Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is the essential stop in Bonavista. Built in 1843, it stands on a blunt, windy cape with views over open Atlantic water and a nearby puffin colony in season. The historic site preserves one of the few seal-oil catoptric light apparatuses still shown in place, which makes the lighthouse more than just a pretty red-and-white photograph.
Even if the building is closed, the cape is worth the drive. Bring binoculars for puffins and whales, and keep an eye out for icebergs in late spring and early summer.