Point Bonita Lighthouse: A Beacon at the Golden Gate

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Explore a historic lighthouse offering stunning views of the Golden Gate and a glimpse into California's maritime past.

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Point Bonita Lighthouse

Perched at the entrance to the San Francisco Bay in the Marin Headlands, Point Bonita Lighthouse has guided ships through the treacherous Golden Gate Strait since 1855. This active lighthouse, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, offers stunning views and a glimpse into maritime history.

A brief summary to Point Bonita Lighthouse

San Francisco Bay entrance in the Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA, 94965, US
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Monday 12:30 pm-3:30 pm
Sunday 12:30 pm-3:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Point Bonita Lighthouse.

Check the opening hours before you go, as the lighthouse has limited visiting times.
Wear layers, as the coastal weather can be unpredictable and windy.
Parking is limited, especially on weekends, so arrive early or consider alternative transportation.
Bring binoculars to spot marine life like harbor seals, whales, and porpoises.

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Getting There

Driving

From Highway 101, take the Alexander Avenue exit just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Follow Alexander Avenue under the freeway and turn left onto Bunker Road. Continue on Bunker Road through the Baker-Barry Tunnel. Turn left onto Field Road and follow it to the Point Bonita parking lot. From the parking lot, it's a half-mile walk to the lighthouse. Parking is limited and can fill up quickly. Additional parking can be found at the YMCA lot before the Point Bonita lot. Expect potential short-term road closures due to ongoing infrastructure projects. There are no fees for parking.
Public Transport

Take Golden Gate Transit to Sausalito. From the Spencer Avenue Bus Pad in Sausalito, you can access trails into the Marin Headlands. Alternatively, you can walk or take a local bus towards the Marin Headlands. From there, follow Bunker Road to Field Road and the Point Bonita parking lot. The half-mile trail from the parking lot leads to the lighthouse. Golden Gate Transit fares vary depending on the origin and destination. Check the Golden Gate Transit website for schedules and fares.

Discover more about Point Bonita Lighthouse

Point Bonita Lighthouse, a historic sentinel standing guard at the Golden Gate, has been a crucial navigational aid for ships entering and exiting San Francisco Bay for over 150 years. Established in 1855, it was the third lighthouse on the West Coast, built to guide vessels through the often-perilous waters.Originally constructed on a high ridge 306 feet above the water, the lighthouse soon faced a challenge: its light was frequently obscured by the area's characteristic high fog. In 1877, it was relocated to its current, lower elevation of 124 feet. This move required the hand-carving of a 118-foot tunnel through solid rock, a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the builders. The lighthouse boasts a second-order Fresnel lens, which focuses the light into a powerful beam visible for 18 miles. The lens is only partially surrounded by prisms on the ocean side to reduce construction costs. Point Bonita also had the first fog signal on the West Coast, initially a 24-pounder siege gun.Today, Point Bonita Lighthouse is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, offering visitors a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and stunning views. The half-mile trail to the lighthouse is steep in places and includes a suspension bridge, adding to the adventure. Note that the suspension bridge is currently closed for maintenance. The lighthouse is open to the public during specific hours, and guided tours are available.