The Lighthouse Circuit

Access, tours, hours, fees, and closures change often. Always verify with the official source before driving.

Regional circuit

Bay Area Islands & Headlands

Ferries, tunnels, and fog

2–3 daysBasecamps: San Francisco, Sausalito, RichmondFoggy, dramatic bridge views, unique access methods

Four standout stops you can do over a long weekend. East Brother is the ultimate Bay Area lighthouse experience — overnight at the B&B if you can swing it.

South to north

The route

4 stops

  1. Alcatraz Island Light rising above the former federal prison

    Stop 01 · San Francisco

    Alcatraz Island Light

    Ferry — exterior view during prison tour

    View lighthouse
  2. Point Bonita Lighthouse at the end of its suspension bridge in the Marin Headlands

    Stop 02 · Sausalito

    Point Bonita Lighthouse

    Marin Headlands — tunnel + suspension bridge

    View lighthouse
  3. East Brother Island Light Station, operated as a working B&B

    Stop 03 · Richmond

    East Brother Island Light Station

    Richmond — overnight B&B

    View lighthouse
  4. Point Reyes Lighthouse below its 308-step staircase

    Stop 04 · Point Reyes Station

    Point Reyes Lighthouse

    Wind, fog, 308 steps to the lens

    View lighthouse

Pro tip

Dress in layers. Marin and Point Reyes can be freezing when San Francisco is sunny.

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