Point Bonita Lighthouse, Lighthouse in Marin County, California, US
Point Bonita Lighthouse sits at the gateway to San Francisco Bay, standing on a rocky outcrop at the tip of the Marin Headlands. A suspension bridge and rock tunnel form the dramatic pedestrian approach to reach it from the mainland.
Built in 1855 as the third lighthouse on the West Coast, it was relocated to a lower position in 1877 to improve visibility for passing vessels. This move marked a key adaptation to better serve maritime traffic patterns.
The lighthouse still serves ships navigating the entrance to San Francisco Bay as it has for generations. Walking to it, visitors understand how essential this beacon remains for maritime traffic today.
The site opens to visitors on select days with ranger-led tours explaining navigation and local stories. Wear sturdy shoes as the approach involves walking across the suspension bridge and through a rock tunnel.
The suspension bridge and tunnel approach finished in 2012 makes this the only lighthouse in the United States requiring this type of entry. Few visitors expect such an engineering feature at a historic beacon.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
