Point Bonita Lighthouse
Perched at the rugged tip of the Marin Headlands, Point Bonita Lighthouse sits dramatically above crashing Pacific surf, connected to the headlands by a narrow suspension footbridge that makes for one of the most compelling compositions in the Bay Area. The lighthouse itself is small and white, but the setting does the heavy lifting: layered cliffs, turbulent water, and frequent fog that rolls in and softens everything beautifully. Shoot from the footbridge looking toward the lighthouse to use the cables and wooden planks as leading lines, or turn around for views back toward the Golden Gate and the Marin hills. Morning light works well when fog is lifting, giving you atmospheric, moody conditions; clear late afternoons bring warmer tones on the white structure. Access requires a short hike from the Marin Headlands parking area, and the tunnel and bridge have limited capacity, so arrive early on weekends. A wide-angle lens, around 16 to 24mm, handles the expansive coastal scenery best. (Sausalito, California, United States)
