Point Bonita Lighthouse, Marin Headlands: Trail

Point Bonita Lighthouse sits on a rocky cliff at the tip of the Marin Headlands. It was built in 1855 to guide ships through the Golden Gate, and it is the last staffed lighthouse on the California coast.

We drove out to visit, but the lighthouse itself was closed that day. The trail was still open. You walk about half a mile from the parking lot through a hand-cut rock tunnel, then cross a narrow suspension bridge to reach the lighthouse point. The path hugs the cliffs with the Pacific crashing below and the Golden Gate Bridge visible to the east.

Point Bonita Lighthouse suspension bridge walkway leading to the lighthouse

Most Bay Area lighthouses sit on flat ground or gentle bluffs. Point Bonita makes you walk through a tunnel and cross a narrow suspension bridge first. Only a few people fit on the bridge at a time. Point Cabrillo in Mendocino is a useful comparison farther up the coast.

Trail leading to Point Bonita Lighthouse with Golden Gate Bridge in the distance

[!IMPORTANT] The lighthouse has limited hours and closes in high winds. Check conditions before driving out.

Visiting Hours:

Summer (June-Aug): Weekends 9:30 am-3:30 pm, Mondays 12:30-3:30 pm
Fall/Winter/Spring (Sept-May): Fri-Sun 12:30-3:30 pm
The gate closes at 3:20 pm, so arrive with time to spare

Rocky cliffs and coastline at Point Bonita with waves crashing below

The lighthouse closes on holidays and when winds exceed 30 mph. Check conditions before you go. The drive from SF takes about 25 minutes via the Golden Gate Bridge and Conzelman Road. Rodeo Beach is five minutes away if you want to combine trips.