Name and Location

The Point Bonita Lighthouse is located at RF8C+65 Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, CA, USA, situated on the northern coast of Marin County, approximately 15 miles north of San Francisco.

Construction and History

The Point Bonita Lighthouse was built in 1877 by the United States Lighthouse Establishment (USLE) as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is a classic example of a mid-19th-century lighthouse design, featuring a hexagonal tower with a lantern room at its apex.

Architecture and Materials

The structure stands 15 feet tall and has an elevation of approximately 50 feet above sea level. The tower was built to withstand the harsh marine environment and has been well-maintained over the years.

Light and Navigation

Originally, the lighthouse displayed a fixed white light with a focal height of 70 feet (21 meters) and a range of approximately 14 nautical miles (26 kilometers). Today, the lighthouse is no longer operational for navigation purposes but has been converted into a museum and tourist attraction.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the Point Bonita Lighthouse through guided tours only. Tours are available from Monday to Sunday between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm, with exceptions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays when the lighthouse is closed.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is situated on a rocky outcropping overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the Marin County coastline. The surrounding area features rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and scenic hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Anecdotes and Folklore

There are no notable anecdotes or folklore associated with the Point Bonita Lighthouse.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in 1925, replacing its original manual operation. The light was powered by electricity from the nearby Marin County Power Company. In 1991, the lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as a significant example of maritime history and architecture.

Further Information

For more information, please refer to the Wikipedia article: [en:Point Bonita Lighthouse](https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Bonita_Lighthouse).