along one of the most dramatic and hazardous coastlines in North America since the mid-19th century. Built to help vessels navigate rocky shores, foggy headlands, and busy harbors along the Pacific Ocean, these lights played a vital role during the Gold Rush era when maritime traffic surged along the coast. Notable examples include Point Reyes Lighthouse overlooking the windy cliffs of Marin County, Pigeon Point Lighthouse—one of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast—and Point Sur Lighthouse perched dramatically above the rugged shoreline of Big Sur. Other historic lights, such as Alcatraz Island Lighthouse and Point Bonita Lighthouse, helped guide ships into the busy waters of San Francisco Bay. Today many California lighthouses remain active navigational aids while also serving as historic landmarks and scenic coastal attractions.