Tier 3 · Curiosities

Mile Rocks Light

Mile Rocks Light Station

San Francisco · San Francisco County · Bay Area

Active aidstandingRestricted accessdifficultU.S. Coast Guard

Photo coming soon

Year first lit

1906

Current structure built

1906

Tower height

unknown (truncated) ft

Focal plane

28 ft

Optic

Automated LED beacon

Light characteristic

Fl W 2.5s (flashing white every 2.5 seconds)

Owner

U.S. Coast Guard

Manager

U.S. Coast Guard

Coordinates

37.7825, -122.5122 Map

Current hours

Not open to public. Visible from Baker Beach and Lands End.

History

Mile Rocks Light was a lighthouse built on a submerged rock at the entrance to the Golden Gate, first lit in 1906. The original multi-story structure was demolished in 1966 and replaced with a helicopter pad and automated light. The stump of the original structure is still visible at low tide. It is one of the most dramatic lighthouse sites in San Francisco Bay.

Why it matters

One of the most dramatic lighthouse sites in California, visible from the Golden Gate Bridge. The demolition of the original structure in 1966 is considered one of the great losses of California lighthouse heritage.

Logistics

Recommended base

San Francisco

Accessibility

Visible from Baker Beach and Lands End in San Francisco. No public access.

Nearby lighthouses

Point Bonita Lighthouse

★ Flagship 12

Sausalito, Bay Area

Tier 1Active aidPublic accessmoderate⚠ Verify

The guardian of the Golden Gate. One of the most dramatic lighthouse settings in the United States — perched on a rocky point, accessed by a suspension bridge over crashing surf. The very limited access (one Saturday per month) makes planning essential.

Lime Point Light

Sausalito, Bay Area

Tier 2Active aidPublic accessmoderate

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Sources

Officialen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mile_Rocks_Light
Officiallighthousefriends.com/light.asp
Secondaryen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mile_Rocks_Light
Imagescommons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mile_Rocks_Light.jpg

Image rights: USCG images public domain.

Research confidence: high · Last verified 2026-05-13