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Point Bonita Lighthouse: A Beacon at the Golden Gate

4.7 (1217)

Explore a historic lighthouse with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean in the Marin Headlands.

Perched at the entrance of the San Francisco Bay in the Marin Headlands, Point Bonita Lighthouse has guided ships through treacherous waters since 1855. Accessible via a half-mile trail, a tunnel, and a suspension bridge (currently closed for repairs), this historic lighthouse offers stunning views and a glimpse into maritime history.

A brief summary to Point Bonita Lighthouse

  • Monday 12:30 pm-3:30 pm
  • Sunday 12:30 pm-3:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as the Marin Headlands can be windy and foggy.
  • Bring binoculars to spot marine life, such as harbor seals, whales, and porpoises.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking is limited.
  • There are portable toilets at the trailhead, but no drinking water, so bring your own.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Alexander Avenue exit. Follow Alexander Avenue under the freeway and turn left onto Bunker Road (marked for Fort Baker/Marin Headlands). Continue through the one-way Baker-Barry Tunnel (controlled by a traffic light) and stay on Bunker Road for approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Field Road and continue for about 0.7 miles to the Point Bonita Parking Lot. Additional parking is available at Battery Alexander, a quarter-mile down the road. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    From San Francisco, take the 92 or 130 bus towards Sausalito. Get off at the Sausalito-Lateral & Bunker Rd stop. From there, it's approximately a 5 mile journey to the lighthouse. Consider using a ride-sharing service or taxi to cover the remaining distance to the Point Bonita Parking Lot. A short ride may cost around $20-$30.

  • Walking

    From the Point Bonita Parking Lot, follow the half-mile Point Bonita Trail to the lighthouse. The trail is paved but steep in places. Pass through a tunnel to reach the lighthouse. Note that the suspension bridge is currently closed for repairs, limiting access to the viewing platform.

Discover more about Point Bonita Lighthouse

Point Bonita Lighthouse, a sentinel overlooking the Golden Gate, has safeguarded ships navigating the hazardous coastline of the Marin Headlands for over 150 years. Established in 1855, it was the third lighthouse on the West Coast. The original location, high on the cliffs, proved problematic due to the region's characteristic high fog, which often obscured the light. In 1877, the lighthouse was relocated to its current position closer to the water. This move necessitated the creation of a 118-foot hand-carved tunnel through solid rock. A suspension bridge, mirroring the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in style, was added in the 1950s to span a gap created by erosion. Point Bonita was the last staffed lighthouse in California and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. The United States Coast Guard maintains the light and fog signal. The lighthouse is a testament to maritime innovation, originally boasting a second-order Fresnel lens and the first fog signal on the West Coast – a 24-pounder siege gun. Today, an electric fog horn emits two blasts every 30 seconds when triggered by a fog sensor. Note that as of July 2025, the suspension bridge is closed for repairs, and visitors can access the viewing platform but cannot enter the lighthouse.

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