With Poets, Kent Leatham, Anne Mitchell, Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts & Laura Schulkind
Hike the paved road to Point Sur Lighthouse, enjoy a sunset picnic in The Barn, then walk back by moonlight while four poets read. This guided, docent-led evening blends coastal geology, history, and live literature for a singular Big Sur night.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–4.5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to manage a paved 360-foot ascent and a return descent with some stair sections
Wildlife
History
Point Sur Lighthouse dates to the late 19th century and has served as a navigational landmark for mariners along the Big Sur coast.
Conservation
Stick to paved paths and marked areas to protect fragile coastal scrub; small-group programs help limit impact and support docent stewardship.
Tor House Foundation
With Poets, Kent Leatham, Anne Mitchell, Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts & Laura Schulkind
Tor House Foundation preserves and programs Tor House and Hawk Tower in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, presenting guided tours, poetry readings, and interpretive events focused on the life and work of Robinson Jeffers. The Foundation offers curated visitor experiences that connect the site's architecture, gardens, and coastal setting with Jeffers’ literary legacy.
Programming includes a range of small‑group opportunities: the Guided Tour of Tor House & Hawk Tower (a 1.5‑hour tour limited to intimate groups of six), Poetry & the Natural World (a coastal walk and discussion led by geologist Fred Hochstaedter and poet Laura Schulkind with an optional house tour), and public readings such as Present Connections: Contemporary Latinx Poets and Robinson Jeffers and A Reading at Tor House featuring former Poet‑in‑Residence John Dotson and Fellow Neale Inglenook.
The Foundation works with poets, scholars, and subject‑matter presenters to deliver events that emphasize place‑based interpretation and close engagement. Limited‑capacity tours and curated readings support thoughtful conversation, respectful access to the site, and meaningful cultural experiences. As the steward of a historic literary property, the Foundation prioritizes preservation, educational programming, and seasonal events that invite visitors to explore the natural world and poetry at Tor House and Hawk Tower.
Location
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Historic coastal community
Small Groups
Groups of 6
Intimate tours for deeper engagement
Tour Length
1.5 hours
Guided tours and events
Experiences Offered
4 unique events
Tours, walks, readings, and talks
Book guided tours, poetry walks, or readings at Tor House & Hawk Tower — small groups and limited seating.
Dress in layers
Coastal evenings can shift from warm sun to cold wind after sunset—bring a warm jacket and hat.
Bring a bagged picnic
The program provides seating space but not full meals; pack easy-to-carry food and water.
Request ride ahead of time
If you need a ride to the top, call 831-624-1813 by the stated deadline to reserve docent-arranged transport.
Bring a light for the return
A small headlamp or flashlight helps on the moonlit descent if the moon is obscured by clouds.
Supportive walking shoes
Stable footwear helps on the paved rise and stair sections.
Warm jacket or wind shell
Coastal wind and evening temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
Headlamp or small flashlight
Useful for the moonlit walk back if the moon is low or clouds roll in.
Bagged picnic and water
Bring your own picnic to enjoy during the readings in The Barn.