Point Bonita Lighthouse at sunset

Point Bonita Lighthouse

Schwab image of the Point Bonita Lighthouse

Yes, this lighthouse at the southwest tip of the Marin Headlands is still active and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Getting there is a challenge, parking is limited and the 0.5-mile walk is steep and precarious. This spot, at the “world’s end,” is ruggedly beautiful. Nearby, old army buildings are used for environmental education programs.

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Plan Your Visit

Sun:
9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Mon:
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Thu - Fri:
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Sat:
9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Point Bonita Marin County
  • Very limited parking availability.
  • Battery Wallace, near the Point Bonita trailhead, is one of the parklands’ most scenic picnic spots with tables and grills overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Bring your own water when visiting.
  • Sights along the trail to the lighthouse include the ruins of an historic Coast Guard rescue station, wildflowers, and pillow basalt rock formations.
  • Discover Point Bonita’s wild landscape, geology, and fascinating history with a guided tour. Visit www.parksconservancy.org/events for details. Or explore the point on your own.
  • Download a higher quality audio tour in advance, that you can play on your own device.
  • More information about the lighthouse at NPS.

A Beacon in the Fog
The lighthouse was originally placed on a hill above the current location and built in 1855. Point Bonita was the third lighthouse to be built on the West Coast after San Francisco’s infamous fog sent many ships crashing against the headlands’ rocky shoreline. It was moved to its current location in 1877.

 

Events

Find your passion through the many events available at the park.

Visitors at the Nike Missile Site
Sat, Apr 06 12:00pm-3:00pm
NIKE Missile Site SF-88
Event
Sunny day at Point Bonita Lighthouse
Sat, Apr 06 6:00pm-7:30pm
Lighthouse Trailhead
Events
Visitors at the Nike Missile Site
Sat, May 04 12:00pm-3:00pm
NIKE Missile Site SF-88
Event
Sunny day at Point Bonita Lighthouse
Sat, May 04 6:00pm-7:30pm
Lighthouse Trailhead
Events

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Today
MondayMarch
18
Currently open!
Currently closed
Sun:
9:30 am-3:30 pm
Mon:
12:30 pm-3:30 pm
Tue - Wed:
Closed
Thu - Fri:
12:30 pm-3:30 pm
Sat:
9:30 am-3:30 pm

Weather Nearby

Few clouds
53°F
Few clouds

Upcoming Events

Visitors at the Nike Missile Site
Sat, Apr 06 12:00pm-3:00pm
Marin Headlands, Point Bonita
History, NPS

Nike Missile Site Veteran Open House

Veterans of the Nike site share their first-hand stories and experiences at the only restored Nike Missile Site in the country.

Sunny day at Point Bonita Lighthouse
Sat, Apr 06 6:00pm-7:30pm
Marin Headlands, Point Bonita
History, Interpretive Walks, NPS, Recreation/Wellness

Point Bonita Lighthouse Sunset Tour

Follow in the footsteps of a lighthouse keeper! Join docents for a guided sunset program, and learn about the geology, ecology, and history...

Visitors at the Nike Missile Site
Sat, May 04 12:00pm-3:00pm
Marin Headlands, Point Bonita
History, NPS

Nike Missile Site Veteran Open House

Veterans of the Nike site share their first-hand stories and experiences at the only restored Nike Missile Site in the country.