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Golden Gate Bridge South Pier Lighthouse

Fl Red 15s🇺🇸San Francisco, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Golden Gate Bridge South Pier Lighthouse

This concrete lighthouse, built in 1937, stands 12 meters tall on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge's south pier. Its square, Art Deco design incorporates a lantern at the top. The focal height of the light is 15 meters, and it emits a red flash every 15 seconds, visible for nearly 12 nautical miles. The structure was completed as part of the larger Golden Gate Bridge construction project, which spanned from 1933 to 1937. The site is accessible by boat, but the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: The lighthouse assists vessels navigating the waters directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, particularly near the south pier.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl R 15s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1937

Significant events: built as part of the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge between 1933 and 1937

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
stone tower with lantern
Material
concrete

Structure: A 12m square Art Deco concrete tower with a lantern.

Location

City
San Francisco
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
California
Sea Region
Located on the north side of the south pier of the Golden Gate Bridge
Latitude
37.8150°
Longitude
-122.4778°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sausalito(3.2 km)
Admiralty No.
G4068
USCG No.
6-4260
ARLHS No.
USA-003
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Golden Gate Bridge South Pier Lighthouse at night?+
Golden Gate Bridge South Pier displays the characteristic Fl Red 15s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Golden Gate Bridge South Pier Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Golden Gate Bridge South Pier Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is TRAVIS at 1.1 NM to the N. Other ports served include Sausalito (2.5 NM N), Tiburon (3.6 NM NNE), San Francisco (4.6 NM ESE), TREASURE ISLAND (5.1 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Golden Gate Bridge South Pier Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Golden Gate Bridge South Pier Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Golden Gate Bridge South Pier Lighthouse?+
Golden Gate Bridge South Pier Lighthouse is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Golden Gate Bridge South Pier Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Golden Gate Bridge South Pier Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.