Lighthouses of California -  East Brother Lighthouse
East Brother Light Station
San Pablo Bay
Richmond, CA 94801
East Brother Lighthouse - Located on East Brother Island, just offshore from Point San Pablo in Richmond, California, at the northeast end of San Francisco Bay.

Prints & Downloads

Map

East Brother Lighthouse  Keepers (Partial list)
  • Staffed by head keepers and assistants during active service
  • Families often lived on the small island
  • Isolation was common but less severe than outer-coast lights

Location

Located on East Brother Island, just offshore from Point San Pablo in Richmond, California, at the northeast end of San Francisco Bay.​​​

History

Key Milestones
  • 1874 – Lighthouse first lit
  • Late 1800s – Guided ships entering San Pablo Bay toward Sacramento and San Francisco
  • 1969 – Light automated
  • 1979 – Decommissioned and fell into disrepair
  • 1980s – Restored by volunteers
  • Present – Operates as a private aid to navigation and historic inn
Interesting Historical Facts
  • One of the few lighthouses in the U.S. that operates as a bed-and-breakfast.
  • The structure is a combined lighthouse and keeper’s dwelling — classic Victorian style.
  • Originally built to improve navigation in the busy shipping lanes of San Pablo Bay.
  • Offers panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline and Marin shoreline.
  • Accessible only by boat, adding to its charm and exclusivity.

Photography

Utilize a 200mm to 300mm lens.