Point Bonita Lighthouse

Point Bonita is a beautiful and peaceful spot with breathtaking views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. The walk to the lighthouse is short but scenic, with stunning cliffs and wildlife along the way. It’s a great place to escape the city and enjoy some quiet time by the coast. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

Our stay at this lighthouse was nothing short of magical. Perched right on the edge, it offers an unparalleled horizon ocean view that takes your breath away from sunrise to sunset. The location is truly gorgeous—secluded enough to feel like your own private escape, yet close enough to enjoy nearby attractions. The lighthouse itself is full of charm and character, blending historic ambiance with modern comforts. Whether you’re relaxing by the windows, strolling along the scenic cliffs, or simply enjoying the tranquil sound of waves crashing below, this place is an unforgettable getaway. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a serene and picturesque experience! Also lighthouse getting closed right before 4pm

Point Bonita Lighthouse is one of my favorite spots in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s wonderful to visiting in any weather but do anticipate some fog if you’re planning to visit. I have been twice and the weather was incredibly different each time (as shown in the photos) but it was lovely both times. Definitely consider bringing a good wind breaking jacket as this area is quite windy due to its proximity to the coast. The trail to get to the lighthouse is about 0.5 miles (804 meters) and is paved. It does have some steeper sections though so wear good shoes. The trail to the lighthouse is not pet (this includes leashed dogs) or bike friendly so please do not bring bikes or animals when visiting. There are park rangers around the lighthouse who give wonderful educational talks about the history of the lighthouse, the environment around the Marin Headlands (and Bay Area generally), as well as the importance of environmental conservation. Right now, the bridge to the lighthouse is closed due to safety concerns but is being repaired by engineers so they can open up access to the lighthouse again. Visiting Point Bonita is completely free and definitely worth visiting.

The visit to Point Bonita Lighthouse was interesting. We arrived on time to join a “chat” by the National Park Service that shared the history of the lighthouse. The chat occurs every Monday, Thursday, and Friday at 12:30. There are weekend times available but I do not remember the times. The bridge to the lighthouse is closed due to safety. The park ranger shared the government is inspecting the bridge for repairs. Bring a jacket.

As a lighthouse enthusiast who has visited hundreds of lights, I have to say...this one was so memorable. Its an absolutely beautiful walk out to the light. The cliffs, the ocean, the flowers, the wildlife...all wonderful! It was very windy today and the lighthouse ended up closing right after I visited...I was so grateful for the timing. If you are looking for a passport stamp ask the ranger, they will get that for you! You can go into the light building but not up to the lamp itself. Free to visit and SO WORTH THE TIME!

A great spot with a short walking trail where you can experience a different vibe and enjoy a much quieter atmosphere compared to other popular areas near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Visited this place with my girlfriend and wow it was one of the coolest lookout spots in the entire area. The walk down was quick and easy. It felt save as well which was nice. Definitely a great spot to visit.

It is one of the most beautiful views of the countryside in San Francisco that I've ever seen. It was amazing experiencing these awesome views with my grands for the first time. Cliff formations, waves crashing, beautiful flowers, and crossing the bridge to get to the light house. Making memories and moments for a lifetime for sure. The view of the city and the Golden Gate bridge was excellent as well!😉

Everything went well except we did not do our due diligence and check the light house hours. This is a great place to walk about

After many times seeing this lighthouse from across the water at Lands End, we decided it was finally time to venture over the bridge and check it out. Visiting the lighthouse is free, no cost for parking or to go inside. They are only open certain days of the week depending on the time of the year, so always a good call to check the website to make sure you can visit. From the moment you get out of the car and have visibility of the ocean the views are great! You can see the Golden Gate Bridge and much of San Francisco just about anywhere along the trail out to the lighthouse. Down by the lighthouse you can see a lot of open ocean, and if you're lucky like we were, you might even see some whale action off in the distance. They have docents at the bridge to the lighthouse and had one inside giving a talk. The room was pretty small so I wasn't able to go in, but one person in my party sat through it and said it was great and very educational. There's a short trail from the parking down to the lighthouse, about 1/2 mile each way. There is a bit of an incline, nothing too intense, but probably not the most accessible friendly. The trail is pretty wide until you get through the tunnel, at which point it narrows and switches from cement to dirt. Parking at the trailhead is limited, but there's plenty of room to park along the road just a short walk away. There's also a couple picnic areas down by the additional parking.

Minus 2 stars for the closure of the trail. There was a metal barricade with a sign stating the trail had been closed yet it was ignored as we saw some bicyclists riding back down. Super bummed that we made the drive out and didn't get to experience this hike.

I can't believe I lived up in the Bay Area for like 5 years and never came here. On my most recent trip up to the bay, I dragged my bestie to Hawk Hill to go hiking, because it was something I saw on IG. The hike was not exactly what I was expecting from the pictures and videos, so we started walking down the trail along the road. We saw a bunch of old forts and were going to turn around when I jokingly said we should walk out to that lighthouse on the peninsula in the distance. My friend said, "you want to?" It looked really far, but her GPS said it was a 30 minute walk. It wasn't. It was over an hour. Lol. The signs said that it closed at like 4, and it was 3:50pm, so we ran down to the cave to make it through the entrance. Stupidly, it was still open after we experienced everything, and people were still walking in a hour later, so don't always believe signs... I loved how you had to walk through a tunnel to get to the suspension bridge. We had to wait a bit because only a certain number of people are allowed over there at a time, and there is a ranger with a counter making sure. The crossover was fun and bouncy, and the lighthouse itself was fascinating. The views from the lighthouse, the bridge, and the whole area are spectacular and not to be missed. Walking back an hour in the freezing wind and then back up to the car was not a highlight, but I'm so glad that we got to experience that together and didn't miss it. It was a highlight of my trip. If you go, make sure to drive over and park nearby. Lol.

Went to hawk hill and Point Bonita lighthouse - beautiful views and walk. Lighthouse was closed. Could see the Golden Gate Bridge and seals.

A great place to take your mind off of stressful things in life & a breath of fresh air. Parking is pretty limited so it might take a while to visit this area. Before the lighthouse is a medium size trail that a mixture of walking uphill/downhill, it's worth the walk as the view overlooks SF! Heading to the lighthouse is a short tunnel, it's pretty dark in there but once you come out of it the view is whimsical! The bridge leading to the lighthouse is nice but a bit scary with the wind. The park rangers ensures that the bridge is stable by counting the amount of people on the bridge & lighthouse area. The park rangers while I was here was informative about the area & were really cool! 5/5 Definitely a great place to checkout if your in the area!

What a breathtaking sight overlooking the bay and San Francisco! It's truly remarkable to witness the historical significance of this place, where the first signs of World War II unfolded with the Japanese torpedo striking a freighter ship just hours before the attack on Pearl Harbor. On a clear day, the visibility of the sea and the city is simply fantastic.The best part? Free parking and complimentary access to get up close to the lighthouse. The park rangers here are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the area's history. Located just a half-hour drive from San Francisco, it's a convenient yet awe-inspiring destination. Do keep in mind, though, that it can get quite windy and chilly. The lighthouse is open for viewing from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Overall you need to plan for 3-4 hours of time.. 1/2 mile of walk from parking lot

A go to spot when visiting San Francisco. A small little hike to a nice looking lighthouse with awesome views of the San Francisco Bay Area. Make sure to check their website to see when they are open.

This hike to the Point Bonita lighthouse offers spectacular views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. There is so much history of this light house it's the 3rd lighthouse in the West Coast and completed in 1855. The hike is easy and the length of the walk is about 1 mile or so round trip. There are no dogs or bikes allowed and the last entry is at 3:20 pm sharp and they will not let anyone in so be prepared to visit early. The hours of operation now till May 2024 HOURS OF OPERATION: Point Bonita Lighthouse September 2023 - May 2024 Monday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm Tuesday: CLOSED Wednesday: CLOSED Thursday: CLOSED Friday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm Saturday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm Sunday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm

It was amazing! The tunnel, the bridge and the view was incredible. Being able to walk in the lighthouse was a good experience.

Love the hike super easy, windy so bring a jacket! Pretty short hike, on the way back there's a bit on incline but that's it anyone can do this!

Nice easy walk down to the light house. Not a lot to see inside of the light house. We didn't join the sunset tour ($18/adult if I remember right, book online). We just walked from the parking lot to the light house. Incredible views of the ocean. Can see sea lions and lots of birds on the rocks in the ocean. Family friendly. Stroller friendly too. Make sure to wear a jacket because it is windy.

This was one of our last activities in 2020, pre-pandemic (I wonder if we'll always think in those terms!) ...and it was a fun one! The Marin Headlands are beautiful...there is so much to explore! The walk to the lighthouse is windy, but the views are great. Definitely a fun, short activity in the city.

What a beautiful lighthouse. So nice to be able to go inside. There was a little gift shop with logo sweatshirts and ocean related gifts. We sat outside on thy e bench and enjoyed the view and the salt air.

" I can fall in love with it again and again and wish to spread my ashes here", said the mrs. I won't go as extreme as her but it's undoubtedly one of the prettiest and picturesque sights to see when in San Francisco. Timing: It usually opens in spring / summer time between 12:30 to 3:30 pm on Sundays and mondays. Weather: it gets gusty in some sections as you head towards the tunnel and out of it plus on top of the bridge connecting to lighthouse. You want to hold onto your hats/wayward pets and children ( sometimes spouses) ;) They can close the tunnel and block entry due to high winds. Extra tours: they have sunset tours with pre-booking. They used to have moonlight walks which is in the list to do. Parking: there is immediate parking right where the short trail starts with limited spots. Plus two restrooms. There are two more parking lots. One is near YMCA WHICH IS OPEN during DAYLIGHT hours for visitors and one few yards down the hill. Which is the farthest one and it's a 10 minute walk to the nearest parking from where the trail begins. Wildlife: In this particular visit there was entire school of birds and specially pelicans. You'd occasionally sea the sea lions too. We spotted humpback too! You'd see all kinds of native wildflowers including pretty California poppies bloomed in spring time. Best time to be here! FYI. the ranger would only let few number of people walk across the bridge so wait your turn. TIP: plan to reach early and check the weather ( check with ranger at nps) before you plan to drive here. It is high traffic area. So you might have to drive in loops till you find parking too. But if you are local and haven't done this do t wait before theycc be close it.

Point Bonita lighthouse is currently only open on Sunday and Monday from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. I decided to come on Monday because I figured there will be less people since it's not a weekend and there would be a less chance of waiting in line or having limited parking. I arrived shortly after 12:30pm on Monday and had to park in a different lot since the 7 ish spots near the entrance was already taken. It was a fairly short ish walk down the hill through the tunnel to the lighthouse. I went on a pretty windy day and was sad to hear that they were not allowing people to walk over the bridge to see the lighthouse up close. The park rangers said, "I wouldn't even walk over with this wind". Many people walked down, took a few pictures, saw the nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city, and Alcatraz and then walked by up. So I guess note to others, if it is too windy the chances of crossing the suspension bridge to the lighthouse are slim.

Such a cool spot! Tucked away at the edge of the Marin Headlands is this historical lighthouse. Parking is ample and the trail is well-maintained. It's not too bad of a hike either; it's 0.5 miles and paved with gravel throughout- so kid and stroller friendly. You can also catch glimpses of the Golden Gate from here. Check it out!

A must visit! The drive up and the area is amazing. Its beauty is unmatched. The hours to visit are okay but you make do.

Excellent hike, beautiful photo opportunities. Fresh air and fun wind. Lovely panoramic view of the Bay. Great day trip with family or a for a date. Only downsides is that it's only open on limited days and times.

Such a gorgeous hidden gem in the Marin Headlands. You definitely need to drive to get here and parking is free! We found a spot easily on a Sunday. The lighthouse is only open 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM and they close promptly! You can't even get to the tunnel after a certain time. We arrived really close to the cutoff and we were the last group inside, and only half of my group was able to go across the suspension bridge to the actual lighthouse since we lingered too long taking photos and missed the cutoff (they have rangers there to enforce this.) I would definitely aim to arrive when they open so you can enjoy it longer, but I didn't feel like I missed out by any means. Now the actual hike - it's about 0.5 miles one way, and fairly easy. There was a steep, gravelly spot where my parents had trouble, but if you have good shoes and are in good health it's definitely an easy hike. The views are absolutely stunning. The photos don't do it justice. You can see the entire Golden Gate Bridge, the city, and the cute harbor seals. You can't see the lighthouse until you go through the tunnel, but once you go through it's another stunning, picturesque view.

Came early morning on a Monday and was able to snag a parking spot at the "lot" closest to the entrance, but only after a car was leaving. I think I just got lucky because I saw a lot of cars circling around unable to find a spot. There is a short but lovely walk up to the lighthouse. I totally recommend taking your time on the walk and soaking in the gorgeous views. The lighthouse itself is small with a super tiny exhibit on the inside. The ranger on site was friendly and helped me snap a quick photo. I had a great time and didn't spend more than an hour here, but totally worth the stop.

A beautiful lighthouse on Sausalito. I came here on Sunday afternoon at 2PM and it wasn't packed but limited parking so be prepared to walked up to the lighthouse as it can takes 20 minutes. Entering the tunnel through the lighthouse was dark and fun. The view is breathtaking with the Golden Gate Bridge on sight. They close early so tried to come early before 3PM. There are many hiking trail to this area as biker also.

It was a foggy morning when we arrived, but surprisingly the temperature was only in the low 60's. You'll be okay wearing shorts with a light jacket. Once you start walking, you'll be fine. From the parking lot to the lighthouse is quite a walk but there's a lot to see. Coming back is harder because it's mostly uphill. So make sure to hydrate and try to enjoy the scenery so it doesn't feel like it's a workout. I didn't know what to expect when we went so everything I saw was a complete surprise to me. Don't get me wrong, It's very beautiful here and the whole park & roadways are clean. I also felt safe and everyone is so nice. When we went, somehow we got blended in with a group of students whom I believe was being assisted by a tour guide or teacher. It was nice because there was a dark tunnel that we needed to cross before reaching the lighthouse and the group was nice enough to include us and let us in with them......but little did we know, they also locked the door after they let us in (we didn't realized this until on our way back) I think they locked the doors to make sure no one trash or vandalize the protected areas. I guess it's part of maintaining the place clean and the dark tunnel was a surprised for all of us. There's also a cute little bay bridge connecting the mountains and the lighthouse. One must cross the windy bridge to get to the other side. It's actually pretty exciting. It is overlooking the strong ocean waves and different rocks formation. Anyhow, the lighthouse is amazingly very clean, we took pictures, and immediately left the group of kids to head back to the car only to find out we were locked in because they had locked the doors to the tunnel. I had to mention this door locking issues because you have to know about it when you go. KNOW the hours of the park otherwise you might get stranded on the other side of the mountains and there's really no other way to get back. We walked extra to find the group & had to wait for them to unlock the tunnel doors for us. Overall, very exciting and the place is truly a hidden gem. A must see.

A beautiful day. The half-mile walk to the lighthouse is easy and fun, love the tunnel and the bridge, all the views along the trail were amazing. Along the way you'll see markers for a cell-phone tour of the site it actually works so make sure to call in to listen to some interesting facts. Overall is easy and fun, a beautiful experience.

A super cute old light house and light house keepers house on a scenic walk along the bay. I love the cell phone guided tour that tells you all the info with a simple call of your cell phone and dialing 35-39 then # and you get all the info of the area and about the light house history. Pretty cool and interesting. It gets really breezy and chilly even though its sunny. Views of the bay all around. They do have opening and closing times. See picture. Its a small tour that can be done in 30mins or more if you like to just enjoy the scenery. Great hiking trails nearby*Free* no admission charged.

Point Bonita Lighthouse is a lighthouse located at Point Bonita at the San Francisco Bay, before you go, it's better to check the visiting hours, they usually close pretty early. It's has amazing bay views, golden bridge, if you are lucky you might get chance to see seal ions too. But there always a lot of seabirds to see.

Located on you guessed it .........Point Bonita, The Point Bonita Lighthouse is one of the underused/hidden gems in the San Francisco Bay Area. Located in the Marin Headlands, The initial lighthouse was build in 1855 and featured a Fresnel lens which cost a little over $7000 (almost $200,000 in today's dollars) and a surplus army cannon served as the fog horn. The lighthouse was rebuilt in its present location in 1877. It had been located on higher ground, but due to typical Bay Area fog being higher up, it needed to be much lower to sea level to be seen by ships. its present location at 124 feet above sea level was perfect for this. With the rebuild cam e a change in the lighting itself. The 1855 Lighthouse being the only one on the coast had a fixed light. With the addition of other lighthouses the 1877 one featured a unique flashing pattern to identify it to ships at sea. But enough history...... This is one of the more fantastic day trips you can take in the SF Bay area but it does come with a few caveats. First and foremost there is a bit of a hike. From the often crowded parking lot, you take a hike down a paved trail which features a fairly steep grade. To the left you can see the remains of an old lifeboat station and often harbor seals can be seen sunning themselves on the rocks. Then you get to the tunnel. The tunnel is where you have to stop on most days but when open you traverse its 118 foot length (it was hand carved) to the other side and follow a trail along the mountain side ill you get to the bridge. The present suspension bridge was built in 2012 and it does look like a miniature Golden Gate. You cross the bridge and there is a whole lighthouse section to tour plus view of the Pacific. The views on clear days are spectacular and it offers a view of the Golden Gate that few get to see in person 9that is from the sea and from the Marin side) There is tons of other stuff to do and see from the old costal defense stations to an old NIKE surface to air missile battery. Be forewarned that it can get cold and the lighthouse has severally limited hours. Sundays and Mondays 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. If you can make the times work its a fantastic trip.

Very easy nice hike to Point Bonita Lighthouse. The weather was very nice when we went there. Amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge and ocean. Difficult to find parking.

Am I going to be one of the smaller number of people who are not going to give this place 4 or 5 stars? I suppose so! I've had this place bookmarked for a few years now, and I finally got to visit it one Monday with my boyfriend. We arrived there probably about an hour and half before they close. I think the hike to the lighthouse area is lovely with beautiful views of the lighthouse from afar. Then there was a line waiting to go into the lighthouse which was kinda of annoying. But the most annoying thing was the damn flies!!! Oh my grossness! So my freaking flies there! Yuck. Then the lighthouse experience was kinda of meh. They didn't allow people to go up to the very top which I thought they people could, but no. It's nice that I got to knock this out of my bookmarks, but it's not as amazing as I hoped it would be.

The views you'll get when hiking to this place!! Yes. If you're afraid of heights, push yourself anyway. It's an experience worth having. The journey to the lighthouse is almost better than the lighthouse itself. You'll hug the side of the mountain, cross bridges over the bluest waves, go through a dark tunnel... oh and possibly spot some seals lazing down below! The final bridge to the lighthouse is a bit rickety even though it says it was last renovated in 2012 so only 49 people can cross and be on the other side at a time. There are rangers there to help with that. Once you're on the bridge, man you'll feel like you're flying there's so much wind and sway! I loved it. It was even more intense on the walk back. And then you finally reach the lighthouse. Great views for sure but the lighthouse itself was kind of boring after all that. I mean the light was on which was cool and you get to go inside it. Very small and cramped with people not being able to give you personal space. There's some history trivia on the walls and another ranger inside to answer at questions. I'm glad we went and didn't let the idea of the trek turn us away. It's not hard at all to walk! And the walk to the lighthouse is most DEFINITELY the best part of the whole trip.

If you are looking for stunning views it doesn't get any better than this! Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Pacific Ocean, the Bay, Marin Headlands; this is a prime spot for a photographer. The lighthouse is about a .5 walk down a moderately steep hill. It's not strenuous but I wouldn't recommend for the elderly or little kids. This lighthouse is definitely more unique to other ones I've been to. You get to walk through a spooky tunnel in the hill on the way down and the there is a suspension bridge that goes from the hill to the main house. It's only open Sunday and Monday 12:30-3:30 with 3 p.m. being the last entry. I'd recommend coming on the earlier side because there isn't much parking and you might have to walk far. Bonita is the first exit over the bridge so it's a good alternative to going to the Point Reyes lighthouse if you have limited time to spend.

Gorgeous. I loved it! It's only open Sunday-Monday weekly from 12:30-3:30 so you have to time it just right - but it's an easy walk to the hand-made tunnel to the other side where you walk across two bridges to get to it. A short walk across a suspension bridge brings you to the old lighthouse. Friendly staff and volunteers will answer your questions. We found this lighthouse dates from the 1880s but was moved from its original location after the tunnel was dug when they realized the first location was too high when the fog rolled in and couldn't be seen...whoops. Beautiful views of San Francisco and the bay. Stunning really. Maybe my favorite lighthouse I've ever seen. Free to view.

There's so much beauty at this location I don't know where to start. There's the view of the lighthouse itself (currently closed), Battery Wallace, Golden Gate Bridge, Tyler's Beach, hiking trails, and the scenic drive back with another fantastic view of the city. There's extra free parking at the YMCA if needed. Bring a bike, hiking shoes, camera, beach gear, or picnic. Lots of fun outdoor activities to enjoy. I highly recommend visiting.

Short downhill walk, passing through a cave dug out of the cliff, to the lighthouse. Beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands. We also saw harbor seals. Waited about 20 minutes in line to access lighthouse on a Sunday afternoon - but it was well worth it. Parks employees were present to share information and answer questions.

One result of the Marin Headlands transferring from the Army to the National Park Service is the preservation of history. And not only military history. Take a trip out to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, and you'll see what I mean. Now that the peacenicks and anti-gun crowd have cussed me out and are no longer reading this review: This is a slightly short hike to one of the oldest lighthouses on the west coast. And it's still in operation. You need to plan your trip, because it's open for only nine hours a week. Because it's still in operation, most of it is off limits to the public. Only the bottom portion is open, and it has many historical photos. Minus one star, but I understand why. They have docents on hand giving a verbal history of the lighthouse. Getting there is more than half the fun. It's a moderate half-mile hike with a steep uphill and steep downhill. Nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the other side. Awesome view of the coast. Fun suspension bridge. At one point, you can see an older house that probably houses a ranger's family, "ooooh, I'd love to live there." You may even see harbor seals swimming around and sunning themselves on the rocks. And because it's within sight of The City, you'll be sharing the trail with an international flair of tourists who know that there are very good attractions outside San Francisco. The Point Bonita Lighthouse is good for one or two visits for locals, and if you're on vacation in San Francisco, add this to your list.

Really nice place to go, but not during summer when a lot of kids are on break. Unfortunately, we came here at the wrong timing. As I was crossing the bridge with my friend, a group of kids were running across the bridge, taking up all the space. It shook the bridge so much, it felt like the bridge might break (plus it was windy). The rangers/ volunteers took care of the kids, but seems like the kids didn't want to listen to them.

The lighthouse is only open sundays and mondays from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. It's a beautiful place to visit, accessible via a short hike. Certain areas of the hike is quite steep, so can be a bit of a challenge. It is definitely not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Watched a couple try to push a double stroller along the trail and it barely fit, definitely not a good choice. This is mostly a self guided tour but we managed to get there about 10 min before it opened on Monday and was lucky enough to have a volunteer give a great history lesson of the lighthouse.

Point Bonita I wanna meet ya Said the ship named Maria Si, muy Bonita Point Bonita has some of the best views on this side of the Bay. You have an amazing backdrop of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge. Aside from a light workout getting here and back, you'll also get a bit of history lesson regarding the lighthouse. It was built in 1855 to guide the thousands of boats that suddenly flocked San Francisco during the Gold Rush era. A town of 9,000 people that ballooned to 22,000 overnight. However, the original lighthouse was built on top of the hill, about 300 feet high above sea level, and mariners complained that they couldn't see the lighthouse because of the thick, dense fog. It was then relocated to its current location 22 years later in 1877. You could probably guess that politics was involved as to why it took that long to relocate. Sounds like nothing much has changed in terms of the political climate. The lighthouse is now equipped with a Fresnel Lens along with an electric fog horn that you constantly hear along the coast on a typical foggy day in San Francisco. It's still in operation to this day and is maintained and run by the US Coast Guard. It is also part of the Golden Gate National Park and the National Park Service provides access and tours. Most are volunteers and former lighthouse keepers who can't seem to get away from this place. Who can blame them since the place is gorgeous. I remember walking the old suspension bridge to the lighthouse and it was one of the scariest thing I've ever done. The old bridge was built in 1956 and it was starting to rust and decay. It didn't help that it was also susceptible to erosion and it gave the illusion that it was crumbling to the sea. Since it's always windy in this area, the bridge would sway from side to side and only one person could go at any time. If you looked down, which you couldn't help yourself from doing, some people would get paralyzed with fear that they would get stuck. This didn't happen to me, but my heart was pounding and adrenaline flowing that it was quite a rush just crossing that old bridge. The old suspension bridge permanently closed in 2010 and was replaced by a bigger, wider and sturdier bridge in 2012. However, there is no current access to the lighthouse as it is undergoing some railing repairs and is expected to be closed until October 31st of this year. Tunnel access to the lighthouse is only open from Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 1230 - 1530 hours, a small 3 hour window, but plenty enough time to explore and take photos. Regardless if you miss the window when the tunnel is open, there are still lots of places to see and do with the nearby batteries and even a Nike Missile launching pad. There are plenty of trails to hike and plenty of parking spaces, if you know where to look. I ain't sharing my secret though as one must have "patience" when finding a spot. This is a great place for an adventure right in our own backyard.

There must be a ton of wedding proposals here. Because mine is for sure going to be here even though I'm not dating anyone. I was in town and friend wanted to take me for some last minute sightseeing (aka famous SF places where we can take selfies together and then immediately leave). We saw the Lighthouse when we took pictures at The Presidio (?) and she insisted we visit the lighthouse before the airport. The lighthouse is open Fri-Mon. Getting to the lighthouse was a SCARY AS HELL drive down an incredible steep and windy road. My friend says her legs shake every time she drives down this road. Parking is tough at the Lighthouse but remember you can park at the YMCA lot. The trek to the lighthouse isn't too bad. We even took her 3yo who managed the walk/hike (with our help). The breeze and fresh air is worth a thousand bucks here. There's a small suspended bridge you cross to get to the lighthouse. You can feel the bridge shift and sway so be careful if you're weary of that sensation. We took some great photos that will stay in my memory for the rest of my life. It was a wonderful experience to share with a best friend and her daughter. Getting back to the main road was super easy. You don't have to drive back up.

This was a beautiful place to take my family to see and learn some history about the incredible state that we live in. It is quite a hike to and from the lighthouse so be prepared for that. The distance is not bad but there is a decent incline. Depending on the day/time that you are there it may be a wait to cross the bridge to see the lighthouse as only 49 people may be in the lighthouse at one time. You will also want to keep an eye on the weather before heading out. It is extremely windy on the point so if it is to be cloudy or cool or both be sure to bring a jacket, hat and possibly gloves. It can be very chilly! If you are ABLE to actually get in the room with the person that is telling the history of the lighthouse it can be a very educational experience. The day I was there with my family however I could not get the children into the room for them to hear Guess we will have to go back!

Follow the signs until you come across the first parking lot that is to your right. There is plenty of parking and a bathroom before you visit Point Bonita Lighthouse. From there continue walking up the road. Tennis shoes are recommended. Don't wear sandals like I did! You can park in front of the trail entrance, but it is limited. There is also a public bathroom available before heading off. Unfortunately you can't bring your pets with you to visit the lighthouse. Some of the trail's edges can be steep and not every part of the path is protected with a reassuring fence. Be aware of where you stand too especially when taking pictures! On a overcast Sunday around 1pm I saw everyone from families to couples drawn to this place. The trail itself to the lighthouse is not very long. As you walk there are plenty of opportunities for scenic selfies and family pictures including the far off Golden Gate Bridge that's shyly hiding. There is a tunnel that will lead you to the lighthouse. No worries, the tunnel isn't very dark or take long to get through. Keep in mind you can only venture to the lighthouse on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. On the day we went the suspension bridge slow danced with the salty wind. If you are not fond of heights like I am, don't look to your side! When you meet face to face with the lighthouse it is petite. It has worn beautifully over time with all of its flaws. When you first enter there is a window that has a charming view. Inside are informative pieces on the wall for the visitor. The one I enjoyed most was the various shipwrecks that have occurred in the past. There was even an enthusiastic employee who shared with us a famous shipwreck story that happened a long time ago. It is a refreshing place to go when you want to be consoled by the sounds of the waves and the cliffs embracing the ocean. The lighthouse itself is magical in its own aged way and is surrounded by California's remedying waters. In the future I would like to come on a Monday in hopes of a lesser crowd. I think all ages can appreciate and delight themselves at Point Bonita Lighthouse. Even more so for the cost of nothing.

A hidden gem if you didn't know about this place like I didn't, wow! check it out then. Sure its a short hike down then up but worth the view once you're at the top. The lighthouse itself is really tiny but its the views of the Bay, golden gate, and the Pacific Ocean that make this a must stop destination. It's free you will love it! The hike back from the lighthouse is STEEP and goes nearly straight up so prepare to struggle bit as I did, you see I am not as conditioned to hiking and going up hills like some, but I saw older people making the hike with the help of family so if they can make it up we can all make it. Definitely worth the visit, lastly the drive back towards the city you get amazing views of golden gate, with the option to stop along the way and pull over for a picture. Visited June 2019

Open Saturday-Monday, 12:30-3:30, Point Bonita is a must-visit on any adventures you might be planning in the Marin Headlands. There is limited parking right near the trailhead to the lighthouse but there is a larger lot about a quarter of a mile down the road. It does get crowded on a Saturday but not so much so that crowds ruin the experience. The journey to the lighthouse is just as magnificent as the final destination itself. With just about a half mile one way, it's one of the most scenic short hikes you can take in the area. You'll get a unique perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco on one side. On the other you'll take in views of the untouched rocky coast line and Marin Headlands. There is a small tunnel as you make your way to the final approach to the lighthouse, cut right through the rock. Some areas of the walk can be slippery, depending on recent rain so wear good shoes for the short journey. Once at the lighthouse itself, you'll marvel at the coastal views and be able to read some panels about the history of the lighthouse itself. While the walk to and from isn't long, I highly recommend planning at least an hour to take in all the scenery, make plenty of photo stops and plan your Instagram-worthy pic of the suspension bridge that gets you to the actual lighthouse. Oh-and all this is totally free! So, get out and enjoy this majestic, scenic day trip and tack on other GGNRA stops to make a full day of adventures.

2nd time here and i was finally able to go see the lighthouse. They are only open sunday and monday for only 3 hours so plan accordingly. FYI, it's still an operating lighthouse so we weren't able to venture off to see everything. I love that they have volunteers that are on the premises. It was a very informative tour. The kids loved it. They were scared of the poison ivy and the suspension bridge, but they made it through no problem. this part or sf is so beautiful and worth the drive! it is so scenic and cool from the ocean breeze. On warm days, you'll be able to spot some seals and humpback whales. On your way out, dont forget to stop by Rodeo beach and the marine mammal center

A must-see for tourists and locals alike. This is a very unique spot with some of the most amazing views of the Golden gate area and the Pacific Ocean. On a foggy day it's like you're living in a movie. On a crystal clear day you can see the farallon Islands.

You know, I think we who live in the Bay Area tend to take some of the most beautiful, historic, and affordable things for granted. For instance, Point Bonita Lighthouse. The National Park Service has done a wonderful job of maintaining this historic working lighthouse and, in fact, has rebuilt the foot bridge to get you there. What a magnificent spot to look out over the shimmering ocean, and back to the City by the Bay. It's a place right at our front door, and yet we had never set aside the time to go there. By the way, the getting there is just as scenic. We made the short drive from the Golden Gate Bridge (detour in effect right now, but still navigable) and to the parking lot. From there it's an easy 1/2 Mile paved walk to the lighthouse. You pass through a cave, and come out to a sweeping view of the west end of San Francisco, and the Pacific Ocean, just miles outside the Golden Gate. All for Free! We took a picnic and stopped at one of the seaward facing benches to enjoy the view, some bread and cheese and a little something to wash it down with. There we had a chance to appreciate the place we live and share some of that appreciation with people who stopped to share the view. The tour of the lighthouse building itself, and the foot bridge, is all self guided. There are a couple of rangers and volunteers there to guide your experience and share some history, but mostly it's self guided. By the time we had enjoyed it all we were committed to doing more of the things right here in our own backyard, the kind of things that people come from many many miles around to see and do, and that we take for granted. TIPS: The Point Bonita Lighthouse is ONLY open Sundays and Mondays, so check the online information. Also, the walk back from the lighthouse is uphill, so be aware of that, and be prepared, even though that part is relatively short.

This place is amazing. It's only open 2 days a week, for 3 hours, of the weather is good! So make sure to prepare for that. I'm surprised this isn't more popular, but there is that bridge up the road that seems to be garnering some attention.

Family and I went to explore sights in our backyard. Nice trip. A little cold and foggy. The lighthouse was closed on Sunday at 1pm but a nice walk with good scenery. Be prepared for traffic since there is a one way tunnel leading into the lighthouse. Also we parked at the ymca since parking is limited.

I have lived in Sonoma County my entire life and never knew this place existed until the other weekend. I am glad I know now though because this whole section of the Marin Headlands was unknown to me. It is also near the missile museum, for those into that sort of thing. I had family in from out of town and with it being such a beautiful day I wanted to show the CA love. We started at the visitor center which is great to stop by to grab a map, advice, and learn a little with the information available in the center. The guide told us the lighthouse is only 1.5 miles up the road from the center. It is about a 3/4 mile walk out once you park. Very doable for even the laziest of persons. We brought a picnic and noshed on our lunch at the center then hopped in the car to the lighthouse. Parking is plentiful on the hill both along the road and in available lots. The views on this walk are beautiful! It faces the baker beach side of SF and on a beautiful day can't be beat. Once at the lighthouse the suspension bridge tripped me out a bit as it sways with the movement and wind. It felt a little like you've had one too many, but sort of added to the experience overall. I didn't do the educational talks, but I left feeling fully satisfied from that little hike out and those incredible views. Everyone should go at least once.