When overnight guests step onto the island, they find themselves stepping back into maritime history. After arriving, the small group is welcomed by the innkeepers into the parlor for champagne and hors d'oeuvres. As the sun begins to set, guests are welcome to ascend the spiral staircase to the lighthouse tower, hoping to catch a view of the shimmering San Francisco skyline.

Once settled in, some guests prefer the quiet and comfort of a good novel or relaxing with companions, while others may indulge their maritime curiosity by watching a parade of sailboats, tugs, or even submarines. Some guests browse the library collection of books and historical files about former lighthouse keepers, shipwrecks, and sea stories. On cold winter nights, a fire in the wood stove completes the cozy picture.

A gourmet multi-course dinner is one highlight of the evening with the menu and accompanying wines changing seasonally.

Breakfast is no less a work of culinary art. Full breakfast often includes Lighthouse French Toast Soufflé, a house specialty.