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This 1855 Bay Area Lighthouse Now Open 5 Days a Week

Walk along the continent’s edge for amazing views of San Francisco and the wild Pacific at the Point Bonita Lighthouse in Marin.
By - posted 7/13/2022 No Comment

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.

Point Bonita Lighthouse
Open Thursday through Mondays | 9:30a – 3:30p
Fort Barry, Sausalito, CA – Parking directions
Free

According to SF Gate, parking at Point Bonita is currently free, but is very limited.

After the long COVID break, the lighthouse reopened to the public earlier in 2022, but only on Sundays and Mondays. But the National Park Service just expanded hours and now the Lighthouse is open five days a week from 9:30am to 3:30pm. There is no admission charge to walk the bridge or enter the lighthouse, except for Saturday night summer tours.

Summer Lighthouse Sunset Tours – If you want to visit the lighthouse for sunset, there are 90-minute guided tours every Saturday evening during the summer months only. These guided tours, which used to be free, now cost $16 for adults. See full details of Sunset Lighthouse Tours.

Parking is extremely limited and there is a 0.5 mile walk which is steep and precarious. Please note the suspension bridge leading to the lighthouse will close during high winds.

Lighthouse Tips & Highlights

  • The Point Bonita Lighthouse is open on Thursday through Monday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Lines to get into the lighthouse can be long. Please arrive well before 3:30 pm to ensure you are able to cross the suspension bridge.
  • Pets and bikes are not permitted anywhere on the Point Bonita Trail.
  • Site may be closed due to inclement weather. We test the winds periodically while the site is open. If winds get over 30 mph, we close the suspension bridge.
  • 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.