Yerba Buena Lighthouse
Perched on the rocky western slope of Yerba Buena Island, this small but striking lighthouse dates back to 1875, making it one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast. The white octagonal tower sits against a backdrop of the Bay Bridge, giving you a layered composition that combines historic architecture with one of San Francisco's most iconic structures. Shoot from the lower rocky areas to include foreground texture and water reflections, or pull back to frame the lighthouse with the bridge cables overhead. The fog that frequently rolls through the bay adds dramatic atmosphere and softens the light beautifully. Golden hour and blue hour are your best bets, with the bridge lights coming alive at dusk. Access is limited since Yerba Buena Island is partially a Coast Guard and military installation, so verify public access and any required permits before planning your visit. A medium telephoto lens helps compress the bridge and lighthouse together effectively. (Yerba Buena Island, San Francisco Bay, California, United States)
