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Admission-Free, The Point Bonita Lighthouse In Northern California Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination

Point Bonita Lighthouse in Northern California offers a historic and scenic day trip destination with spectacular views and a unique history.

Published Jul 7, 2022

Written by 

Lysa Allman-Baldwin

If you enjoy lighthouses, you’ll find many of them in Northern California. They each possess their own unique history and still light the way for sailing vessels along the coast. Admission-free, the Point Bonita Lighthouse near San Francisco is the perfect day trip destination.

At 168 years old, the Point Bonita Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in California.

A lighthouse perched on a rocky cliff, overlooking the ocean under a clear blue sky.
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr

It is located in the Marin Headlands about a 20-minute drive from the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, making it the perfect day trip destination.

Built in 1855, the Point Bonita Lighthouse was the West Coast’s third lighthouse.

A lighthouse on a rocky shore, connected by a white bridge, with people walking and a clear blue sky above.
mksfca/Flickr

Its sits at the very tip of Bonita Cove in Point Bonita, which is part of the Marin Headlands.

The views of this part of Northern California from the bridge to the lighthouse are spectacular!

A lighthouse on a rocky cliff, connected by a white bridge, overlooking the ocean under a clear blue sky.
Bogumil Kozera/Flickr

Local residents and visitors from across the state and further afield come here to learn about the history and to embark upon the Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail. Be aware that although extending only half-a-mile, the trail can be a bit steep in certain areas.

The lighthouse, which is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, is still active and its light can be seen for miles.

A lighthouse on a rocky shore, surrounded by fog, with a small building nearby and cables extending across the path.
Coast Guard News/Flickr

Like most lighthouses across the country, it is outfitted with a Fresnel lens, named after the famous French physicist and inventor, Augustin Fresnel.

Even at night the views of the Point Bonita Lighthouse are dramatic.

Silhouette of a lighthouse at sunset, with a bridge and people in the foreground against a colorful sky.
Alan Grinberg/Flickr

On those often very foggy times when the light can’t be seen, the lighthouse then uses an electric foghorn. When in use, every 30 seconds two blasts can be heard blaring from it.

You can explore the lighthouse and trail on your own or make a reservation for one of their docent-led guided tours at sunset. Either way, you’re sure to agree that a visit to this historic lighthouse is the perfect day trip destination.

Have you been to the Point Bonita Lighthouse? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there.

While in the area, be sure to visit the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito.

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