Point Bonita Lighthouse

 

The Point Bonita Lighthouse has welcomed people to the San Francisco Bay since 1855

NPS

Current Status

The Point Bonita Trail, which leads down to the lighthouse viewing platform, is accessible on the third Saturday of every month. Please view our calendar to see when the site is next open to visitors.

The suspension bridge that leads to the lighthouse is closed until further notice for visitor and staff safety. The viewing platform can be accessed during open hours.

For more information, please email [e-mail]

Know Before You Go

• The Point Bonita Trail is only open on the third Saturday of every month.
• Pets, bikes, and smoking are not permitted anywhere on the Point Bonita Trail.
• Parking is limited. Additional parking may be found at the Battery Alexander parking lot a short walk from the Point Bonita Lighthouse trailhead.
• Bring binoculars to catch a glimpse of the marine life that frequents the area, including harbor seals, whales, and porpoises.
• For more information please email: [e-mail]

A Brief History of the Point Bonita Lighthouse

Perilous passage

Despite the lighthouse, navigation through the Golden Gate continued to be dangerous. Over 300 ships ran aground during the Gold Rush years. The worst disaster occurred in 1901, when the steamer ship SS City of Rio de Janeiro collided with Point Diablo, near Point Bonita. The bulkheads of the ship weren't water tight, and those below deck were left in darkness as the steamer filled with water. The ship backed off the rock where it ran aground and sank in ten minutes along with 128 passengers.

Point Bonita through the Centuries

In 1874, the government approved plans for lifesaving stations at the entrance of Golden Gate. Twenty-five years later, in 1899, construction began on the Point Bonita US Life Saving Station. Plans called for a residence, cisterns, fire and storage sheds, a garage and sidewalks. Unsafe conditions due to inclement weather hindered construction.
Point Bonita Life Saving Station had two boats; a heavy lifeboat that was essential to navigating in the dangerous conditions of the rocky coast, and a surfboat, a lighter boat launched directly through the surf. Typically eight to ten men manned the lifesaving station, which was operated by the Coast Guard. Some say the brave men's motto was "You must go out, but you don't have to return."

From Cannons to Laser Foghorn

When Point Bonita is cloaked in fog, ships navigate by sound. Originally, a cannon gave the warnings, but this method was replaced first by a fog bell, and in 1874, a steam siren. Now, a laser beam is used to detect water and dirt particles on the light. When particles accumulate, an electric foghorn is triggered.

 

More Information

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  Walk along the continent’s edge

  Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail

  Harbor seals, up close geology and views of the Pacific can all be seen from this trail.

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  Point Bonita Lighthouse

  Learn About Point Bonita's History!

  Uncover the history of the Point Bonita Lighthouse.

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  Get directions

  Point Bonita Parking Lot

  Directions to the Point Bonita parking lot.