East Brother Light Station

The Mrs. and I spent last night at the East Brother Light Station. When she told me that we were staying at a lighthouse that was a bed and breakfast I had some reservations. I'm not a huge B & B fan even though we've stayed in a few. We arrived at the predetermined time and location. Said location being San Pablo Harbor which is located near Richmond. The harbor has plenty of parking and it is safe to leave your vehicle. We waited in a small seating area near the Sailing Goat restaurant. Soon, the rest of our fellow guests arrived. We all chatted for a bit before our boat arrived to take us to East Brother Island. The boat named Lucretia was manned by our hosts Dre and Charity. They loaded the six of us and our bags, four people had to stay behind to be picked up shortly thereafter. Getting to the island was an adventure. The ride took about ten minutes. The island the lighthouse sits on is only 3/4 of an acre. It has three structures on it, a water storage tank and a cistern that is only fed by rainwater. There is no water supplied from the mainland. The lighthouse is a stately old Victorian house with a lot of character. The inside is decorated with period pieces. The first floor holds two guest rooms, a bathroom, the gift shop, dining room, and the kitchen. The ONLY shower that is in the house is located in the bathroom which is only accessible from the dining room. The two guest rooms share that bathroom. The second door holds the parlor, game room, and two guest rooms. The rooms are named for their view. We stayed in the San Francisco room which had an incredible view from the bedroom window. It also had its own toilet and sink. The bed and linens were very comfortable. At 4 p.m. Dre rings a bell that summons everyone to the roundtable on the grounds for champagne and charcuterie. Then at six he rings it again for dinner. Dre is the chef and Charity provides the table service. For dinner we had tomato bisque, salad with strawberries and almonds, Coc Au Vin Blanc with saffron rice and green beans, and cheesecake for dessert. All of the food was really good. For breakfast we had Dre's homemade quiche with potatoes and toast.There really isn't much, if anything, to do on the island. It was nice to socialize with the other guests but at times I was exhausted. Nothing against them that is just my personality. After breakfast Dre took us out to Walter's workshop and demonstrated the fog horn for us. Just the mechanics of it all was fascinating. Dre and Charity are incredible hosts. Dre will tell you a lot of Dad jokes which are hilarious. Overall we were on the island for 24 hours and it was an incredible experience. Probably a once in a lifetime experience.

My wife found a review of this place on the L.A. Times Website and liked it so much she decided to celebrate her birthday here. This is an operating Lighthouse in San Francisco Bay that also serves as a Bed & Breakfast. So You meet at the prescribed time at the dock near the Sailing Goat Restaurant. The boat arrives at that time and whisks you off for a 10 minute trip to the island. We were welcomed about by a very nice couple. The Captain of the boat goes by the name Dre and his great First Mate goes by the name Charity. He is a certified US Coast Guard Boat Captain as required by law. Together they make up the Hospitality Team that treat you like royalty when you get to the island. Upon arrival at the island you have to climb the ladder to get off the boat and walk up the path to the house. We were a group of four so they left us alone on the island to wander whilst they went back to the harbor to pick up the other six guests. It's a very nicely kept place with lots to do. There's five different rooms available. The two on the main floor share a bathroom. The two on the second floor have a bathroom in the room. The final guest room is in the mechanical building and it's named Walter's Room.Charity took us on a brief tour when everyone arrived to show us all the places and things to do on the grounds. You have full privileges to roam about the island - in all the buildings - except the one or two that indicate otherwise. They advise you that notifications for meals, etc. are done with a bell. There's a big courtyard with a cistern in the middle. There is no fresh water delivered here - all the water is from rain water captured, stored and filtered. The island is small enough that you can easily view about 360 Degrees. You can see the City of San Francisco, the Golden Gate and Richmond bridge. There are sea lions and seals swimming about and sleeping on a big rock close to you. Charity and Dre are the hosts and they take their responsibilities seriously. They are two of the nicest people you have ever met. They provided excellent service with attention to detail. And they take care of the facilities as well - which were very clean and organized. Around 4:30p the bell rang and it was time for "Happy Hour." We all gathered around the round table in the courtyard and were treated to a charcuterie board and champagne for each couple. It was a very elegant snack and very tasty. After that we sat around the table and enjoyed the company of the other couples and there was some more wine available to sip. About 6p The dinner bells rang and we all migrated to the dining room. A big long table for ten people - we all found a place to sit. Dinner is served in courses. Lentil soup was first and was followed by a green salad with strawberries. The main course was salmon with remoulade, served with roasted asparagus and saffron rice. Dessert was cheesecake. The food was excellent. Everything was VERY Good! The best part of dinner was the conversation had by the group. We had a GREAT time at the table, eating the food and talking to one another. There was little bit of wine shared at the table as well. Dre does the cooking and Charity provides awesome table service. This includes refilling water and wine glasses whenever they need it. After dinner you're free to do whatever you choose. In addition to the guest rooms there's a game room, living room, horseshoe pit, basketball court, etc. There are all kinds of books, record and reading material about this and other lighthouses. The breakfast bell rang at 8:30a. Again, we all made our way to the Dining Room to enjoy our breakfast of quiche, potatoes and fruit. Breakfast was very good - as was the coffee and again, Charity was taking good care of us. After breakfast you're free to do whatever you want until it's time to get back on the boat to go home. This was an AWESOME EXPERIENCE!! Charity and Dre really made us feel at home, like it was THEIR HOME! I have to say that this is the best B&B that I've ever been to. I plan on making more trips to this island. It might be my NEW Happy Place.

Fabulous and unique experience. A little bit of a New England feeling. Dinner and breakfast were great - and my vegan needs were fully met. Fun hosts. Educational experience. Very relaxing. We stayed in the San Francisco room and highly recommend that room.

The East Brother Light Station is such a unique gem to the East Bay. An amazing birthday gift, my friends and I were transported to the East Brother island by boat from the Point San Pablo Yacht Harbor with our luggage in tow. (This is set up by the InnKeepers) Once we arrived, we were greeted by a glass of sparkling & delicious snacks. The Innkeepers showed us to our rooms as we met the other over night guests we would share dinner and breakfast with the following morning. A tour of the grounds and learning about the rich history of the island/light station was also included in the experience.Overall, this was a once in a lifetime trip right in our very backyard! Sharing this unique space with others and getting to know them through meals & activities was so genuine. The meals were exquisite and fresh with local ingredients, and the Inn Keepers went above and beyond to make the birthday celebrated so very special. If you're looking to celebrate life or a special event in a remarkable way, look no further than booking a night at the East Brother Light Station!

My man talked about this island every time we drove on the bridge, so I said, "We should check it out sometime!" He then surprised me and booked one night for my birthday! I didn't know what to expect, I should've done a quick research before we got there. I knew we were going to get picked up by a boat at 4 pm, but that was it. When the boat stopped on the island, we were to climb up a ladder and there were a lot more steps toward the house. I realized I should've worn sneakers instead of high-heeled boots! It was nice to watch the sunset while we enjoyed a charcuterie board and champagne. They offered wine afterward. Then dinner came soon - no need to dress up! The three-course meal was fun with everyone sharing a communal table. The dessert was my favorite! The Lemon Posset with Berries was new to me, but it was similar to Pana Cota. The bedroom was comfortable. There was a couple who complained about being cold all night, but we were fine since the innkeeper helped us with the fireplace. I think our room was the only one that had a fireplace, but most of the guests didn't complain about the cold. Breakfast was great! I would like to make the egg with spinach in a little ramekin at home. It looked simple to make but really tasty! The blueberry muffin was my other fave. So scrumptious!When it was time to leave, I was relieved that the boat was raised up for the women so we didn't have to climb down the steps. They lowered it down for the men, though. It was windy and cold, but it was worth it for the breathtaking views, delicious meals, and fun experience. What an awesome birthday adventure!!

We did a couples trip here for the weekend and it was amazing. The hosts were really awesome and the food was above average. The rooms were comfy but the walls were thin. We will definitely be back.

I had such a terrific time at the lighthouse with my mother for her belated Mother's Day/birthday present. This not-so-hidden gem is absolutely spectacular in its views, the quaint ambiance, its history, and the phenomenal partners that are currently running it - Stephanie and Bryan. They're so knowledgeable and personable. The binoculars in our room were such a great finishing touch, as well. Not to mention, the food is amazing!!! It was all home made! We had a delicious appetizer, followed by a dinner of lentil soup, (so good even my mom liked it - who normally hates lentils) stuffed mushrooms, sole, and an English version of a Panna Cotta. Breakfast the next morning was a spinach and egg souffle-type concoction, fresh fruit, almond cake, and fried tomatoes. I cannot emphasize enough what a wonderful place this is! I would love to come back here!

This was our second time staying at the lighthouse and it was fantastic. We were lucky enough to have really nice weather and fantastic views. Once you get off the boat and square away your luggage, you are greeted with some wonderful hors d'oeuvres and some champagne. Not only were Brian and Stephanie our hosts charming and funny but we got to sit around and talk to the other guests, which I think is one of the real charms of the stay. After the hors d'oeuvres, we had time to explore including the actual lighthouse widows walk, which is often not open in other lighthouses. We were treated to a really excellent dinner including sole wrapped around dungeness crab, an asparagus tart, and strawberry shortcake. All really well prepared. We had great conversation at the family style table with the other 8 guests. I found the bed very comfortable and although the fog horn played in the background you also heard the ocean. I ending up sleeping very well. It also helped that my wife brought a small white noise machine - so that might be a tip for those who are concerned.Breakfast excellent and filling with plenty of coffee. At 10:30, Brian came out and gave us a very interesting historical talk and talked about some of the challenges that the lighthouse faces to stay open and maintained. Brian even fires up the diesel engine and pump to sound the fog whistle - be warned, it is load - but they give you ear protection. At 11:00 am we got on the boat to return to Pt. San Pablo. I am sure we will return soon and really salute Brian and Stephanie for how hard they work and their clear love of the lighthouse and care for their guests.

Article on the new innkeepers here https://www.sfchronicle.com/style/article/Remember-that-viral-lighthouse-job-They-got-it-14434597.php#photo-18218773My hubby organized this for our 4 year wedding anniversary. We had seen (and then researched) this place you can see when you cross the Richmond Bridge. Apparently, it had some recent (world-wide) press when they were looking for new innkeepers. The new innkeepers are Tiffany and Tyler. Tiffany is a bit shy and runs the kitchen. Tyler is more outgoing and runs the hardware and the boat. They are both super sweet and didn't make it obvious that they must get the exact same questions from every person who visits.If you stay only one night - they do not what you to use the shower since water is limited. And the people who get the downstairs rooms do need to share a bathroom.They pick you up on the dock at a specified time. It was unfortunate that it was pretty rough when they picked p up and we got soaking wet on the maybe 8 min boat ride to the island. So - don't be like us - bring a spare pair of pants! - And I might suggest that Tyler gets a few rain ponchos for days like these.The inn is super cute (5 rooms total) - and my hubby paid the extra money for them to have champagne and chocolates waiting for us in our room. Once you arrive you have about an hour or so to walk around the island. The dinner menu is posted in the dining room when you arrive. If you have dietary restrictions, they ask for them about a week before b/c they only shop 1x per week via boat.They ring a bell and appetizers are served upstairs. There were about 6 things - 1 piece per person. Then everyone gathers downstairs at a communal table for dinner. They serve you a choice of wines with dinner. And Tiffany is smart about planning these, so some things can be made up ahead - The soup and dessert for example.After dinner you can walk around the island - play games in the parlor, or just rest in your rooms. Breakfast bell rings at 9am. Tiffany makes some kick-ass granola!!!. Also served with an egg dish, some fresh muffins and yogurt.What a fun little local trip - but it ain't cheap. I didn't ask how much - but I am guessing the range is about $400/night.

We had an AMAZING time this weekend! Dre and Charity were so nice and made us feel very welcome. After we got to the island, each couple received a DELICIOUS charcuterie board and champagne or sparking cider. Later, they served us a 4 course dinner that was also so delicious! We could also drink as much wine as we wanted. In the morning, the fruit and homemade quiche were amazing, and they provided juice and bottomless coffee.The island was BEAUTIFUL! We stayed in Walter's Quarters in the old fog horn building, and the view from the room was BEAUTIFUL!!! The innkeepers provided bottled water and 2 chocolates in the room, and each room had 2 complimentary tote bags for us to take home.There was a sink in the room, but the bathroom for Walter's Quarters was across the old fog horn room, but it did not feel like an issue at all (see pictures).Overall, our stay was PERFECT, and beyond our expectations! Highly recommended!!!