Visiting Point Bonita Lighthouse
Visiting the Point Bonita Lighthouse is a perfect kind of day trip with friends and family! It is located on the southernmost cliff of Sausalito and has one of the most breathtaking and spectacular views of the California coast.
We visited Point Bonita last weekend. It was a clear sunny day with the most beautiful deep and bright blue sky. Because of the warm weather it was full of tourists and locals enjoying the dramatic views of the ocean coast, the Golden Gate Bridge and keeping an eye on the seals swimming on the ocean. I just loved the sound of waves crashing into the rocky shore…very relaxing!
The active light house is situated on a rock formation away from the shore. To get there you must walk a half-mile trail down a dirt path, pass through a narrow low ceilinged and hand carved tunnel and cross the suspension bridge that connects the walking trail to the lighthouse itself. Be careful, especially with little kids, you will want to hold their hands on several areas to keep them away from the edge of the trail where there are very steep drop-offs…. and remember to hold your breath through the tunnel 😉
The Point Bonita Lighthouse built in 1855, was the third lighthouse built on the West Coast and is maintained by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the largest urban national park in the United States.
The lighthouse sits 124 feet above the sea. Inside is a little museum where you can find a volunteer docent who will answer all of your questions. The lighthouse offers free docent guided tours if you want to know the history of this fascinating place. The lighthouse is open only Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you come during off-hours, you can only walk as far as the tunnel.
The Marin Headlands …. looking north from the Lighthouse.
After our visit to the lighthouse we headed to Rodeo Beach, one of the most visited destination in the Marin Headlands to have a picnic there. Because of the hot weather it was really packed!!! Great for surfing, hiking, bird watching, dog walking, kite flying or just relaxing….. Your young kids will enjoy the kiddie pond that is detached from the ocean.
Rodeo Beach
More Information:
Address: Fort Barry, Building 948, Sausalito, CA 94965
Hours: The lighthouse is open only Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
If you come during off-hours, you can only walk as far as the tunnel.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/goga/pobo.htm
You definitely owe yourself a visit…this is really a secret jewel of the Bay Area!
Do you know in what Key is the lighthouse’s foghorn?
Have a Smiley Day!!!
Victoria 😉
