Welcome to the Point Bonita Lighthouse!
CURRENT HOURS / DAYS OF OPERATION:
Fall/Winter 2024/2025:
(November 3, 2024 - April 30, 2025)
- * Sunday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm
* Ranger / Docent led "Light Chats" take place prior to opening at 12:15pm at the entrance to the Point Bonita Trail outside the tunnel
Spring/Summer 2025:
(May 2025 - October 2025)
When visiting the Point Bonita Lighthouse during any of the above open hours of operation, no reservation is required and visiting the site is free of charge.
** Please note: Point Bonita Lighthouse does close for inclement weather *
If the weather and/or air quality seem poor, please feel free to call our main phone line at (415) 331-1540 to reach our Interpretation/Education Ranger's Office to check if the site is open or closed -OR- email us @ GOGA_MarinHeadlands_Info@nps.gov
*** Please note: Access to the Point Bonita Lighthouse closes promptly at 3:20pm. This means that the last entry through the tunnel leading to the lighthouse is at 3:20pm sharp. To ensure access to the lighthouse please arrive well before this time.
Park Rangers and Docents will then conduct a closing sweep of the lighthouse and trail at 3:30pm sharp which is when all visitors must exit.
Sunset Tours
The final Sunset Tours of our 2024 season have taken place. Please check back for next season's / 2025 tour dates and/or check on recreation.gov
Sunset Tours offer a wonderful opportunity to see the lighthouse in all of its glory. A docent / ranger leads you on a guided hike to the lighthouse and shares knowledge about the geology, ecology, and history of Point Bonita. Tickets are required to attend the sunset tours and they are available on recreation.gov
A Brief History of the Point Bonita Lighthouse
A secret jewel of the Bay Area, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, built in 1855, was the third lighthouse built on the West Coast and helped shepherd ships through the treacherous Golden Gate straits. Today, the lighthouse is still active and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Discover Point Bonita's wild landscape, geology and fascinating history by hiking the partially steep half mile trail to the Point Bonita Lighthouse!
Tips and Highlights
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Pets and bikes are not permitted anywhere on the Point Bonita Trail.
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Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail.
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Site may be closed due to inclement weather. We test the winds periodically while the site is open. If winds get over 30 mph, we close the suspension bridge.
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Parking is limited. Additional parking may be found at the YMCA parking lot which is located before the Point Bonita Lighthouse parking lot on the righthand side.
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Make sure to bring your own water when you visit, and bring binoculars to catch a glimpse of the marine life that frequents the area, including harbor seals, whales, and porpoises.
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Check out the calendar for upcoming guided tours at Point Bonita.
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For more information please email: GOGA_MarinHeadlands_Info@nps.gov