Piedras Blancas Light Station stands on a lonely point north of the elephant-seal beaches. The tower lost its upper section after earthquake damage, but the remaining lighthouse, outbuildings, and coastal setting still make a memorable stop.
Access is by scheduled guided tour rather than casual wandering. It is best for travellers who want the coast with a little human history attached: keepers, fog, shipping, and the practical edge of Highway 1 before it became a scenic drive.