Near Black Sands Beach at Bonita Cove stands the stunning Point Bonita Lighthouse. This lighthouse is located in the Marin Headlands near Sausalito, California. It is known for being the last manually operated lighthouse on the California coast. It is also the only lighthouse in all of the United States that you can only reach by a suspended bridge.
To get to the lighthouse you need to cross a suspended bridge that joins the lighthouse to the hiking trail. Long ago the trail uses to connect to the front of the lighthouse, but due to erosion over time the trail was washed away.
This lighthouse was built in 1855 and at the time, was the third lighthouse to be built on the west coast. The lighthouse was built during the California Goldrush. The San Francisco Bay area receives a lot of fog, and this proposed a problem for the ships coming into its harbors. The lighthouse provided a ray of light for ships navigating harsh waters. Not only was this lighthouse used during the Gold Rush, but also to aid naval ships during World War II. To this day, Point Bonita Lighthouse is still used by the Coast Guards. The location is open to tourists and visitors. You can visit the lighthouse on Sundays and Mondays between 12:30-3:30 PM.
To get to the lighthouse, type in Point Bonita Lighthouse on your navigation, or plug in the following address: Fort Barry Building 948, Sausalito, CA 94965
There is a small parking lot close by. From the parking lot to the lighthouse it is a one-mile hike round trip. The hike is not too difficult but can be a little exhausting on the way back. The trail begins with a paved road and then turns to a dirt path. There are beautiful scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands to enjoy during the hike. On the way to the suspended bridge, you will need to walk through a cave tunnel.
The weather is usually windy and a bit chilly here. It is best to dress in layers so you can be comfortable if the weather begins to warm up a bit. Be sure to wear some good walking shoes. The lighthouse is free to access.
Beautiful lighthouse. Great place to visit with a great view!