Light the Way 2024

Guided Sunset Hikes to Point Bonita Lighthouse in Marin

Point Bonita Lighthouse Marin

A lighthouse, a sunset, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Does it get any more dramatic and sublime? Point Bonita Lighthouse is remotely perched on the western tip of the Marin Headlands and the entrance to the Golden Gate, 124 feet above the ocean. And lucky for all of us, the National Park Service hosts sunset tours of the lighthouse (in 2024, current available dates are the first Saturday of each month, through May.) You've gotta be fast with the bookings for this popular experience, or book ahead of time for a future date (*see tip below for getting a same-day ticket). Much of the tour actually happens as the sun sets, painting the Golden Gate Bridge even more golden. An informative docent shares amazing stories about past shipwrecks (over 300 during the gold rush years!) at the Golden Gate.

view of Golden Gate Bridge from Point Bonita Lighthouse

view of Point Bonita Lighthouse

It’s a thrill to cross over cliffs on Point Bonita’s 132-foot-long bridge. Stop for a moment to take in the view up and down the coast, as the rugged ocean churns below. The span brings you close to the famous, beaming Fresnel lens, which can be seen 18 miles away. But perhaps the coolest moment is looking on as the sun sets to the west, the moon climbs to the east, the waves crash below, and the city shimmers south under nature's light: This is one mysterious and dramatically beautiful place at dusk.

Point Bonita Lighthouse is free and open to the public every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Guided Sunset Tours of the Lighthouse. Tickets go fast. TIP: If you go online for tickets you'll see the next available Sunset Tour, with some tickets held for sale. *These additional tickets are released at 7 a.m. on the same date. Plan ahead! You can also call 1 (877) 444-6777 to book tickets.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View