Point Bonita Lighthouse

Point Bonita Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse in the Marin Headlands, north of San Francisco. Located in Tamalpais-Homstead Valley, the lighthouse is situated atop a 300-foot bluff overlook San Francisco Bay. Built in 1855, it was the third lighthouse established on the West Coast. Visitors to the lighthouse can take a self-guided .75-mile trail from the Marin Headlands Visitor Center. The trail winds around a cliffside as visitors make their way to the lighthouse, offering views of the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. Once visitors arrive at the lighthouse, they can peek into the light keeper's residence. At the end of the trail, visitors can walk across the footbridge which leads to the lighthouse balcony. From the balcony, travelers can take in the amazing views of San Francisco Bay, the Farallon Islands, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors must obtain a free permit to access the lighthouse, which is open Thursdays through Mondays, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.