Discover the Historic Charm of Point Bonita Lighthouse
Explore the iconic Point Bonita Lighthouse, a cultural landmark offering stunning ocean views and rich maritime history at the entrance of San Francisco Bay.
Nestled at the entrance of the San Francisco Bay in the stunning Marin Headlands, Point Bonita Lighthouse is a must-visit cultural landmark. This historic lighthouse, built in 1855, not only offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean but also invites visitors to explore its fascinating history and picturesque surroundings. A short hike through a scenic trail leads you to this iconic site, where you can learn about maritime navigation while enjoying the beauty of nature. Don't miss the chance to witness the dramatic coastal cliffs and the vibrant marine life that call this area home.
A brief summary to Point Bonita Lighthouse
- San Francisco Bay entrance in the Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA, 94965, US
- +1415-331-1540
- Visit website
- Monday 12:30 pm-3:30 pm
- Sunday 12:30 pm-3:30 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit on weekends when the lighthouse is open for tours.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the hike to the lighthouse.
- Check the weather before heading out, as fog can affect visibility.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning coastal scenery.
- Allow time to explore the surrounding Marin Headlands for more breathtaking views.
Getting There
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Bicycle
Start at Walnut Creek BART Station. Head north on N Main St towards Ygnacio Valley Rd. Turn right onto Ygnacio Valley Rd and continue until you reach the intersection with San Pablo Dam Rd. Follow San Pablo Dam Rd, which turns into the bike path towards the north. Keep going until you reach the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge bike path. Cross the bridge, then continue towards Sausalito. Once you reach Sausalito, follow signs to the Marin Headlands. Point Bonita Lighthouse is located at the San Francisco Bay entrance in the Marin Headlands. Expect a scenic ride of approximately 15 miles.
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Public Transit
Begin at Walnut Creek BART Station. Take the BART train towards San Francisco. Get off at the Embarcadero Station in San Francisco. From there, transfer to the Golden Gate Transit bus number 70 or 80. Get off at the 'Marin Headlands' stop. Follow the signs leading to Point Bonita Lighthouse. The bus ride and walk should take about 1.5 to 2 hours total.
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Walking
If you are up for a challenge, start at Walnut Creek BART Station and walk towards the east on Ygnacio Valley Rd. Then join the Iron Horse Regional Trail heading north. Follow the trail through the scenic paths until you reach the base of the Marin Headlands. This option is very strenuous and may take several hours, so be prepared with water and snacks.
Discover more about Point Bonita Lighthouse
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