Perched on a tiny island in San Francisco Bay near Richmond, California, East Brother Island Light has guided mariners since 1874. This Victorian-era lighthouse and fog signal station is one of the Bay Area’s most picturesque landmarks, featuring distinctive Stick-Eastlake architecture rare among American lighthouses. Still an active aid to navigation, the station was saved from demolition in the 1970s by preservationists and now operates as an exclusive bed-and-breakfast. The lighthouse is not open to general public tours. For photography, golden hour light from the Richmond shoreline or Point San Pablo offers stunning views, especially during fall’s clear skies. Nearby, explore Point Richmond’s charming village, Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, and Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park.

Explore Nearby

• China Camp State Park — State Park in California
• Angel Island State Park — State Park in California
• The Headlands Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Michigan
• Twin Peaks — Public Land
• Mission Crossing Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina