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Mile Rocks Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇺🇸Northern California, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Mile Rocks Lighthouse

The Mile Rocks Lighthouse stands 15 meters tall and has a focal height of 15 meters. Construction was completed in 1906, and the light was first activated that same year. It is situated on a rock approximately 1 mile southwest of the Golden Gate Bridge, off Lands End in San Francisco. The lighthouse was originally painted with alternating red and white bands, but by 2017, it was repainted a plain white. The structure was automated in 1966.

Background
Mile Rocks Lighthouse is located on a rock about 1 mile (1.6 km) southwest of the Golden Gate Bridge, off of Lands End in San Francisco, California. It was completed in 1906, replacing a nearby bell buoy. In 1966, the light was automated, and the original 85 ft (26 m) tower of the lighthouse was demolished and replaced by a helipad. The lighthouse was at one time painted with alternating red and white rings, but as of 2017, the lighthouse is painted plain white.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Focal Height
15m

Construction & History

Year Built
1906

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q12061785 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m

Location

City
Northern California
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
37.7921°
Longitude
-122.5107°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Mile Rocks Lighthouse at night?+
Mile Rocks displays the characteristic Fl W 5s — 1 white flash every 5 seconds. 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.
Which ports and harbors does Mile Rocks Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mile Rocks Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is TRAVIS at 3 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Sausalito (4.2 NM NNE), San Francisco (5.5 NM ESE), Tiburon (5.5 NM NNE), TREASURE ISLAND (6.9 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mile Rocks Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mile Rocks 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 Mile Rocks Lighthouse?+
Mile Rocks 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 Mile Rocks Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mile Rocks 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.