Point Bonita Lighthouse

Top choice


This historical lighthouse is a breathtaking half-mile walk from Field Rd parking area. From the tip of Point Bonita, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. Harbor seals haul out seasonally on nearby rocks. It's worth coming out here even when the lighthouse is closed (but note the whole area closes in bad weather).

Call ahead to reserve a spot on one of the free monthly sunset and full-moon tours of the promontory.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Nike Missile Site SF-88

0.88 MILES

File past guard shacks with uniformed mannequins to witness the area’s not-too-distant military history at this fascinating Cold War museum staffed by…

2. Rodeo Beach

1.01 MILES

At the western end of Bunker Rd sits Rodeo Beach, partly protected from wind by high cliffs. It's known to locals as 'Fort Cronkhite' for the old military…

3. Headlands Center for the Arts

1.05 MILES

At Fort Barry, refurbished barracks have been converted into artists' work spaces that host open studios with artists-in-residence, as well as talks,…

4. Marine Mammal Center

1.35 MILES

Above Rodeo Lagoon, this animal rescue center rehabilitates injured, sick and orphaned sea mammals before returning them to the wild, and has educational…

5. Battery Townsley

1.62 MILES

All along the coastline you’ll find cool old battery sites – abandoned concrete bunkers dug into the ground with fabulous views. Evocative Battery…

6. Golden Gate National Recreation Area

1.83 MILES

It's no mystery why this is one of the Bay Area's most popular hiking and cycling destinations. As the trails wind beside the Pacific Ocean and San…

7. Hawk Hill

1.89 MILES

About 2 miles west of Hwy 101 along Conzelman Rd is Hawk Hill, where thousands of migrating birds of prey soar along the cliffs from late summer to early…

8. Lincoln Park

2.52 MILES

America's legendary coast-to-coast Lincoln Hwy officially ends at 100-acre Lincoln Park, which served as San Francisco's cemetery until 1909. The city's…