Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Point Bonita Lighthouse

Occ W 4s🇺🇸Northern California, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Point Bonita Lighthouse

The Point Bonita Lighthouse, constructed in 1855, stands 10 meters tall with its light positioned 43 meters above sea level. This navigational aid emits a white light. Its location at the entrance to San Francisco Bay in the Marin Headlands offers a vantage point overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse is accessible to the public as an attraction.

Why it matters: This site was the final staffed lighthouse along the California coast and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

Background
Point Bonita Lighthouse is a lighthouse located at Point Bonita at the San Francisco Bay entrance in the Marin Headlands. Point Bonita was the last staffed lighthouse on the California coast. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Occ W 4s
Flash Type
Occ
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
4s
Focal Height
43m

Construction & History

Year Built
1855
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

Visiting

Open to public
attraction

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m

Location

City
Northern California
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
37.8156°
Longitude
-122.5296°

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q2100738 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Point Bonita Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near US, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Point Bonita Lighthouse at night?+
Point Bonita displays the characteristic Occ W 4s — 1 white flash every 4 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 Point Bonita Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Point Bonita Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is TRAVIS at 2.8 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Sausalito (3.5 NM NE), Tiburon (4.9 NM NE), San Francisco (6.8 NM ESE), TREASURE ISLAND (7.5 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Point Bonita Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Point Bonita 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 Point Bonita Lighthouse?+
Point Bonita 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 Point Bonita Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Point Bonita 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.