Point Bonita Lighthouse

 
A small, white lighthouse building at the end of a suspension bridge
The Point Bonita Lighthouse has welcomed people to the San Francisco Bay since 1855

NPS

Welcome to the Point Bonita Lighthouse!

Starting July 13, 2025 the Point Bonita Trail and pedestrian tunnel leading out to the lighthouse will be open and staffed Thursday - Monday from 12:30 PM –3:30 PM (Last entry through the tunnel is at 3:20pm).

Please Note: the suspension bridge that leads to the lighthouse will be closed for maintenance for the foreseeable future. Visitors can access the viewing platform during open hours but cannot cross the bridge or enter the lighthouse.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

CURRENT HOURS / DAYS OF OPERATION:

  • Monday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm*

  • Tuesday: CLOSED

  • Wednesday: CLOSED

  • Thursday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm*

  • Friday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm*

  • Saturday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm *

  • Sunday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm*

* Ranger / Docent led "Light Chats" take place prior to opening at 12:15pm at the entrance to the Point Bonita Trail outside the pedestrian tunnel. Additional Ranger led "Light Chats" take place throughout open hours as staffing permits.

When visiting the Point Bonita Lighthouse during any of the above open hours of operation, no reservation is required and visiting the site is free of charge.

** Please note: Point Bonita Lighthouse does close for inclement weather *
If the weather and/or air quality seem poor, please feel free to call our main phone line at (415) 331-1540 to reach our Interpretation/Education Ranger's Office to check if the site is open or closed -OR- email us @ GOGA_MarinHeadlands_Info@nps.gov

*** Please note: Access to the Point Bonita Lighthouse closes promptly at 3:20pm. This means that the last entry through the tunnel leading to the lighthouse is at 3:20pm sharp. To ensure access to the lighthouse please arrive well before this time.

Park Rangers and Docents will then conduct a closing sweep of the lighthouse and trail at 3:30pm sharp which is when all visitors must exit.

A Brief History of the Point Bonita Lighthouse

A secret jewel of the Bay Area, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, built in 1855, was the third lighthouse built on the West Coast and helped shepherd ships through the treacherous Golden Gate straits. Today, the lighthouse is still active and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Discover Point Bonita's wild landscape, geology and fascinating history by hiking the partially steep half mile trail to the Point Bonita Lighthouse!

Tips and Highlights

  • Pets and bikes are not permitted anywhere on the Point Bonita Trail. A cartoon silhouette of a dog surrounded by a red circle with a red diagonal line bisecting the circle. No bicycle, bike prohibited symbol. Sign indicating the prohibition or rule. Warning and forbidden. Flat design. Vector illustration. Stock Vector by ©natalipopova 109794524

  • Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail. The international symbol for no smoking, which is a cartoon of a lit cigarette surrounded by a red circle with a diagonal line across the cigarette.

  • Parking is limited. Additional parking may be found at the YMCA parking lot which is located before the Point Bonita Lighthouse parking lot on the righthand side.

  • Make sure to bring your own water when you visit, and bring binoculars to catch a glimpse of the marine life that frequents the area, including harbor seals, whales, and porpoises.

  • Check out the calendar for upcoming guided tours at Point Bonita.

  • For more information please email: GOGA_MarinHeadlands_Info@nps.gov

Back to the main Marin Headlands webpage.

 

More Information

Last updated: July 24, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
201 Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone:

415-561-4700
United States Park Police Dispatch: Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505 Emergency: 415-561-5656

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