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Point Bonita Lighthouse

san francisco bay, ca

The Point Bonita Light was first lit on May 2, 1855  high in the rocks of the Southwest corner of the Marin County Peninsula; overlooking the entrance to San Francisco Bay.

However, the light was so high that fog banks wou1d roll in under it and ships couldn't see the light. A powerful horn was added but that didn't work too well either; so the light was moved down the cliffs closer to the water.

She stands one hundred and twenty-four feet ASL and displays an occulting light every four seconds that can be seen for eighteen miles from seaward; and is equipped with a mighty horn that blows when the fog rolls in.

This is a very tough light to visit; to get there, you cross a suspension bridge (no more than five people at a time) then there's a tunnel to go through. But you'll find it's worth the effort.

Check with the National Parks Service for visiting arrangements; it will be a memorable experience.