• Tips for Visitors
• Accessibility

Point Bonita is located at the extreme southwestern tip of the Marin Headlands. The steep, half-mile walk to Point Bonita Lighthouse takes you along a narrow ridge, through a hand-chiseled tunnel, and over a heart-stopping suspension footbridge to what seems like the end of the world. California's coastline stretches north and south, the Pacific rolls away to the west, and San Francisco glitters inland.

Point Bonita is still an active lighthouse maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Originally sited on a hill above the current location, the lighthouse was first built in 1855 (the third lighthouse to be built on the West Coast) after San Francisco's infamous fog sent many a ship crashing against the headlands' rocky shoreline. It was moved to its current location in 1877. Early lighthouse keepers fired a cannon every half-hour in foggy weather, day and night. This sentinel now operates automatically, sending a flashing beam of bright light out into the fog and issuing periodic warning blasts.

Apart from the lighthouse, sights along the trail include the ruins of an historic Coast Guard rescue station, wildflowers, and pillow basalt rock formations. Take a guided tour or explore the lighthouse on your own. Check times of tours in advance.

Old army buildings near Point Bonita are now used by the YMCA Outdoor and Conference Center, available to groups and conferences for environmental education programs.

Tips for Visitors

• No more than five cars may park at Point Bonita parking area. Available parking is limited, often crowded, and is not guaranteed.
• Battery Wallace, near the Point Bonita trailhead, is one of the parklands' most scenic picnic spots, complete with tables and grills overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge (no water on site).

This site presents extreme difficulties for visitors with disabilities.