My 2-cents on the lighthouses located within National Park Service areas that I have seen. (For all of these, definitely bring a windbreaker jacket even in warm weather.)

Point Bonita - The neatest lighthouse of the bunch. Unfortunately, it has the shortest hours (open 12:30 to 3:00 Sat, Sun, & Mon). Meet at the trailhead to the lighthouse for a ranger-led tour. Call (415-331-1540) or visit the Marin Headlands Visitor Center to find out the starting time. (IMHO, the suspension bridge to the lighthouse at the end of the trail is what would make this a stunning HL release.) The remains of a US Lifesaving Service station are visible on the way.

Point Reyes - A fantastic location, but with lots of stairs as mentioned in other posts. Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Christmas. The Lighthouse Visitor Center is open 10-5. Lighthouse stairs open 10-4:30. A good whale watching site at the right times of the year.

Fort Point - Not a particularly notable lighthouse if you ignore the fort which it sits on top of, but the fort makes the trip here worth it (and as an added plus, you can stop at sites in the Presidio). Open 10-5. A great view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the road approaching the fort.

FrankB

[This message has been edited by FrankB (edited 01-10-2000).]