Point Bonita Lighthouse: A Beacon at the Golden Gate

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.