As you drive north across the Golden Gate bridge, leaving San Francisco on Highway 101, you will see the rugged Marin Headlands stretching into the pacific. At the west-most point sits the Point Bonita Lighthouse, built in 1855 to help ships filled with gold seekers safely navigate their way into San Francisco Bay. Last weekend, when we experienced unusually hot weather here by the bay, we knew it would be the perfect time to head into the headlands. And for once, our timing was perfect for catching the Point Bonita Lighthouse during its limited visiting hours.
As with so many trips one might take, the magic of the Point Bonita lighthouse is in the journey to get there, rather than the destination itself. I will say up front the lighthouse is somewhat underwhelming and you should probably give the kids advance notice that they will not be allowed to climb up into the lookout and lens area. However, the drive up Bunker Road is breathtaking with some of the most spectacular views of San Francisco and the Bay Area that you can reach by car. And the half-mile walk from the parking area out to the lighthouse, with its steep and winding path edged by wildflowers and overlooking occasional sea lions and kayakers, offers views even better than that. If that doesn’t make you weak in the knees, just wait until you get your turn to cross the suspension bridge where only 2 people are allowed to cross at a time (or one adult with two small children, in our case).
The Point Bonita Lighthouse (and the second half of its trail to get there) is only open to visitors Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It may also be closed in inclement weather and during times of high wind. There is no entrance or parking fee to visit the lighthouse. While you’re in the area, check out the historic bunker remnants (very popular with kids) or some of the great beaches and hiking trails that are also part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. All it will cost you is the gas to get there — and of course, a few snacks.
I’ll have more tips for cheap and free Bay Area outings coming soon. In the mean time, don’t miss my latest moms in the “Moms Around the World” series I’ve been working on for my column at Examiner.com: Toronto, Canada and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (loving the paraglider video). I’ve been up to my elbows in great photos and tips from the new moms I’ve been meeting in some of the most interesting places around the globe while working on this project and I can’t wait to share more.
Happy Memorial Day weekend to all. Guess this means I’d better start packing! If you’re still looking for ideas of where to go and what to do this weekend, head over to Delicious Baby to see the latest Photo Friday fun.
If having a crib, baby swing, child safety gate, or an exersaucer at your destination could make the difference between a happy holiday or a ho-ho-horrible one, don’t chance it. Reserve the gear you need in advance with a local rental agency. While some agencies carry just the basics: portacribs or play yards, strollers, car…
While your odds of finding an elevator at a subway station in NYC are far better than in Paris, Barcelona and the like, if you plan to use the subway system much during your family’s vacation you will need to be prepared to deal with stairs on many occasions. Should you ditch the stroller altogether?…
The Temperament and Travel series moves on today to take a look at the final major temperament trait, Attention Span, and how it can influence family travel dynamics. Do either of these characteristics sound like your young traveler? Attention Span: Focused vs. Distractible Very Distractible – Is your child easily distracted from the activity at…
Today we continue the “Temperament and Travel” series, featuring bi-weekly advice for traveling with children of each and every temperament. In case you missed it, the previous post in this series offers advice for Travel with a High-Energy Child. Today we look at his counterpart, with advice for Travel with a Low-Energy Child. Does this…
San Diego makes for a great family vacation destination virtually any time of year. And while it’s easy to feel the pressure to visit the numerous theme parks and attractions in the area during your stay, there is plenty to see and do for free or little money while you’re in the area and still…
A kid’s view of Arlington West from the Santa Monica Pier. In honor of Veteran’s Day today, I’m posting this photo of the Arlington West Memorial in Santa Monica, California. As you head down the pier, lined with ice cream and cotton candy vendors, seafood restaurants, and gift booths toward the beckoning roller coasters and…