The Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse District is comprised of twenty-seven acres containing three contributing buildings and one contributing structure.

The United States Coast Guard controls the southern half of Yerba Buena Island which, unfortunately, includes the lighthouse. The lighthouse is operational, but unmanned, and the old keeper's residence is now the quarters of a Coast Guard Admiral. Because the Admiral and the Coast Guard sentry at his gate will not welcome you even if you are an American taxpayer, the only way to see the lighthouse is from the water.