Golden Gate National Recreation Area Tours
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Perched at the southernmost tip of the Marin Headlands, the Point Bonita Lighthouse has marked the entrance to the Golden Gate since 1855. Surrounded by cliffs, this lighthouse is a remnant of the simplicity, beauty, and adventure that characterized what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper at Point Bonita. On the Point Bonita Lighthouse Sunset Tour, you will enjoy stunning sunset views and learn the compelling story of this landmark. The tour will include elements of natural and cultural history as well as thought-provoking guided discussion that ties the lighthouse’s history to our present.
This 90-minute tour starts at the Point Bonita Trailhead where you will check in at the white service gate. Led by a ranger or volunteer docent, the group will go on a half mile hike to the lighthouse, which includes a downhill slope, a hand carved tunnel, and a suspension bridge to the lighthouse itself. The suspension bridge has a sheer drop on either side. There is a limit of 40 people per tour. The trail has a 27% grade at its steepest point but is mildly sloped or flat most of the way. This trail is not ADA Accessible. Please let us know what reasonable accommodations you need.
Perched at the southernmost tip of the Marin Headlands, the Point Bonita Lighthouse has marked the entrance to the Golden Gate since 1855. Surrounded by cliffs, this lighthouse is a remnant of the simplicity, beauty, and adventure that characterized what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper at Point Bonita. On the Point Bonita Lighthouse Sunset Tour, you will enjoy stunning sunset views and learn the compelling story of this landmark. The tour will include elements of natural and cultural history as well as thought-provoking guided discussion that ties the lighthouse’s history to our present.
This 90-minute tour starts at the Point Bonita Trailhead where you will check in at the white service gate. Led by a ranger or volunteer docent, the group will go on a half mile hike to the lighthouse, which includes a downhill slope, a hand carved tunnel, and a suspension bridge to the lighthouse itself. The suspension bridge has a sheer drop on either side. There is a limit of 40 people per tour. The trail has a 27% grade at its steepest point but is mildly sloped or flat most of the way. This trail is not ADA Accessible. Please let us know what reasonable accommodations you need.
Need to Know
- Meeting Point
The tour starts at the white service gates at the Point Bonita Trailhead, NOT at the tunnel halfway down the trail. Meet the guides at the service gate to check in.
- Arrival
Please arrive 15 minutes before program start time for check in. Tours begin promptly at their designated time in order to catch the sunset.
- Parking
Please allow plenty of time to park and walk to the trailhead. Limited parking is available at the Point Bonita Trailhead parking lot. Plenty of parking is available at the Battery Alexander parking lot, a dirt parking lot about a quarter mile from the trailhead. There are two ADA accessible parking spots at or near the trailhead.
- Park Cancellations
This program is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, poor air quality, or staffing issues. Participants will be notified of cancellation as soon as possible and refunded. Please check our website for current alerts and conditions.
- Accessibility
At its steepest, this trail is at a 27% grade for about 50 feet of trail. It is a moderate to flat slope. The trail is paved for the first half of the route, and is a mix of dirt, gravel, pavement, and wood surfaces for the latter half. There are two steps required to enter inside the lighthouse building. Check the trail overview page for more information, including a trail profile. This trail is not ADA accessible. Please let us know of any reasonable accommodations you may need 5 days prior to the program start date by calling 415-331-1540.
- Bridge Closure
Please be advised that the suspension bridge leading to the Point Bonita Lighthouse will close during high winds, and visitors will not be allowed to the cross to the lighthouse. In this instance, the tour will conclude in the area before the bridge.
- Things to bring
We strongly recommend bringing a headlamp or flashlight for the hike back after the program. It can get cold at night, so layers are recommended as well. Bring water if desired.
- Things NOT to bring
Glass containers, alcohol, drones, and pets are not allowed. If you bring valuables to the Marin Headlands, we recommend taking them on the tour. Car break-ins do happen.
- Cell Phone Service
The Point Bonita Trail and Lighthouse are areas with good cell phone service. The rest of the Marin Headlands generally has poor service, so please plan accordingly.
- Restrooms
Pit toilets are located by the Accessible parking across the roundabout from the Point Bonita Trailhead. Flush toilets and water are available at the historic chapel parking lot restrooms about a mile down the road from the Point Bonita Trailhead
- Pass Discount
Pass discounts will only be accepted in person and cannot be used while ordering online. If you have a Golden Age, Golden Access, IA Lifetime Senior, IA Access, or IA Annual Senior Pass, show us the pass when you check in for the program, and you will be reimbursed 50% of the value for one ticket in your purchase after the program.
Booking Windows
Primary Booking Window: Tickets are released two weeks in advance at 7 AM Pacific Time.
- For example: On May 21, 32 tickets will be available for the tour on June 4.
Secondary Booking Window: A second batch of tickets will be released 2 days before the program date.
- For example: On June 2, 8 additional tickets will be available for the tour on June 4.
Changes and Cancellations
No refunds within 24 hours of tour. No shows are non-refundable.
Please see the Recreation.gov Rules & Reservations Policies for more information.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Point Bonita Trailhead End of Field Rd Sausalito CA 94965
Phone Number
415-331-1540
