Point Bonita Lighthouse
Point Bonita Lighthouse
4.5
About
Point Bonita today is part of the largest urban national park in the United States, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. A secret jewel of the Bay Area, Point Bonita is still an active lighthouse. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains the lighthouse and the National Park Service provides access to visitors. Point Bonita Lighthouse is reached by a half mile trail that is very steep in parts. Discover Point Bonita's wild landscape, geology and fascinating history. The tunnel halfway to the lighthouse is open only during visiting hours: Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
248 reviews
Excellent
177
Very good
59
Average
11
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Melissa C
United States1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Friends
We visited Point Bonita Lighthouse and were blown away by the depth of knowledge of the volunteers there. Andy Coblenz and George Thomas both shared amazing stories, and they answered all of our varied questions. They made visiting the lighthouse, which is already a fun outing (the views are amazing!), a wonderful outing. We still are talking about what we saw and learned. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, Andy and George! We had great fun learning from you!
Written January 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
byMT305
Miami, FL2,637 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Point Bonita Lighthouse makes for a wonderful quick visit away from the tourist hustle bustle of Sausalito. It’s a designated National Park and it’s FREE to visit. Parking is limited (especially on weekends) and late mornings can be good times to visit (as the early morning fog has dissipated
and the early afternoon fog hasn’t blown in).
The walking trail is approximately 0.5 miles each way (Note: Much of the return 0.5 mile walk is uphill & more strenuous). Visitors experience gorgeous Pacific Cliff & Ocean views (when not fogged-in), the Golden Gate Bridge area, lots of seals on the rocks below, plenty of wild flowers in the Spring). National Park Rangers are on the trail to answer questions. The entire visit can be enjoyed in approx 1 hour or so.
Highly recommended (& easy to get to)!!
and the early afternoon fog hasn’t blown in).
The walking trail is approximately 0.5 miles each way (Note: Much of the return 0.5 mile walk is uphill & more strenuous). Visitors experience gorgeous Pacific Cliff & Ocean views (when not fogged-in), the Golden Gate Bridge area, lots of seals on the rocks below, plenty of wild flowers in the Spring). National Park Rangers are on the trail to answer questions. The entire visit can be enjoyed in approx 1 hour or so.
Highly recommended (& easy to get to)!!
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snakewrangler
Brentwood, CA534 contributions
Aug 2023
Parking fills up fast so you do have to walk a bit to get to the trail to the lighthouse. But along the way you can stop and some of the batteries and check them out....totally worth it. Coming back from the lighthouse the uphill climb is a bit taxing so I wouldn't suggest this for anyone having problems walking.
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cp n
Raleigh, NC31 contributions
May 2021
This place was not on the itinerary of our road trip but so glad we took the time. The lighthouse itself was closed when we went (Covid?), but we were able to walk around the grounds and down the path to the lighthouse a good ways.
It is a wide-open area, we had a sunny day and the views were spectacular.
Well worth the time. :-)
It is a wide-open area, we had a sunny day and the views were spectacular.
Well worth the time. :-)
Written May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IN_Travelers47906
West Lafayette, IN4,721 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
The lighthouse itself is about average, and its hours are pretty funky (12:30 – 3:30 Sa-M), but it can also be closed these times due to weather conditions. The good news is that the drive to the lighthouse is amazing, so you can’t be too disappointed even if it is closed.
That said, if you want pictures when it is closed you will need to take them along the road as you drive in. At the site, the lighthouse is completely hidden from pedestrians by a tunnel that is closed when the light house closed.
Getting there requires exiting Hwy 101 using the Alexander Ave., Sausalito exit and its takes about 20 minutes to reach the lighthouse once you have exited Hwy 101. Coming from the north, it is the last exit before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Coming from the south, it is the second exit (Vista Point is the first) after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Your only interest in Alexander Road is that it goes south and west to Conzelman Road, which winds its way up the hillside providing along the way several wonderful vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco until you reach a roundabout at the top.
Surprisingly, there are no signs for the lighthouse at this intersection but go around to the 9:00 o’clock exit that heads further uphill from the roundabout and continue along the ridge which offers even more views of the bridge. Take this road as far as you can. At one point, you will see a pedestrian tunnel to your right. Continue past it on a one-lane road down to the lighthouse.
There is a parking lot which fills quickly, so parking is pretty much catch as catch can. From the parking lot, you will walk about a ½ mile mostly downhill to tunnel and on to the lighthouse. The pedestrian bridge out to the lighthouse makes it very unusual and very scenic. If the crowd is particularly heavy, a ranger may be posted at the end of the bridge to control the number of people at the lighthouse at any one time.
When you leave. Remember, you arrived on a one-way road, so you must return following the two-way road back to Hwy 101. Not a problem, very scenic with some trails and side roads you may want to explore. Follow the signs for the tunnel route, and it will return you to the same place where you exited 101.
That said, if you want pictures when it is closed you will need to take them along the road as you drive in. At the site, the lighthouse is completely hidden from pedestrians by a tunnel that is closed when the light house closed.
Getting there requires exiting Hwy 101 using the Alexander Ave., Sausalito exit and its takes about 20 minutes to reach the lighthouse once you have exited Hwy 101. Coming from the north, it is the last exit before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Coming from the south, it is the second exit (Vista Point is the first) after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Your only interest in Alexander Road is that it goes south and west to Conzelman Road, which winds its way up the hillside providing along the way several wonderful vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco until you reach a roundabout at the top.
Surprisingly, there are no signs for the lighthouse at this intersection but go around to the 9:00 o’clock exit that heads further uphill from the roundabout and continue along the ridge which offers even more views of the bridge. Take this road as far as you can. At one point, you will see a pedestrian tunnel to your right. Continue past it on a one-lane road down to the lighthouse.
There is a parking lot which fills quickly, so parking is pretty much catch as catch can. From the parking lot, you will walk about a ½ mile mostly downhill to tunnel and on to the lighthouse. The pedestrian bridge out to the lighthouse makes it very unusual and very scenic. If the crowd is particularly heavy, a ranger may be posted at the end of the bridge to control the number of people at the lighthouse at any one time.
When you leave. Remember, you arrived on a one-way road, so you must return following the two-way road back to Hwy 101. Not a problem, very scenic with some trails and side roads you may want to explore. Follow the signs for the tunnel route, and it will return you to the same place where you exited 101.
Written June 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnnArborMiBob
Ann Arbor, MI1,619 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
My wife and I have visited this lighthouse several times in years past, but not for over a dozen years, and we forgot about the very limited hours it is open. They are currently posted as Sunday and Monday 12:30-3:30 pm, but I see that other travelers have warned that hours are more erratic than that.
I could not bear to give this lighthouse anything less than excellent, based on those past visits, but I did think I should post some photos showing what you are likely to see unless you pay close attention to the posted hours (as we did not do on this trip) or, more surely, phone ahead to see what the real hours currently are. Look at the photos, and be warned.
I could not bear to give this lighthouse anything less than excellent, based on those past visits, but I did think I should post some photos showing what you are likely to see unless you pay close attention to the posted hours (as we did not do on this trip) or, more surely, phone ahead to see what the real hours currently are. Look at the photos, and be warned.
Written July 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
h2omusc
Omaha, NE20 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
This hike to the Point Bonita lighthouse offers spectacular views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge on one side and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean on the other. Be warned the tunnel to the lighthouse is only open on Sunday and Monday afternoons. The park staff is very knowledgeable about the lighthouse and the shipwrecks in the area. The hike is 0.5 mi one way and is fairly steep but paved. One of the best kept secrets of the bay area.
Written May 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tirakatz
Bonn, Germany74 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
We carefully planned our San Francisco trip so that we could visit the lighthouse, which we had planned for years, but we were always there at the wrong time. Now we came there on a Monday, as their official homepage said they would be open then. They were not, and you had to walk right to the gate to see that. Now really, this is not 21st century customer friendly!!!
Written June 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bbbob84
Staten Island, NY1,619 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
Maybe I did not read enough before visiting this attraction, but I hope this post helps some. This lighthouse is very remote and you have to wind through hairpin turns with a lot of bicyclists who don't always share the road well. The views along the way are spectacular. There is limited parking near the end, but we were lucky enough to get a parking spot. There are public restrooms near the parking. The issue is when they say open from 12:30 to 3:30 you would think that this was limited to entering the lighthouse, but the 12:30 to 3:30 is the approach to the lighthouse. You can't even get near it or see it up close except for these three hours a day. So after your exciting roller coaster ride through the hills you will be disappointed if you were hoping to see or photograph the lighthouse. Tourists have action packed days and can't delay for hours to visit one attraction. If this is on your list plan your day around the open hours. Enjoy.
Written February 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chch_NZ_couple
Christchurch, New Zealand802 contributions
May 2017
Point Bonita Lighthouse has limited opening hours - usually Sat Sun & Mon 12.30 to 3.30pm (but check with the National Parks website to confirm.) There is limited parking at the start of the path to the lighthouse - but a larger car park is 500m (1,600ft) away at Battery Alexander. You can cycle here in an hour from the Golden Gate bridge visitor centre, or do as I did and take the bus.
The 76X bus only runs on Sat & Sundays and holidays, costs $2.50, and will drop you off at the end of Field Rd where the road loops back to itself, and where the path to the lighthouse begins. (TIP - pay a visit to the toilets there before starting on the path).
Following the 800m (2,625ft) long path down the coastline, through the tunnel (if with kids take a torch for added fun in the tunnel - but you can easily get through without one), along the cliff top (look down the Golden Gate Bridge side to see seals on the rocks below) , and finally across the small suspension bridge to get to the lighthouse itself.
The path from the tunnel is only open when the lighthouse is open (see above).
On busy days there may be a queue to cross the bridge as they only allow a certain number of visitors at a time across and in the lighthouse. The headland can be quite windy so wrap up warm (layers are good so you can remove/add as required).
There is lots of information inside the lighthouse on the types of lamp used over the years going back to when they used whale oil, maps of the shipwrecks around the area, information on the foghorns used and history of the lighthouse - or you can just ask the National Park Service Staff member there.
From the lighthouse balcony on the day I visited I saw three whales swimming past - a mother and calf, and a frisky juvenile Grey Whale that was breaching almost continuously along the coast heading north. The NPS Staff member said they see whales quite frequently from the lighthouse.
I spent about an hour at the lighthouse (and it takes about 20 mins each way to walk there) - be warned that there are no toilets or cafe at the lighthouse so remember to take a bottle of drinking water with you.
After visiting the lighthouse you can make a day of it by walking along the coastal path 2km down to Rodeo Beach and then catch the bus back to San Francisco (Bus costs $2.50 each way). If you have time you can also visit the Marine Mammal Centre (look out for the Blue Whale skeleton on the way)
The 76X bus only runs on Sat & Sundays and holidays, costs $2.50, and will drop you off at the end of Field Rd where the road loops back to itself, and where the path to the lighthouse begins. (TIP - pay a visit to the toilets there before starting on the path).
Following the 800m (2,625ft) long path down the coastline, through the tunnel (if with kids take a torch for added fun in the tunnel - but you can easily get through without one), along the cliff top (look down the Golden Gate Bridge side to see seals on the rocks below) , and finally across the small suspension bridge to get to the lighthouse itself.
The path from the tunnel is only open when the lighthouse is open (see above).
On busy days there may be a queue to cross the bridge as they only allow a certain number of visitors at a time across and in the lighthouse. The headland can be quite windy so wrap up warm (layers are good so you can remove/add as required).
There is lots of information inside the lighthouse on the types of lamp used over the years going back to when they used whale oil, maps of the shipwrecks around the area, information on the foghorns used and history of the lighthouse - or you can just ask the National Park Service Staff member there.
From the lighthouse balcony on the day I visited I saw three whales swimming past - a mother and calf, and a frisky juvenile Grey Whale that was breaching almost continuously along the coast heading north. The NPS Staff member said they see whales quite frequently from the lighthouse.
I spent about an hour at the lighthouse (and it takes about 20 mins each way to walk there) - be warned that there are no toilets or cafe at the lighthouse so remember to take a bottle of drinking water with you.
After visiting the lighthouse you can make a day of it by walking along the coastal path 2km down to Rodeo Beach and then catch the bus back to San Francisco (Bus costs $2.50 each way). If you have time you can also visit the Marine Mammal Centre (look out for the Blue Whale skeleton on the way)
Written June 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Are you open at Sep,3-labour day? Thanks
Written June 25, 2018
I'll be in SF area for 2 days (Wed & Thur) and want to see as much as possible. Only thing set right now is Muir Woods Wed morning, and Alcatraz early bird tour on Thur. What order should i see Lomard, Alamo Sq, Fishermans Wharf, Chinatown and whatever else would be cool for a 10 and 13 year old? Help please!!
Written April 27, 2018
Can anyone tell me of the bridge to the lighthouse is opened when the lighthouse is closed
Written February 19, 2018
Please clarify how steep is the road/trail down to the tunnel and back up after a visit. Is the road? or trail? paved as mentioned above? dirt?
Thank you.
Tickets????? Please clarify about this.
Deborah Green
Written March 19, 2017
Sorry for taking so long to answer! It's steep in one part, but definitely doable at a slow pace. It is paved up to the tunnel entrance, the tunnel has a paved part in the middle with rocks and dirt on the sides (it's kind of narrow and not well illuminated (like a tunnel LOL), once you get out of the tunnel it's basically packed dirt. We went on a nice winter day after some rain, I pushed my son's stroller all the way without a problem, just avoided all the puddles after the tunnel.
The lighthouse is ONLY open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12:30 to 3:30pm and only if there's good weather.
Written May 4, 2017
Hi! I really would love to do this bike route, how safe is this route for a women traveling by herself?
Written November 10, 2015
I'm not certain biking is allowed on the actual path. It's narrow and there are people going in both directions. I'm sure you can park your bike before entering. It's really safe and many people and families visit the site.
Written June 22, 2017
Can a little electric mobility cart make it to the lighthouse?
Written May 26, 2015
I don't think it'd be able to. The road isn't completely paved. There is also a bridge one must cross to the actual lighthouse.
Written June 22, 2017
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