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Northeast Lighthouse Road Trip!

7 Northeast lighthouses where you can spend the night

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Created by Roadtrippers - June 8th 2016

Planning an East Coast trip to the beach? Go full sail on the nautical theme and consider a stay in one of these quaint and cozy lighthouses. They're packed full of history, and since they're all literally right on the coast, you're guaranteed panoramic Atlantic ocean views and a super short walk to the beach. Here are 7 historic lighthouses where you can spend the night-- just remember to leave the light on!

33439 County Route 6, Cape Vincent, NY, US

HI-Tibbetts Point Lighthouse

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Tibbetts Point Lighthouse: This lighthouse has been converted into the world's classiest youth hostel! You can even use the telescope to get the most mind-blowingly gorgeous views of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The adorable little town of Cape Vincent is close to lots of other attractions in the area, like the lovely Boldt Castle and, of course, other lighthouses.

Lighthouse Drive, Saugerties, NY, US

Saugerties Lighthouse

Saugerties Lighthouse: Enterting this Hudson River lighthouse is like stepping back in time. There are two rooms in this quaint little B&B, both of which are furnished with simple, rustic antiques. There's a museum right downstairs, so it's no surprise that the whole place feels like it was frozen in time. Imagine spending an afternoon in the lighthouse's parlor with the windows open and a good book-- sounds like the perfect getaway!

Long Island Sound, Sands Point, NY, US

Execution Rocks Lighthouse

Execution Rocks Lighthouse: This overnight stay is not for the faint of heart! Besides the gruesome name (which apparently is from the pre-Colonial days when the British would execute people by drowning after chaining them to the rocks at high ride), the victims of serial killer Carl Panzram were allegedly found here. The result is rampant rumors that the place is haunted; if you're brave enough, you can stay the night and decide for yourself!

365 Thames St, Newport, RI, US

Rose Island

Rose Island: If you're really looking to get away from it all, then this is the lighthouse for you! Other than an abandoned WWII-era torpedo station, the lighthouse is the only other thing on the island. The craziest part is that you, the visitor, can actually operate the light. If you choose to take on the job, you can donate your time to the worthy cause of restoring/working the lighthouse...but don't worry-- you'll still have tons of downtime, so you can actually finish that book you've been meaning to read.

1 Lighthouse Ln, Pocasset, MA, US

Wings Neck Lighthouse

Wings Neck Lighthouse: It doesn't get more New England than this classic lighthouse! Just imagine corssing the breezeway from the keeper's house to the tower, then going up the mahogany spiral staircase and ladder to emerge in the all-glass room for panoramic views of the coast. The place also has a private beach for sunbathing, sandcastle-building and swimming-- all the things required for a perfect vacation!

1 Race Point Rd, Provincetown, MA, US

Race Point Light

Race Point Light: There are two properties to rent at this Cape Cod lighthouse. The Keeper's House, with its adorable mid-century charm, makes for an adorable coastal escape. There's also the Whistler House, which is reached by a scenic drive down the beach-- look for seals and whales along the way! And don't worry about the light-- it's been automated (and is wind/solar powered!)

3115 Bristol Rd, Pemaquid, ME, US

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse: If this Maine landmark looks familiar to you, that's probably because you've seen it on Maine's state quarter. The whole property is a gorgeous park on the dramatic, rocky coast, and there's a museum, art gallery, and tons of nature to explore. Even awesomer, you can rent out the Keeper's House for your vacation! It was built in 1857, and it's still got that adorable old-timey charm--just look at that white picket fence!

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USLHS Tours and Traveling Adventures

2024 Lake Erie South

The original Lake Erie South Tour has been modified to these new dates to coordinate with when the lighthouses will be open for visiting.  Also, more lights and lighthouses have been added for a total of 20.  There will be 7 nights in one hotel.

UPDATE:  3/16/2024 - there are 2 rooms available as of this date.

Tour Leaders: Kelly Bowers and Mike Rosenberger

Tour Cancellation / Refund Policy / Trip Insurance 

2024 Denmark/Germany - Wait List Only

2024 Rhode Island and Connecticut Tour

Don't miss out on this trip around Connecticut and Rhode Island to see over 30 lighthouse and lights.

UPDATED 3/18/2024

Tour Leaders: Jerry and Marjie Rowland,  Assistant Dean Lohmeyer

2024 Northern California

2024 Southern Maine and New Hampshire

Join us on this tour of Southern Maine and New Hampshire during the fall colors.  You will see 30 lighthouses and enjoy cruising the local waters to see these lighthouses.

Tour Leaders: Tina Hans and Jeremy D'Entremont

2025 Canary Islands

Don't miss this chance to get away from the winter weather.  This is a wonderful sailing trip around the Canary islands.  The Windstar Cruise Line ship, THE WIND STAR, is a sleek 4 masted sailing yacht accommodating 148 guests with a crew of 101.  All state rooms will have ocean views. The boat offers 2 primary dining venues, a new pool, spa and hot tub.  You will touch foot in Spain and Portugal on this trip and see over 30 Lighthouses. Put this on your winter getaway list.

Tour Leaders: Chris and Janet Brookes

Upcoming Tours Preview

2025 tour preview - domestic tours​.

• Lake Superior North Shore August 15-22, 2025 (Dates are not confirmed - Entry into Canada)
• Cape Cod, Massachusetts - (Dates are not confirmed)

2025 Tour Preview - International Tours

• Australia - January 3-28, 2025
• France South by Southwest - June 5-21, 2025
• Canary Islands - Nov 30 – Dec 9, 2025

Slideshows of Past Tours

This is just a small sample of photos. Go here to see all photos from past tours.

34 Best New England Lighthouses

New England has some 200 historic beacons scattered across its shores. Which ones should be on your summer travel list? Read on to find the best lighthouses for every kind of traveler. 

By William Scheller

Jul 15 2022

Few places bring out the camera-toting crowds like Cape Neddick Lighthouse, aka Nubble Light, in York, Maine.

George Bernard Shaw once said, “I can think of no other edifice constructed by man as altruistic as a lighthouse. They were built only to serve.” And in truth these simple structures continue to endure as symbols of security and hope even after retired from use. From the candy cane–striped West Quoddy Head Light in the farthest reaches of Down East Maine to Newport, Rhode Island’s trim and tidy Rose Island Light, New England has some 200 historic beacons scattered across its shores. Which ones should be on your bucket list? Read on to find the best lighthouses for every kind of traveler. 

.css-104edjs{color:#003366;} New England Lighthouses For Photo Buffs

Bass Harbor Head Light Station , Tremont, ME. The only lighthouse standing on Mount Desert Island has lit the way into Blue Hill Bay and Bass Harbor since 1858. Still in service— and located adjacent to its owner and operator, Acadia National Park—the beacon is popular with photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset, because of the wide variety of vantage points afforded by a paved walkway that leads to views of the harbor, the 32-foot tower itself, and a stairway to the seaside revealing the dramatic cliff face on which it stands.

Cape Neddick Lighthouse , York, ME . What does Cape Neddick Light have in common with India’s Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China? There are photos of all three aboard Voyager I , to show possible denizens of other worlds what we build here on Earth. Nicknamed “Nubble Light” after the craggy islet on which it stands, the cast-iron tower has shone its red beacon to mariners entering the mouth of the York River since 1879. There’s no access for visitors, but Sohier Park, on the mainland, offers a fine vantage point for photos and a welcome center with historical displays.

Plan Your Perfect Summer Adventure: Get The Free Ultimate New England Summer Guide!

Gay Head Lighthouse , Gay Head (Aquinnah), Martha’s Vineyard, MA. The sole working lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard stands atop Gay Head cliffs, renowned for the earthen rainbow revealed when the setting sun strikes their multicolored layers of clay. Built of brick in 1855 to replace earlier wooden structures, it was initially equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, an elaborate series of prisms now on display in an adjacent museum complex. The museum also houses a collection of whaling memorabilia and exhibits chronicling the 2015 relocation of the tower from its precarious position atop those lovely but eroding cliffs.

Marshall Point Lighthouse , St. George, ME. Think Marshall Point is a photogenic lighthouse? So did Forrest Gump director Robert Zemeckis, who had Forrest conclude his cross-country run by sprinting over the wooden footbridge leading from the rocky shore to the tower. Rising at the tip of the St. George peninsula, the 1858 beacon guides fishing boat captains to harbor in the picturesque working village of Port Clyde. A museum in the keeper’s house tells the story of the local fishing and quarrying industries, and of the light and its moment in cinema history.

Pemaquid Point Light , Bristol, ME. The beacon immortalized on the Maine state quarter is a stone pepperbox of a lighthouse, rising from a striated granite bluff that typifies the state’s storied “rockbound coast” and commanding the entrance to Muscongus Bay. Commissioned in 1827, the shoddily built original structure was replaced eight years later by the lighthouse you see standing here today. Pemaquid Point is one of the most photographed of all Maine’s beacons, thanks to the striking rock formations that slope dramatically from the tower to the sea. Alongside, the former keeper’s house now holds a fishermen’s museum.

Portsmouth Harbor Light , New Castle, NH. Heir to a long tradition of beacons marking the entrance to the mouth of the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth Harbor’s classic white cast-iron lighthouse—one of New England’s earliest that were built of that economical material—stands on the grounds of historic Fort Constitution. Perched at the narrowest point in the harbor entrance, it affords splendid photogenic views of Maine’s Pepperrell Cove, Whaleback Ledge Light across the river mouth in Kittery, and the open Atlantic beyond.

Southeast Light , Block Island, RI. Photographers find it hard to decide which makes the better picture: the dramatic, 200-foot Monhegan Bluffs on which Southeast Light stands, or the handsome red brick Victorian Gothic keeper’s house with its attached octagonal beacon. Remarkably, the 1875 structure—all 2,000 tons of it—was trundled 300 feet from the bluff in 1993, after erosion left it perilously close to the edge. Just down the road from the lighthouse, 141 steps lead down the bluff face to one of Block Island’s loveliest beaches.

New England Lighthouses For History Lovers

Beavertail Lighthouse , Jamestown, RI. Mariners entering Narragansett Bay have been welcomed by a Conanicut Island beacon since 1749. Today’s square-sided Beavertail tower has stood since 1856, and—except for Boston Light—was the last American lighthouse with a resident keeper, a Coast Guard member who signed off in 1972 when automation took over. The assistant keeper’s house today houses a maritime museum and a handmade collection of models depicting every Rhode Island lighthouse. In good weather, visitors can access the tower catwalk by stairs and ladder.

Boston Light , Boston, MA. North America’s oldest light station is the only one still staffed by a resident keeper, who welcomes visitors taking harbor tours. Established in 1716 to help ships navigate the island-strewn entrance to Boston Harbor, the beacon shining from 1½-acre Little Brewster Island is visible 27 miles out to sea. The original tower was destroyed by the British in 1776, rebuilt in 1783, and elevated to its present 89-foot height in 1859. Thanks to an act of Congress sponsored by Senator Edward Kennedy, Boston Light will be forever maintained.

Colchester Reef Light , Shelburne, VT. Vermont is New England’s only landlocked state—but only in saltwater terms. Lake Champlain’s reefs can be as treacherous as anything along Atlantic shores, and this mansard-roofed lighthouse was built in 1871 as an aid to shipping traffic entering the port of Burlington. Deactivated in 1933, it was moved piece by piece to the Shelburne Museum in 1952 and now features exhibits documenting the lonely lives of its keepers. Fittingly, it stands near the majestic steamer Ticonderoga , which once depended on its welcoming beacon.

Highland Lighthouse , Truro, MA. When Henry David Thoreau visited Highland Light’s predecessor in the early 1850s, the tower was located a safe 500 feet back from Truro’s cliffs. By 1996, erosion had claimed all but 100 feet of the clifftop, and the 1857 structure standing here today was moved a safe distance west. Surrounded by Cape Cod National Seashore—and adjacent to a windswept golf course—this oldest and tallest Cape beacon invites visitors to climb to the top, and hails mariners with its new LED beacon.

Maine Lighthouse Museum , Rockland, ME. Though not a lighthouse itself, this museum is an indispensable stop for beacon-loving history buffs. Located in Maine’s windjammer capital and founded by a Coast Guard officer who had held responsibility for numerous lighthouses, the museum maintains America’s largest trove of lighthouse equipment, Fresnel lenses, lifesaving tools, and foghorns, and features detailed interpretive displays chronicling the stalwart men and women who kept our coastal beacons burning over the centuries. The museum’s Discovery Center houses a rotating collection of materials on loan from the Farnsworth Art Museum, Owls Head Transportation Museum, Penobscot Marine Museum, and others.

Portland Head Light , Cape Elizabeth, ME. Lit longer than Maine has been a state and never extinguished, the lighthouse standing at the entrance to Casco Bay was authorized by Massachusetts Governor John Hancock in 1790 and completed the following year. Although one of the last New England lights to be automated, in 1989, its keeper’s quarters remain in use as a maritime museum displaying, among other artifacts, the second-order Fresnel lens that once shone from the tower.

Stonington Harbor Light , Stonington, CT. Stubby and rough-hewn, the beacon tower that once faithfully guided ships past Stonington Point hasn’t seen service since 1889; however, for nearly a century it has housed America’s oldest lighthouse museum. The Stonington Historical Society has amassed an impressive collection of artifacts relating to local maritime history, including whaling memorabilia and even a “dud” rocket fired on the town by the British during the war of 1812. Climb the tower’s circular stairs for a three-state view: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York.

New England Lighthouses For Hikers & Strollers

Block Island North Light , Block Island, RI. “Old Granitesides,” the fourth lighthouse to warn ships away from the tip of the island mariners called “the stumbling block,” is itself a great block of stone, resembling a small-town courthouse sporting a red beacon tower. Abandoned in 1973 after a century’s service, relit in 1989, and adapted as an interpretive center four years later, it marks the start of a ¾-mile beachside trail to Sandy Point and is surrounded by much of the 134-acre Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge hosts over 70 species of migrating songbirds and the largest gull colony in Rhode Island.

Long Point Lighthouse , Provincetown, MA. Of the three lighthouses needed to guide ships around the treacherous shoals of the 3,000-wreck “ocean graveyard” that surrounds the tip of Cape Cod, Long Point is the one for die-hard dune trekkers. Located at the very tip of the finger of sand that curves around the entrance to Provincetown Harbor, it’s accessible either by following a breakwater out to the sands or, if you’re at Herring Cove Beach, by walking the shoreline until … until you run out of shoreline. Either way, to quote Thoreau, you’ll have put all America behind you.

Rockland Harbor Breakwater Light , Rockland, ME. When was the last time you walked a mile out to sea? Rockland’s stout brick Breakwater Light, with its attached (unoccupied) keeper’s house, stands that far out from the northeast point of the city’s picturesque harbor. Built to protect the harbor from the open Atlantic, the breakwater was capped with a warning beacon in 1902, to keep the long granite-block structure itself from becoming a hazard. City and sea views from the lighthouse are superb, and you may even see one of Rockport’s famed windjammers gliding into port, or filling its sails for a run Down East.

Sankaty Head Light , Nantucket, MA. This classic lighthouse with its distinctive red band has crowned ’Sconset bluff since 1849—but not always in the same place. As erosion claimed more and more of the bluff, the structure was left standing only 68 feet from disaster. Moved in 2007, it’s now a safe 267 feet from the edge. The ’Sconset Trust, keeper (and mover) of the light, also maintains the seven acres of meadow that surround it, along with other ’Sconset properties including the 45-acre heathland of Ruddick Commons. The starring ’Sconset attraction, though, is the two-mile Bluff Walk, which skirts silver-shingled village homes, thickets strewn with wildflowers, and spectacular seascapes.

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse , Lubec, ME. Location, location … and no location in the U.S. lies farther east than West Quoddy Head, whose distinctive, red-striped lighthouse stands against the foggy Bay of Fundy. The beacon is the focal point of Quoddy Head State Park, laced with over six miles of nature trails. Two favorites are the Coastal Trail, where hikers stand high above surging Fundy tides and look across to New Brunswick’s Grand Manan Island, and the short Bog Trail, a raised boardwalk that offers a close-up look at pitcher plants and other unusual bog vegetation.

New England Lighthouses For Overnight Guests

Bakers Island Light , Salem, MA. Even if you’re not part of the summer cottage community on Bakers Island, four miles out in the Atlantic, you can enjoy a sojourn at the rockbound island’s most historic property. Built in 1820, when Salem was the powerhouse of New England’s maritime trade, Bakers’s 59-foot light stands alongside two keeper’s houses, one of which welcomes guests during the summer. Guests have access to 10 of the island’s 55 acres and enjoy swimming, fishing, and rambles along a half mile of trails. There are even two campsites, with raised tent platforms.

Borden Flats , Fall River, MA. Built to warn ships off a treacherous reef that lurks where the Taunton River meets Mount Hope Bay, Borden Flats is a brick-and-cast-iron lighthouse built in 1881, automated in 1963, and lovingly restored by private owners. The four handsomely furnished levels of living space feature a full kitchen and, up top, a queen bedroom. Guest “keepers” can arrange for fresh seafood delivery at dockside, when they check in for boat transport to the light. Nearby, Fall River attractions include Battleship Cove, where “Big Mamie”—WWII’s famous USS Massachusetts —is permanently moored.

Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station , Swan’s Island, ME. Have a week to commit to a lighthouse sojourn? That’s the minimum stay at the keeper’s house adjacent to the stout, square beacon that stands on Swan’s Island’s Hockamock Head, lighting the way to Burnt Coat Harbor. Upstairs at the keeper’s quarters is a cozy little apartment with kitchen and bath, available from June to September. Sea views from the apartment are wonderful—and even more so if you climb to the platform atop the lighthouse. As for getting there? The state ferry service sails from Bass Harbor on the mainland.

Goose Rocks Light , North Haven, ME. America’s lighthouses were made of wood, brick, stone, and, yes, cast iron. One iron beauty is Goose Rocks Light, a “sparkplug”-styled lighthouse whose beacon still marks the eastern entrance to Penobscot Bay. The only East Coast offshore lighthouse that accommodates overnighters, Goose Rocks is all lighthouse—there’s no surrounding apron of land or a separate keeper’s house. Climb a ladder to six-level quarters that feature an antique four-poster bed, a propane fireplace, and a 360-degree canopied catwalk with a grill and outdoor dining table.

Isle au Haut , Maine. Linked by a wooden walkway with the 1907 light and surrounded by water and woods, the privately owned four-bedroom lightkeeper’s cottage has sometimes served as an inn of B&B, but was not open to visitors as of this writing. Check for its current status.

Race Point Light , Provincetown, MA. Perched at the knuckles of Cape Cod’s curling fist, Race Point Light’s 1876 45-foot cast-iron tower is flanked by two guest accommodations. The keeper’s house offers rooms by the night, with shared bath and kitchen; the two-bedroom Whistle House rents to groups of up to eight by the week, or for two-night stays. Getting there involves a two-mile trek through the dunes from the nearest road, or arrange a ride with the local chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, which maintains the properties. You can also obtain a weekly permit for your own four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Rose Island Lighthouse , Newport, RI.  Looking like a mansard-roofed home that somehow sprouted a beacon tower, Rose Island Lighthouse graces an 18-acre islet at the entrance to Newport Harbor. Built in 1870, it shone for a century until navigation aids mounted on Newport Bridge took over its task. Restored following years of neglect, its beacon was relit in 1993. Rose Island offers accommodations in the keeper’s apartment, the former foghorn room with its working woodstove, a one-time barracks for nearby Fort Hamilton, and even a suite that’s part of the on-site lighthouse museum.

Seguin Island Light Station , Georgetown, ME. Seguin Island is a lovely, lonely sentinel at the mouth of the Kennebec River. Its lighthouse—an 1857 successor to the original commissioned by George Washington in 1795—rises higher above sea level than any beacon on the Maine coast, and offers clear-weather views ranging from Mount Washington to Monhegan Island. Venture out on the Seguin Island ferry and put up at the keeper’s house, which features a two-bedroom apartment with a microwave and mini fridge. Campsites are also available; for either accommodation, guests must join Friends of Seguin Island Light Station.

Thacher Island , Rockport, MA. North America’s only working twin light station, established to warn ships away from treacherous reefs off the tip of Cape Ann, the 124-foot towers on Thacher Island were built of Rockport granite in 1861. Their short-lived predecessors were the last lighthouses erected under colonial rule; they were destroyed by Minutemen in 1775 for fear they would aid British invaders. Accommodations here are limited to primitive campsites linked by three miles of trails, although roughing it comes with a bonus: Campers can climb the towers for spectacular views of the Boston skyline and Maine’s mountains.

New England Lighthouses For Cruise Aficionados

Boston Harbor Islands Lighthouse Tour , Boston, MA. America’s oldest lighthouse is the star of a two-hour cruise that threads its way among Boston’s storied Harbor Islands. Leaving port in downtown Boston, the cruise—under the auspices of Harbor Islands State and National parks—takes in Long Island Light, Graves Light, and the original harbor beacon, Boston Light. Park staff and Coast Guard volunteers share the lore of the lights and surrounding waters—and city skyline views are a bonus.

Cape Ann Lighthouse Cruise , Gloucester, MA. Book this two-and-a-half-hour trip offered by Cape Ann Harbor Tours and you’ll wend your way past no fewer than six Gloucester-area lighthouses, from the beacon on stilts that marks the Dog Bar Breakwater to Ten Pound Island Light, which briefly hosted painter Winslow Homer. You’ll also see the Cape Ann Light Station, whose twin lights are the only active examples of their kind in the nation.

Lighthouse Weekend Tours , Isle au Haut, ME. On one special weekend each September, Open Lighthouse Day—actually two days—offers an opportunity to view some of Midcoast Maine’s most scenic beacons via Isle au Haut Boat Services. Saturday cruises out of Stonington Harbor take in Goose Rocks, Brown’s Head, Heron Neck, and Isle au Haut lights, with a stop for photos at Saddleback Ledge. On Sunday, head out of Stonington for a look at the lights crowning Hockamock Head, Great Duck Island, Bass Harbor Head, and Blue Hill Bay.

Maine Maritime Museum Cruises , Bath, ME. Maine’s most comprehensive treasure trove of maritime history gets visitors out on the water with an impressive variety of cruising options, including the Lighthouse Lovers’ Cruise, which offers an up-close look at 10 of the Maine coast’s legendary beacons: Doubling Point Light, Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island & Light, Pond Island & Light, Seguin Island & Light, Cuckolds Light, Ram Island Light, Burnt Island Light, and Hendricks Head Light.

Ten Lighthouses Tour , North Kingstown, RI. Narragansett Bay’s 10 lighthouses—Beavertail, Rose Island, Conanicut, Newport Harbor, Lime Rock, Castle Hill, Whale Rock, Dutch Island, Poplar Point, and Plum Beach—are the focus of Rhode Island Bay Cruises’ 90-minute trip that takes passengers under the Pell and Jamestown-Verrazzano bridges, past Newport’s Gilded Age mansions and historic Fort Adams, and along 60 miles of the bay’s wonderfully scenic coastline.

Sheffield Island Lighthouse Tours ,  Norwalk, CT. Norwalk Harbor, situated on Long Island Sound, is home to three historic lighthouses: Peck Ledge, Greens Ledge, and the oldest, Sheffield Island. The Seaport Association’s cruise includes a narrated tour of the harbor, plus a sail-by of the two innermost lights, Peck and Greens, and finishes with a stop at Sheffield Island for a ramble along nature trails, a talk on the island and its history, and a guided tour of the 1868 lighthouse.

William Scheller

New England Lighthouse Tours

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New England Lighthouse Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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• 1 Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
• 2 Scituate Lighthouse, Scituate, Massachusetts
• 3 Nauset Light, Eastham, Massachusetts
• 4 Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Newcastle, New Hampshire
• 5 Petit Manan Light, Petit Manan Island, Maine
• 6 Race Point Light, Provincetown, Massachusetts
• 7 Nubble Light, York Beach, Maine
• 8 West Quoddy Head Light, Lubec, Maine
• 9 Eastern Point Light, Gloucester, Massachusetts
• 10 Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse, Old Saybrook, Connecticut
• 11 Block Island North Light, Block Island, Rhode Island
• 12 New London Ledge Light, Groton, Connecticut
• 13 Great Point Light, Nantucket, Massachusetts
• 14 Bass Harbor Head Light, Acadia National Park, Maine
• 15 Nobska Light, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

The Most Charming Lighthouses in New England

Of America's roughly 1,000 lighthouses, more than 150 rest dutifully on the craggy coast of the small but mighty Northeast. Time for a scenic tour, guys!

A Brooklyn-based writer and editor, Chelsea's work has appeared in Matador Network, The Huffington Post, the TripAdvisor blog, and more. When not planning her next trip, you'll usually find her drinking way too much iced coffee (always iced—she’s from New England) or bingeing a Netflix original series.

See recent posts by Chelsea Stuart

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

On the shores of the ninety-acre Fort Williams Park, you’ll find the Portland Head Light , a historic Cape Elizabeth mainstay that’s open year round from sunrise to sunset. Originally built in 1787 on a modest budget of $750 (with John Hancock’s personal approval), it was lit with 16 whale oil lamps. Twenty-first-century visitors can tour the museum, with its artifacts and old-timey photographs, which is housed in the old keeper’s quarters.

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Scituate Lighthouse, Scituate, Massachusetts

Believe it or not, the tiny, circa-1811 Scituate Lighthouse originally housed a family of 11 (including 9 children!) and all within an attached one-and-a-half-story house. Flip through your middle schooler’s textbook today, and you might just find the tale of Abigail and Rebecca Bates, two of the original lighthouse keeper’s daughters, AKA the ‘Lighthouse Army of Two.’ During the War of 1812, the sisters warded off a ship full of British redcoats by hiding in the woods with a fife and a drum, playing military tunes loudly enough (and convincingly enough) that they were mistaken for an entire regiment.

Nauset Light, Eastham, Massachusetts

Recognize the Nauset Light ? That’s probably because you’ve glanced at its cartoon likeness on quite a few bags of Cape Cod Potato Chips . While the light went up in 1887, its cliffside locale presented a unique problem when in the 90s, decades of erosion left it standing a precarious 50 feet from the cliff's edge. In order to save it, the light was pushed back some 330+ feet, and it’ll have to be moved again in another couple of decades.

RELATED : 11 Best East Coast Escapes

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Newcastle, New Hampshire

Built in 1771, the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse remains New Hampshire’s only mainland lighthouse. Situated along the Piscataqua River, on the grounds of Fort Constitution, a Revolutionary War fortification, the light was the 10th of 11 lighthouses to be built pre-war. Ask locals and they'll also tell you the light is no stranger to hauntings; its frequent paranormal activities have even been investigated on TV shows like Scared! and Ghost Hunters.

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Photo by Rosie Walunas

Petit Manan Light, Petit Manan Island, Maine

Fourteen miles out from Bar Harbor is the rugged island of Petit Manan in the Gulf of Maine. While visitors can’t check out the light on their own – it’s part of the Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge – boat tours can take you around to catch sights of the puffin colony that calls the island home.

Race Point Light, Provincetown, Massachusetts

Looking for a sweet vacay pad unlike any you’ve ever stayed in before? How about an authentic lighthouse keeper’s quarters complete with 1950s-style Cape Cod decor? First lit in November 1816 (with one of the earliest revolving lights), today people hike 2-miles along the shoreline of Race Point Beach in P-Town to reach the white, brick-lined light – some even choosing to stay the night.

Nubble Light, York Beach, Maine

Compared to the paltry sums other lighthouses on this list were funded with, the Nubble Light , on Maine’s rocky, unforgiving coast, was budgeted a cool $15,000 in 1874 from President Rutherford B. Hayes. While you can’t tour the lighthouse itself – it sits pretty on an island about 100 feet off the shore – you can traverse the rocks along the water to take photos of the scenic beauty.

RELATED : The World's Most Underrated Islands

West Quoddy Head Light, Lubec, Maine

Marking the easternmost part of the contiguous USofA is the fantastically Where’s Waldo -esque West Quoddy Head Light . The 19th-century, iconic candy-striped tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, and in 1990, was featured on a U.S. Postal Service stamp.

Eastern Point Light, Gloucester, Massachusetts

Since the 17th-century, the active Gloucester seaport has been a notoriously dangerous harbor. (Hence Eastern Point Light’s silver screen cameo in the George Clooney/Marky Mark tearjerker otherwise known as The Perfect Storm .) Since the town lost hundreds of vessels and thousands of sailors to sea between the early 1800s and early 1900s, the necessity of a lighthouse at the Cape Ann locale was obvious, leading to the long-overdue construction of Eastern Point in 1829.

Photo by Wilson Bilkovich

Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse, Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Visitors can’t tour the white, cast-iron Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse up close and personal, but they can admire it (and take copious photos) from a passing boat on the Connecticut River. Sitting on the end of a granite breakwater, the structure has four floors of living space, capped off with a watchroom and lantern room.

Block Island North Light, Block Island, Rhode Island

Unlike others on our list, the current iteration of the Block Island North Light isn’t that old. Today’s structure – a brown granite building with a white octagonal tower – was constructed and relit in 1989, after the original light from 1829 (and three consequent versions) required a crazy amount of restoration. Before it was turned around and restored to its former glory, however, it was sold to the city of New Shoreham for $1 USD. That’s right, a lighthouse for less than the cost of a value fry at Mickey D’s.

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Photo by Larry Myhre

New London Ledge Light, Groton, Connecticut

Cute as a 1909 Colonial Revival- and French Second Empire-style three-story, eleven-room button (on its own man-made island, no less), the New London Ledge Light isn’t even most famous for its unique design. Edging out architectural ingenuity, instead, is Ernie, the ghost of an early keeper who now haunts the house. Supposedly, he has a thing for turning TVs off and closing doors all spookily, enough so, anyways, that the light has landed itself on shows like Scariest Places on Earth and Ghost Hunters .

Great Point Light, Nantucket, Massachusetts

Out on the northernmost tip of Nantucket, where the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Sound collide, stands the stone Great Point Light . Getting there can pose a problem for some – you need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to traverse the dunes – but once there, you’ll find silky sands, incredible ocean sunsets, and maybe even some curious beach-faring seals.

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Bass Harbor Head Light, Acadia National Park, Maine

For a quintessential taste of coastal Maine, the Bass Harbor Head Light is where it’s at. Perched cliffside on the dramatic southwestern edge of Mount Desert Island, within Acadia National Park, the light tower and keeper’s house have remained almost entirely the same as their original 1876 blueprint.

Nobska Light, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Take the ferry from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard on Cape Cod, and you’ll spot the Nobska Light , standing tall over a brick oil house, brick radio beacon house, and one-and-a-half-story Cape-style wood keeper’s house. If you visit the light on foot, from its vantage point – on top of a coastal bluff – you’ll find panoramic views of the Elizabeth Islands and Nantucket Sound.

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5 Days 890 Miles

5-Day East Coast Lighthouse Road Trip from Maryland to Maine

Are you looking for a historic vacation filled with magnificent views and delicious food?

The East Coast is dotted with many majestic lighthouses that have withstood the test of time and witnessed the stories of countless sailors and lighthouse keepers. Unique due to their size, their history or their architecture, some of these guardians of the sea have become national treasures.

Exploring the lighthouses between Maryland and Maine is an excellent way to enjoy historical destinations while also immersing yourself in local cuisine and culture. Whether you love historic landmarks, maritime history, nature, scenic views or fun adventures, there’s something for everyone on this five-day East Coast road trip.

Day 1 – Seven Foot Knoll & Friends-Concord Point

After spending the night at 1840s Carrollton Inn , a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland, start your coastal road trip by enjoying a gourmet breakfast at Miss Shirley’s Cafe . There, you’ll find delicious comfort food in a cheerful atmosphere. Try the decadent funky monkey bread and the mouthwatering homemade strawberry and pineapple biscuits. Ideal for fueling up before a long day on the road!

Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse

Once you’ve finished your feast, time to head to the oldest surviving screw-pile lighthouse in Maryland: the spectacular Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse . The lighthouse is one of the city’s landmarks and is open year-round. Built in 1856, it was originally located atop Seven Foot Knoll in the Chesapeake Bay before being relocated to Baltimore’s inner harbor. It’s entirely made of iron and particularly famous for its barn red color. These days, it’s home to an extensive collection of artifacts, all telling the story of the lighthouse, the keepers and sailors stationed in the area and life in the Chesapeake region.

Friends-Concord Point Lighthouse

After visiting your first lighthouse, time to hit the road to reach your next destination: Friends-Concord Point Lighthouse . Located 37 miles north in Havre de Grace, Maryland and nestled along the edge of Chesapeake Bay, this fabulous lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Erected in 1827 as a beacon for sailors navigating in the Upper Chesapeake Bay, Friends-Concord Point is the second oldest lighthouse in the state. It was decommissioned in 1975, but it’s now open to the public from April to October. It overlooks the Susquehanna River, providing visitors with stunning panoramic views. And the Keeper’s House has been turned into a museum which allows visitors to experience life as a lighthouse keeper during the 19th century.

After climbing the lighthouse, time for a well-deserved late lunch! Walk along the waterfront promenade on Girard Street and pass the Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park to reach Abbey Burger . This local favorite offers a wide range of burger options, including shrimp and game burgers, in a rustic pub atmosphere.

Once your bellies are full, head back to the lighthouse to enjoy the picture-perfect sunset.

Note: If you visit in fall or winter and can’t access the inside of the Friends-Concord Point Lighthouse, you can still visit the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, which is open year-round. The museum is rich in artifacts depicting the region’s maritime history, spanning over 10,000 years! And if you’re up for a hike, check out the 4.8-mile Susquehanna Ridge Trail. It will provide you with spectacular views of the Susquehanna River Valley.

Where to Eat & Stay

The Vineyard Wine Bar is the ideal place to grab a bite and sip on a delicious cocktail at the end of an adventure-filled day! And to spend the night, we’d recommend booking a room in the quaint Spencer Silver Mansion , where you’ll be welcomed by charming host Carol.

Day 2 – 1879 Hooper Strait & Choptank River

For the second day of your adventure, start with a copious breakfast at Vintage Cafe on Washington Street. This charming diner has a small-town cafe vibe and oozes nostalgia. The food is made from scratch, and the menu items are all excellent, especially the eggs benedict.

1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse

Once satiated, time to get going. This morning, you’re on your way to 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse , located 94 miles south of Havre de Grace. As you probably guessed, the lighthouse was built in 1879. While it was originally located 40 miles south of St. Michaels in the Hooper Strait area, it was relocated to St. Michaels in 1966. The shallow waters in the Hooper Strait explain why the screw-pile lighthouse has a cottage style.

Choptank River Lighthouse

After exploring the well-preserved lighthouse, admiring the views of the bay from the top and visiting the museum on the grounds, head 27 miles south (approximately 35 minutes) towards the Choptank River. This is where the scenic replica of the Choptank River Lighthouse stands proudly. Located on the edge of the Choptank River, it used to guide sailors up and down the river and has become one of the landmarks of the peaceful town of Cambridge. Just like the other lighthouses mentioned before, it was built in the screw-pile style that characterizes the region.

Note: If you visit during fall or winter, there’s still plenty to do. Not only can you walk around the lighthouse and take in the scenic views, but you can also explore the awe-inspiring 28,000 acre Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge . This park is a bird sanctuary, and it provides travelers with a wide range of activities, from hiking and fishing to wildlife watching and paddling.

Now, if you’re hungry, what better way to fully immerse yourself in the life of a sailor than by eating local seafood? The Snappers Waterfront Cafe is a no-brainer for seafood lovers looking for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Whether you choose the original fried crab cakes, the fried jumbo shrimp or the Ahi tuna steak, your taste buds won’t be disappointed.

After enjoying a delicious meal, time to check in to Cambridge House Bed & Breakfast to rest up before another epic day!

Day 3 – Cape May & Fire Island

Wake up early and enjoy a tranquil breakfast by the garden at your bed and breakfast before hitting the road. Your first stop is about three hours away at the Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May Point, New Jersey.

Cape May Lighthouse

Yet another fantastic site listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, the Cape May Lighthouse is still in operation. Its construction began in 1857, and the lighthouse started its operation as a beacon for mariners in 1859.

This iconic landmark is an absolute must-see for anyone on a road trip from Maryland to Maine. So much so that it has already attracted over 2.5 million visitors since it was opened to the public in 1988.

Once you step foot into the lighthouse, you’ll be greeted by information panels depicting life as a lighthouse keeper. And as you climb up the 199 stairs, the story continues with facts and information about life in the region. As soon as you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. A true feast for the eyes!

And talking about a feast, if you’re hungry, head to the superb Oceanview Restaurant a couple of miles from there. The French toast is to die for, and so is the pork roll breakfast sandwich.

Fire Island Lighthouse

Your next and last stop for the day is the Fire Island Lighthouse in Long Island, located 210 miles from Cape May, approximately a 3.5-hour drive.

Completed in 1858, the Fire Island Lighthouse used to be of significant importance as it was the first landfall for transatlantic ships as they were approaching the New York Harbor. That’s because, standing at 168 feet, Fire Island Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on Long Island and can be seen from more than 20 miles out to sea. It’s so high that, on a clear day, you can see the New York skyline from the top!

The beach nearby is the perfect spot to relax after a long day and enjoy a sip while watching the sunset in this incredible part of the world.

If these emotions have made you peckish, head to Island Mermaid for dinner. The popular waterfront restaurant’s menu offers a welcome mix of casual and gourmet dishes and excellent cocktails.

And because you’ve earned a fantastic night’s sleep, we’d recommend staying in Pines Bluff Overlook for a comfortable stay in a private beach retreat overlooking the ocean.

Day 4 – Point Judith & Beavertail

Today we’re tackling the long drive first for a fun afternoon filled with lighthouse visits in Rhode Island! Nicknamed the “Ocean State” due to its 400 miles of shoreline, Rhode Island brims with amazing lighthouses and sparkling beaches for visitors to explore!

Point Judith Lighthouse

After driving for 3.5 hours, your first stop of the day will be the Point Judith Lighthouse in Narragansett. The lighthouse was built in 1816 and is still in operation, guiding ships navigating in the area.

While the lighthouse is closed to the public, it’s worth the trip as you can still admire the 51-foot octagonal brownstone brick building from the nearby viewing platform located on the beach and enjoy the splendid surrounding views. And while in the area, we’d recommend visiting the charming Port of Galilee and watching fishing boats unloading their catch while enjoying an ice cream. The port attracts tourists from all over year-round due to its authentic New England fishing village atmosphere.

Beavertail Lighthouse

Your second stop will take you to the splendid Beavertail Lighthouse sitting at the southern tip of Conanicut Island, 23 miles from there. Beavertail Lighthouse was built in 1749, making it the third oldest lighthouse in America and the first one ever built in Rhode Island. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the American Revolutionary War, but a new 64-foot tall tower was built in its place in 1856. And for over 165 years, its beacon has been cutting through the morning fog and guiding ships at night, keeping sailors safe. Once on top of the lighthouse, you’ll be able to soak in the panoramic views over the shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean.

Note: The lighthouse museum is open from May to October. The climb to the top of the lighthouse is allowed on selected days , so don’t forget to check when preparing for your trip. If you visit during the colder months, the waterfront Beavertail State Park is famous for offering some of the most spectacular views of the New England coastline, so don’t hesitate to put your walking shoes on and explore the park. Besides, travelers all rave about the sunset views of the lighthouse, so make sure to stick around if you still have some energy.

After seeing these two beautiful lighthouses and exploring the spectacular surrounding nature, head north to Providence for some food and rest. If you’re after some incredible seafood, check out Hemenway’s . The signature shellfish platter is delightful, and the Alaskan King crab is absolutely divine. For something original, book a table at Los Andes , a delicious Peruvian and Bolivian restaurant. Whether you’re keen to try the Spanish octopus, lobster paella or the empanada de pollo, you won’t be disappointed!

And for a brilliant night to recharge and reset, we’d recommend staying at the beautiful Omni Hotels & Resorts . Its central location and luxury amenities make it the perfect spot to spend the night before the last day of your lighthouse road trip. However, if you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a night at Borden Flats Lighthouse . This historic lighthouse was turned into accommodation for travelers to experience life as a lighthouse keeper!

Day 5 – Wood Island & Portland Head Light

What better way to end your lighthouse road trip than with a little ferry ride to explore the Wood Island Lighthouse ?

Wood Island Lighthouse

Located on a tiny island off the coast of Maine, in the Saco Bay and 165 miles from Providence, Rhode Island, Wooden Island Lighthouse will provide for an epic experience. After a 15-minute boat ride from the Vines Landing at Biddeford Pool, you’ll be taken along the majestic boardwalk that leads to the lighthouse by a local guide who will share information about the island, the lighthouse and life as a keeper on the island. And as a bonus, if you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot a whale or two from the tower!

Tours are only available in July and August and only on selected days, so check availability before planning your trip.

Then, head to Sea Salt Lobster for a delightful lunch . The dishes are all made using freshly sourced local seafood, and the craft beers are always a hit with the locals and visitors alike!

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

And if you aren’t planning a trip during the summer months, you can skip the Wood Island Lighthouse and visit the popular Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in South Portland instead. The caisson-style lighthouse is open between May and October and is one of the only lighthouses in Maine, allowing visitors to climb up the tower. And while you’re visiting South Portland, stroll along the Spring Point Shoreway to admire the views of Casco Bay and nearby islands, and visit the Liberty Ship Memorial and the South Portland Historical Society Museum for a trip back in time.

Portland Head Light

For the last lighthouse visit of the trip, drive to Portland Head Light , located in picturesque Cape Elizabeth, 30 miles away from the Saco Bay and 3 miles from the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.

While you can visit the area all year round, the surrounding blooming fields and cotton candy skies make for a spectacular backdrop and photo opportunity during the warmer months. And even though the lighthouse climb isn’t open to the public, you can visit the former Keepers’ Quarters that have been turned into an award-winning museum from May to October. Believe us, the museum is well worth it!

Note: If you’re visiting during the winter months and are up for a historic scenic walk, venture out to see Battery Keyes, Battery Blair, and the Goddard Mansion in Fort William Park . These historic sites are reminiscent of the long maritime and military history of the region.

And this concludes our five-day itinerary to explore some of the most beautiful lighthouses on the coast between Maryland and Maine.

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LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

Historic lighthouse tours | kennebunk, me.

Southern Maine has a number of historic and working lighthouses worth exploring. Let New England Eco Adventures show you some of our favorites in the area. All of the lighthouses we visit are accessed by boat to give you a truly unique experience. Book one of our lighthouse tours today!

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Explore Boon Island Lighthouse and Nubble Lighthouse on this tour that cruises up the coastline. See these historic lighthouses first-hand. Join us today!

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Experience the picturesque beauty of the Maine coastline with our exhilarating boat tour from Portland, Maine. This guided adventure will take you on a breathtaking journey along the rugged shoreline to view more lighthouses than any other tour in the state!

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History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

The 27 Most Beautiful East Coast Lighthouses & How to Visit Them!

Last Updated on: 18th March 2023, 11:07 pm

From Nova Scotia, all the way to Florida, the eastern seaboard of North America is home to some of the most important port cities on the continent. As such, they needed to make sure the ships crossing the Atlantic would make it to the harbor, so they constructed lighthouses to make the way safer.

But they didn’t just build lighthouses, they also took the time to make them beautiful. There are the best lighthouses on the East Coast with details on how to visit each one!

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The Best East Coast Lighthouses

Here are the best lighthouses on the East Coast of the US and Canada.

The Best Canadian East Coast Lighthouses

Nova Scotia is synonymous with lighthouses, but it’s not the only place on the east coast of Canada where you can see gorgeous lighthouses! Here are the best East Coast lighthouses in Canada!

Cape Spear Lighthouse (Newfoundland)

Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse (Quebec)

Visit a small Marconi museum in Pointe-a-la-Renommee or take a cruise to see the Haut-fond Prince Lighthouse standing stoically in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. If you seek a unique experience you can stay overnight in Maisons du Phare de l’Île Verte B&B. These lighthouses have given new life to museums, inns, and cafes and provide visitors with new opportunities to discover history, architecture and learn about marine life in the St. Lawrence Seaway.  

Known as the most traveled lighthouse in the world (because it’s been moved locations a couple of times), Pointe-à-la-Renommée Lighthouse was one of the most pictures lighthouses on the Lighthouse Trail.  You can take a guided tour ($10/person) focusing on architecture and history, including the presence of North America’s first maritime radio station, installed by Marconi in 1904.

Cape Forchu Lighthouse (Nova Scotia)

Peggys Point Lighthouse (Nova Scotia)

Peggys Point Lighthouse is an iconic lighthouse and one of Canada’s most famous tourist spots. It is located in Peggy’s Cove along Canadians east coast in Nova Scotia and is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada, and maybe even the world. It is easily reachable by car or bus tour by driving for one hour from the capital city of Nova Scotia, Halifax.

What’s great about visiting Peggy’s Point Lighthouse is that it’s not the only thing to see in the area. The lighthouse is surrounded by an idyllic fishing village and the scenery is stunning. There is no cost of entry to explore Peggy’s Cove and the surrounding area so you can explore freely and with no limits.

While here you can take photos of the lighthouse, climb and walk on the rocks surrounding it, explore the nearby fishing village, and sit seaside admire the coastal beauty. A quick tip: try to arrive early in the day because it gets quite busy as the day goes on. 

Contributed by Samantha Karen from Sam Sees the World

Covehead Lighthouse (Prince Edward Island)

The Best New England Lighthouses

New England is famous for charming historic towns , lobster rolls, and beautiful seascapes. Here are the best East Coast lighthouses in New England!

Cape Neddick Lighthouse (Maine)

Cape Neddick Light Station is located in Cape Neddick, York, Maine. Its history dates to 1879, when it was dedicated by the U.S. Lighthouse Service. Commonly called “Nubble Light”, the lighthouse sits atop a rocky two and a half-acre island. It is separated from the mainland by a 100 feet wide channel.

It is one of the most popular lighthouses in New England to photograph. Crowds of visitors gather before sunset, as many photographers set up their tripods to capture images across the channel in Sohier Park. 

Cape Neddick Lighthouse is owned by the town of York, Maine. The tower and grounds are closed to visitors, but the view across the channel is spectacular. To reach the lighthouse from Alt US-1 (Long Beach Ave.) in York Beach, head east on Nubble Road to Sohier Park.

Maine is famous for its delicious lobster shacks and houses. Swing into Fox’s Lobster House and enjoy a delicious meal with a view of Cape Neddick Lighthouse. Or visit a great restaurant in York like Lobster Cove, Union Grill, or 1637 at York Harbor Inn.

I have fantastic memories taking photos at Cape Neddick Lighthouse that span decades – from visiting as a child with my parents to returning as an adult. Just 70 miles north of Boston, you can easily visit on a day trip from there.

Contributed by Alex Kallimanis of Wanderlust Marriage

Portland Head Light (Maine)

Located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Portland Head Light is the main attraction in the beautiful Fort Williams Park. The unique quartzite rock formations out front make the views of this beautiful lighthouse that much more stunning. 

The lighthouse was originally one of two and was built in 1791, making it the oldest lighthouse in Maine. You might think that it looks familiar, and that’s because it was featured in an Edward Hopper painting that is now on display at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. The lighthouse is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

While here you can explore the park, visit the lightkeeper’s house that now serves as the museum, and even spend some time at the beach!

Editor’s Choice

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse (Maine)

Lighthouses can be a popular attraction for many and, arguably, no place does lighthouse better in the US than the east coast. You’d be hard-pressed to visit anywhere on the east coast without having a lighthouse nearby, but if you want to experience a unique one, then West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is the perfect fit. 

Located in the eastern tip of Maine, West Quoddy Lighthouse has a few special pieces of notoriety to claim. For geography nerds, this is the easternmost point in the contiguous United States. For another added piece of uniqueness, this is the only candy-striped lighthouse in the country.

From the lighthouse, you can look across the Quoddy Channel and see Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Canada, and if you’re lucky you may even be able to spot whales or other marine life. The lighthouse is located in Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec, Maine. While it’s a little out of the way, it is the perfect addition to a Maine and  New Brunswick  road trip or for any lover of lighthouses.

There is a $3 per person fee for the state park. In addition to the lighthouse, you can enjoy a picnic, five miles of trails, and wildlife viewing.

Contributed by Ashley Hubbard of Wild Hearted

Aquinnah Lighthouse (Massachusetts)

Shobha George from Martha’s Vineyard Tourist 

Southeast Lighthouse (Rhode Island)

Contributed by Jamie Italiane from Adventures in New England

Mystic Seaport Light (Connecticut)

The town of Mystic Seaport, Connecticut is one of the most charming historic towns in America,  One of the features of the town that adds to the charm and gives you a glimpse into its history is the beautiful Mystic Seaport lighthouse on the edge of the water.

While it looks like it has stood there for over a hundred years, that’s only because it’s a replica of an earlier 1901 Brant Point Light on Nantucket. However, the Mystic Seaport Light was built in the 1960s!

The Best Mid-Atlantic Lighthouses

While Canada, New England, and the South (especially North Carolina) are famous for their lighthouses, some of the best American lighthouses are actually in the Mid-Atlantic! 

Montauk Lighthouse (New York)

The beautiful Montauk Lighthouse in this historic New York town is a must-see when enjoying a weekend (or a summer) in the Hamptons. 

The lighthouse itself is a National Historic Landmark and is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. The Lighthouse was authorized in 1792 by Congress and President George Washington, and it was built in 1796.

The lighthouse is still functioning today. Visitors can learn about the lighthouse and US maritime history at the museum. 

To visit, tickets for adults are $12 per person, and discounted tickets are available for children and senior citizens, and parking is an additional $8 unless you arrive after 4 pm.

Fire Island Lighthouse (New York)

On the western end of Fire Island, off the coast on Long Island, NY, sits the Fire Island Lighthouse. The tallest on Long Island, the picturesque black and white structure overlooks Robert Moses State Park and The Great South Bay.

Visitors can climb the 182 steps to the top, learn all about Long Island’s rich maritime history at the small museum, and, on clear days, take in views of the New York City skyline. The lighthouse is open year-round and admission costs $8. Children, seniors, and military pay half price. Less than a mile away sits Lighthouse Beach, part of Robert Moses State Park.

To drive to The Fire Island Lighthouse, take Robert Moses Causeway south to the end and park in state park field five. Walk the short boardwalk to the lighthouse. Alternatively, beachgoers can take a ferry from Bay Shore, NY to Kismet, Fire Island. Simply walk from Kismet to the lighthouse. If vacationing at a Fire Island community, like Ocean Beach , rent bikes or take a water taxi to Kismet.

The Fire Island Lighthouse is located on Burma Rd, Gilgo Beach, NY 11702.

Contributed by Tori from Tori-Leigh.com.

Cape May Lighthouse (New Jersey)

When on the East Coast, and specifically in New Jersey, don’t miss a visit to the quaint beach town of Cape May and the Cape May Lighthouse. Located at the southernmost point of New Jersey, this is easily accessible via car from the north.

For those who are visiting from the south, there is a ferry in Lewes, Delaware that takes you across the Delaware Bay. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry takes about an hour and the fee varies depending on whether you are bringing your car or not. For an individual fare, peak summer fees are $18 round trip.

Once you arrive in Cape May, head south to the Cape May Point State Park. The lighthouse is still operational today and for a $15 fee, you can climb to the top. Make sure to read the historical plaques as you climb to learn more about the lighthouse’s history. The best part is the 360-degree platform at the top to take in the views from every side.

Once you’ve visited the lighthouse, stroll through the Cape May Wetlands State Natural Area, or hang out at the beach, both of which are right across the parking lot. If you’re looking for a beach town with a great lighthouse, look no further than Cape May, New Jersey.

Contributed by Jordan Bradford from The Solo Life.

Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse (Delaware)

Located in the Delaware Bay, the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse dates back to the 1880s. It served a vital role in the safety of the bay, but it was replaced in importance by other lighthouses in the area. It was deactivated in 1996. 

In 2004, the local Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation began a partnership to work on the lighthouse’s preservation as well as running tours of the lighthouse in the summer. 

Assateague Lighthouse (Virginia)

On Virginia’s Eastern Shore is the gorgeous Assateague National Park, where you can find one the East Coast’s finest lighthouses.  The Assateague Lighthouse is a 142ft structure that was built in 1867 and stands tall and proud in the middle of the park. 

The lighthouse is quintessential in its aesthetics with thick red and white hoops adorning the structure as it rises out the marshy wetlands that surround it. During the summer, the lighthouse is open to the public on weekends and the admission is free, but donations are welcome to help pay for the upkeep of the building.

At the top of the 175 stair climb, one will find stunning panoramic views over the island and out to sea. In the park surrounding the lighthouse, you can find the famous Chincoteague wild horses that inhabit the island. 

In addition to the relaxing and calming nature, there are also beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Coast where you enjoy the warm, Virginia sunshine. You will need to pay to enter Assateague Park with a vehicle and that will set you back $20 for a 7-day pass.

 If you enter the park on foot or bicycle, it is free for the day. For those looking to learn a little more about the history of the area, there is a wonderful little museum just before the entrance of the park. 

The Best Southern East Coast Lighthouses

When I think of traveling in the South, I think of visiting  beautiful historic American cities like Savannah, important Civil Rights monuments like those in Birmingham , and gorgeous southern beach towns like the ones in the Outer Banks.

Of course, these beaches mean that there are some truly stunning historic lighthouses in the part of the country as well! These are the best Southern lighthouses on the East Coast.

Bodie Island Lighthouse (North Carolina)

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (North Carolina)

Cape Lookout Lighthouse (North Carolina)

Located on a barrier island near the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, the Cape Lookout National Seashore  is an absolute delight to visit–and the pinnacle of a day trip to Cape Lookout is the lighthouse that overlooks the sea.

With a classic black-and-white pattern, the Cape Lookout lighthouse is both idyllic to admire and incredibly fun to climb!

In addition to climbing the lighthouse for phenomenal views (207 steps each way) of the islands, sea, boats, and beaches that surround the lighthouse, you can also enjoy the seashore surrounding it by hiking, swimming, camping, or simply strolling along the beach looking for shells.

To visit Cape Lookout, you’ll need to book a ferry or tour leaving from either Beaufort, North Carolina, or Harkers Island, North Carolina. The ferry ride is shorter from Harkers Island, but unless you happen to be staying on the island, it’s a bit of a drive to get there in the first place.

The Cape Lookout lighthouse costs USD 10.00 to climb (not including the cost of getting there), and you can climb it (weather permitting) from May – September. The lighthouse can be climbed Wednesday – Sunday during its season.

Contributed by Kate from Our Escape Clause

Currituck Beach Lighthouse (North Carolina)

Oak Island Lighthouse (North Carolina)

Nestled on North Carolina’s southern shores stands the Oak Island Lighthouse. This working lighthouse is easily distinguishable among others by its distinctive paint pattern – a light gray solid bottom and black solid top. The flash pattern of four one-second flashes every 10 seconds lets sailors identify where they are along the shore.

Visitors wanting to climb up the lighthouse’s 131 steps need to plan. Unlike the other 6 NC lighthouses , Oak Island tours are led by volunteers. Requests to climb the lighthouse need to be emailed two to four weeks in advance to ensure that volunteers are available. While there is no fee to climb, a donation is appreciated. 

The lighthouse’s interior is rather unique. Unlike other lighthouses that have spiral staircases, Oak Island Lighthouse features metal ship ladders. The ship ladders mean that visitors generally need to have both hands free to climb up and down safely. 

Oak Island Lighthouse’s location on some of the most beautiful beaches in North Carolina makes it a worthwhile stop. Many visitors to Oak Island take the ferry from Ft. Fisher while visiting nearby Carolina Beach and the Wilmington area. 

Contributed by Annick from The Common Traveler

Harbour Town Lighthouse (South Carolina)

The Harbour Town Lighthouse on Hilton Head Island is an iconic American lighthouse. It’s red-and-white stripes and stocky build are an imposing sight over the water.

This is not the oldest or the first lighthouse on Hilton Head. There was a Union lighthouse built here during the Civil War. The Harbour Town lighthouse wouldn’t be erected for another century. 

The lighthouse is a museum, but it was always intended to serve as such. You can visit to learn about the history of Hilton Head as well as taking in the fantastic panorama views from the top.

Cape Florida Lighthouse and Lantern (Florida)

Bill Baggs Lighthouse is located on the pristine island paradise of Key Biscayne in Miami, which is one of the  best areas in Miami to visit . The lighthouse is situated within the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the southernmost tip of the island, and it dates back to 1825.

It is the oldest structure in the Miami area! It’s survived two centuries of erosion, an attack by Native Americans and countless hurricanes, yet still stands to be one of the most important cultural sites in Miami.

After a dizzying 106 steps in its narrow staircase, visitors are greeted with dazzling views across the Key Biscayne. To the north is the world-famous stretch of Miami Beach and to the east and south is the azure Atlantic Ocean. If you’re lucky you might be able to spot manatees, dolphins, and stingrays! 

Back at ground-level, make sure to hire some bikes from one of the rental centers to explore the scenic paths around the park. There’s also kayaking, swimming, wildlife spotting, and fishing, so you can make a full day at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.  

Entry to its tower is free with park entry. Visitors can go into the lighthouse every day of the week, except Tuesday and Wednesday. To get to Key Biscayne from Downtown Miami, either take an Uber or the #102 bus over the Rickenbacker Causeway. If you self-drive, there is adequate parking which is $8 per vehicle.

Contributed by Claire from Stoked to Travel

St. Augustine Lighthouse (Florida)

One of the most popular things to do in St Augustine is seeing  and climbing the historic lighthouse (opened in October 1874) . T he St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum property features four separate attractions.

Certainly, climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse for amazing views. For special fun, reserve tickets for a ghost tour or sunset/moonrise climb ( includes champagne with a view! ).

Second, the 1876 Keepers’ House has four unique features for a pre-1900 Florida home—Victorian style, brick, duplex, and  a basement. Make sure to see The Wrecked! exhibit which commemorates the area’s role in the Revolutionary War with shipwreck finds, including the world’s second-oldest known cannon (1782).

The third is LAMP, the USA’s oldest underwater archaeology school featuring wonderful and historic discovery exhibits.

Fourth is Heritage Boatworks which displays and creates  authentic traditional wood boats. Current general admission rates are $13 for adults and $11 for children and seniors. Look on their website for a 15% discount code or a 10% printable coupon. Onsite are also hiking trails, a great gift shop, and a snack bar (The Tin Pickle) with local craft beer.

Contributed by Charles McCool from McCool Travel

St. George Island Lighthouse (Florida)

More USA & Canada Trip Inspiration

Are you still trying to figure out where to go in the US or Canada? Check out my guides on the best scenic drives in America, the best American small towns , and the best historic American cities.

If you’re interested in traveling Canada, check out this trip planning guide  and beautiful quotes about Canada.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Before you leave for your lighthouse road trip make sure you have a valid  Travel  Insurance Policy  because accidents happen on the road. I pay for  World Nomads,  and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be away for more than a few days. I

I have been a paying customer of  World Nomads  for travel insurance for two years, and I happily recommend them.  If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.

Pin this Guide to the Most Beautiful Lighthouses on the East Coast for Your Travels!

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A Tour of 17 Iconic East Coast Lighthouses

From whale oil to windy nights, a tour of 17 iconic east coast lighthouses and the stories behind the structures that saved american sailors.

By Emily Hackeling

A trip to the East Coast often means sandy feet, seashells, perhaps a pink-orange sunrise, and even that quintessential striped lighthouse standing tall above the water. While often appearing calm and deserted, few modern buildings surpass lighthouses as such solid examples of American ingenuity and bravery.

Following are the stories behind 17 lighthouses along the East Coast. Don’t breeze right past that unassuming lighthouse on your next beach trip … an unexpected—and often breezy—history often accompanies it.

Cape May Lighthouse, NJ

Aug. 7th marks National Lighthouse Day each year, and Cape May celebrates its own lighthouse accordingly. Enjoy guided historical tours to the top of the tower, make your own pirate hat, browse local crafts, and honor America’s dedication to safety for those at sea. Nearly 100,000 visitors annually come to enjoy the small-town, oceanfront charm of Cape May, known as “America’s First Seaside Resort.”

Delaware Breakwater East End Light, DE

Perched on the inner Delaware Breakwater off the coast of Cape Henlopen in Lewes, DE, is the Delaware Breakwater East End Light. This lighthouse marks trials of the sailors in rough waters, lighthouse keepers who worked cramped days and nights to protect them, and workers who struggled to build the breakwater along the unprotected coast from Virginia to New Jersey. Life at the Delaware Breakwater East End Light was notoriously difficult, as the waves and winds were strong, and the tower was only 22 feet in diameter at its widest point. Fog here remained almost constant, often setting records. In fact, in 1905, the fog signal blared for 645 hours in just one year.

Thomas Point Shoal Light, MD

You’ll see the historic small towns and sandy beaches of the Chesapeake like you’ve never seen them before on a cruise out to the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, which sits just south of Annapolis on the Chesapeake Bay. Built in 1875, it’s the only screw-pile lighthouse to still stand in the Bay in its original spot. It’s a white wooden cottage with a quaint red roof, shaped like a hexagon sitting on a tiny island of rocks out in the water. As one of only 10 U.S. lighthouses to be named a National Historic Landmark, the site is open to visitors during summer months as weather permits. Tours include a 30-minute boat ride from the beach, as it’s the only way to reach this historic offshore location.

Cape Henry Lighthouse, VA

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, NC

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton, NC, sits on the shore of the Outer Banks—but it didn’t always sit in its current spot. After rebuilding the cracked original from 1802, the iconic, white-and-black spiraling new structure was erected in 1870. As the nation’s tallest lighthouse at 208 feet, the tower was so revered that officials refused to let natural erosion bring it down. In 1999, a well-thought-out plan was executed, carefully transporting the 4,830-ton structure nearly 3,000 feet inland. A visit to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore also means world-class bird watching, surfing, kiteboarding, and miles of beaches to walk along—just look up from wherever you stand and you’re sure to see the striped tower amongst rolling sandy dunes and beach grass.

Cape Charles Lighthouse, VA

The Cape Charles Lighthouse is Virginia’s tallest lighthouse and the second tallest in the entire United States. It’s a 191-foot white steel skeleton with a spiral staircase up to its generator, built to be distinguished from its neighbor at Cape Henry and to withstand powerful winds that can whip right through it. This lighthouse had a rough history: the one standing today is the third attempt, as the first two were threatened by erosion and World War I, respectively. Once you’ve snapped some shots of the lighthouse, hitch a ride 20 minutes north to the Bay Creek Railway, where you can continue the history lesson on a restored 1913 interurban dining car for an hour-long scenic ride through the Chesapeake region.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse, NC

Cape Lookout is the only lighthouse in the country with its distinct design of black-and-white diamond checkers. Sitting on the southern side of North Caroli-na’s Outer Banks, it’s one of very few lighthouses to operate during the day-time. As such, its design serves a purpose: The center of the black diamonds point north to south, while the center of the white diamonds point east to west. Even in the daytime, it flashes every 15 seconds, allowing people to see its light from 12 to 19 miles out to sea. A day at the Cape Lookout National Seashore wouldn’t be complete without a swim in the ocean, fishing, wildlife watching at Harker Island Visitor Center, and a stop at the old lighthouse. Climb to the top, snap amazing photos of its one-of-a-kind design, and even tour the Keeper’s Quarters Museum to learn about life at the light station.

Bald Head Island Lighthouse, NC

“Old Baldy” is North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse—it’s been standing in its original structure for nearly 200 years and was built to mark the port entrance of the Cape Fear River. A 108-step climb and guided tour brings you to the top of this whitewashed tower, but half the fun is getting there. Grab the ferry from Southport, NC, and the lighthouse is a five-minute walk from the boat landing. No cars are allowed on the island, so rent a bike or a golf cart to spend a day admiring “Old Baldy” from all angles on the island.

Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, SC

“Charleston’s Light” is one of the most modern lighthouses in the Carolinas and one of the most unique. Built in the 1960s, it’s a slim, triangular block. This tower has modern perks like air conditioning, an elevator, and an aerodynamic shape, allowing it to withstand hurricane-force winds. It’s not open for public tours, but the iconic black-and-white structure among rolling white dunes serves as a favorite photo opportunity for Sullivan’s Island visitors.

Haig Point Lighthouse, SC

As if Daufuskie Island’s white beaches weren’t enough reason to visit, the Haig Point Lighthouse provides one more solid argument. Sitting on the Calibogue Sound, the historic tower was constructed in 1873. But as its name aptly explains, there’s actually an entire house with this light. Two rooms with queen beds, a dining room, two and a half baths, and an amazing view of the island from the front porch rocking chairs comprise the lower half of the building. The light extends up like a chimney.

Harbour Town Lighthouse, SC

Golf enthusiasts will recognize Hilton Head Island’s red-and-white-striped Harbour Town Lighthouse as the site of the feared 18th hole of the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage tournament on Harbour Town Golf Links. Others may know if from classic coastal wedding photos, as this spot is an iconic tourist and wedding photo location. Either way you look at it, the tower, built in 1969, is worth a climb for a gaze out over the glittering Calibogue Sound. And afterward, enjoy a round of golf, a dip in the ocean, or a boat ride out to see the light from an offshore perspective.

Little Cumberland Lighthouse, GA

Little Cumberland Lighthouse marks the northern tip of Little Cumberland Island off Georgia’s southeast coast. The lighthouse and surrounding islands played a pivotal role in the Civil War, as the final shipment of slaves illegally entered the States there. Now on a private island only accessible to homeowners and their guests, a large dune prevents water tours from getting an actual view of the lighthouse and it’s not open to the public.

Tybee Island Lighthouse, GA

General James Oglethorpe originally ordered the Tybee Island Light Station to be built in 1732, making it one of only eight remaining Colonial-era light stations. Although the lighthouse itself was rebuilt several times, it remains an icon on the island today. Take a day tour or join an evening tour to watch the sun set from the best vantage point on the island. Stay at the quaint Lighthouse Inn Bed and Breakfast, a 1910 cottage just five minutes from the light station with family-style breakfast and a wrap-around porch, perfect for sipping sweet tea.

Amelia Island Lighthouse, FL

Amelia Island Lighthouse in Fernandina Beach is Florida’s oldest standing lighthouse. Besides being a photo-worthy historic landmark from 1838, the tower has a few features that set it apart from most lighthouses. It’s the westernmost on the entire East Coast, and it was built during a “Territorial Period,” during which buildings were built further from the shore for protection. All 59 steps up to the lantern are hand-carved from granite, with two additional flights of cast-irons stairs above them. Tours here are rare and personal; they’re led by Ms. Helen O’Hagan Sintes, a woman who actually spent her childhood living on the lighthouse grounds.

St. Augustine Light Station, FL

The St. Augustine Light Station at the north end of Anastasia Island originated in the 1500s as an old Spanish watchtower. After erosion threats and rebuilds in the 1800s, the tower that stands erect today was completed in 1874. Now the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, the site serves as an educational site for kids, an archeological research center, and a museum to keep alive the history of St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest port.

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, FL

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse on Florida’s eastern coast is the only operating lighthouse owned by the U.S. Air Force. After thorough restoration to remove toxic lead paint, the 151-foot lighthouse can be toured as a part of the Air Force Space and Missile Museum. From the lighthouse, you can see launchpads for the Gemini, Mercury, and Apollo space programs.

Key West Lighthouse, FL

After the U.S. Navy established a base on Key West, they quickly knew a lighthouse was necessary there; the shallow reefs off the coast made it tricky for boats to navigate between islands. The lighthouse opened in 1848 with a woman as the keeper, which was rare for the time. Now visitors can tour photographs and belongings of the keepers and their families who lived there, and climb the lighthouse’s 88 steps for gorgeous views of Key West’s charming harbors.

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11 New England Lighthouses You Can Actually Spend the Night In

T here are many must-dos when traveling through New England. If you’re exploring the region during the fall, you must take a road trip to admire the world-famous foliage; if you’re traveling during the holidays, you can’t leave before checking out the Hallmark-movie-like towns that dot the area; and if you’re wanting to spend time in nature, you can’t miss the stunning and unbelievably underrated state parks . But before anything else, there is one activity that would be sacrilegious to forego: touring the famous New England lighthouses.

You can plan an entire road trip around the beacons or see them from a boat on one of the many lighthouse tours available, but the best way to really appreciate New England’s lighthouses is to stay in one. There are only a few lighthouses in New England that are equipped and allow for overnight stays, and we’ve selected the best of them in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from some of the links on this page if you decide to book a stay, and listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Isle au Haut Lighthouse, Isle au Haut, ME

Photo: The Keeper’s House /Facebook

If you seek peace and solitude, the Isle au Haut Lighthouse is a great option. Located on the remote island of Isle au Haut, the lighthouse is only accessible by ferry from the small town of Stonington. Guests don’t actually stay in the lighthouse, which still acts as an active US Coastguard aid to navigation, but in the Keeper’s Cottage right across from the lighthouse or in the Oil House Cottage 100 yards away. All the rooms are furnished with antiques and lit by gaslights, candles, and kerosene lanterns, so the atmosphere is rustic and cozy. The best room in the Keeper’s Cottage is the Keeper’s Room with its close-up view of the lighthouse. The Garret Room, which covers the entire third floor of Keeper’s Cottage and has beautiful views of Penobscot Bay, is a close second. Built in 1907, the Isle au Haut Lighthouse station was fully restored as an inn in 1986, and the lighthouse itself was brought back to its glory days in 1999.

Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station, Swan’s Island, ME

Photo: Friends of the Swans Island Lighthouse /Facebook

Located on Swan’s Island, the Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station is only accessible by ferry from Bass Harbor near Acadia National Park . The Keeper’s House apartment at the Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station is available for rent for one week minimum from June to mid-October for $1,200 per week in July and August and $1,000 per week in June, September, and October. The apartment is upstairs and designed for two people; it features one large bedroom, a separate living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. Every room in the apartment has beautiful views of either the ocean, the surrounding islands, the harbor, or the village. The Keeper’s House’s downstairs area is a museum dedicated to the lighthouse station and is open six days a week during the summer season, so don’t expect an entirely quiet and solitary stay. Tours of the 1872 lighthouse, which is still active and just a few yards away from the keeper’s house, also take place regularly in the summer.

Little River Light Station, Rockland, ME

Photo: Little River Lighthouse /Facebook

Located on an island at the entrance of Cutler Harbor, Little River Light Station is accessible via a 12-minute boat ride. There are no ferries to reach the light station; instead, volunteers of the Friends of Little River Lighthouse meet those who book a stay at the light station in Cutler and boat them to the peaceful 15-acre property. There are three rooms available for rent in the fully restored keeper’s cottage (overnight stays only run from June 15 to September 30) and rates range from $150 to $225 per night depending on the room. Guests are able to climb to the top of the 1876 lighthouse, which is still active, and admire the views of the Bay of Fundy and the boats coming into the harbor.

Whitehead Light Station, Tenants Harbor, ME

Photo: SmugMug

Whitehead Light Station is located on the remote island of Whitehead and there are no ferries to get there. Instead, guests are picked up on the mainland by the Whitehead Light Station captain in one of the Whitehead Light Station boats and brought to the isolated 11.1-acre property. The Whitehead Light Station facility, fully restored in 2008, consists of seven bedrooms (each with its own private bathroom), two sitting rooms, a library, a dining room, and a full kitchen. The entire light station is available for rent by the week between June and October for $7,500 per week. There is a minimum rental period of three nights. The price may be high, but it includes a very special perk: The captain of the light station is there during guests’ stays and is available to take small groups on outings in the boat and on trips to the mainland.

Pemaquid Lighthouse, Bristol, ME

Photo: Sean Pavone /Shutterstock

The Pemaquid Lighthouse is located on the mainland in the small town of Bristol. While it does not have the same secludedness as the previous New England lighthouse stations we listed, the keeper’s house at the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is still a cozy and very scenic place to stay. Guests stay on the second floor of the keeper’s house in a small but comfortable apartment that has one bedroom, one bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area and a living room. It can sleep two to four people. Note that the first floor of the house is home to the Fisherman’s Museum , open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The Keeper’s House’s apartment is available year-round, but those who book from November to June need to stay a minimum of three or four nights. The 1835 tower, which is still active, is open to the public every day from Memorial Day to Columbus Day from 1 PM to 5 PM, so if you want tranquility, book outside of those dates.

Massachusetts

Wings neck lighthouse, pocasset, ma.

Photo: Wings Neck Lighthouse

Formerly an active US Coast Guard Lighthouse, the Wings Neck Lighthouse and its keeper’s cottage have been entirely renovated to accommodate up to eight guests in its three bedrooms. The keeper’s cottage is attached to the 1890 lighthouse via a breezeway, so guests can go to the top of the tower via the mahogany staircase to the lantern room whenever they want to. Inside the keeper’s cottage, the decor is all about New England, with shades of white and blue keeping a peaceful maritime atmosphere. If you want to swim, the property, which is private, is only 600 feet away from a lovely beach, but if you’re keen to swim from the rocks at the bottom of the lighthouse, you can safely do so. Wings Neck Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in New England to be available for rent on Airbnb .

West Dennis Light, West Dennis, MA

Photo: Lighthouse Inn /Facebook

Built in 1855 on the Cape Cod Peninsula, just a 90-minute drive from Boston, the West Dennis Light is now a large inn known as The Lighthouse Inn. The property sits on nine oceanfront acres and has a private beach and outdoor heated pool. The Lighthouse Inn is open from May to October and offers varied types of accommodations such as one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages, family suites, and guest rooms. Guests can enjoy their meals at the Waterfront Restaurant while taking in the views of the Nantucket Sound.

Race Point Light Station, Provincetown, MA

Photo: Race Point Lighthouse /Facebook

Located on the northern tip of Cape Cod in the Cape Cod National Seashore, the keeper’s house and the whistle house of Race Point Light Station have both been fully renovated and welcome guests from spring through fall. The keeper’s house, built in 1876, can accommodate up to 10 guests and can be entirely rented by one party. The Whistle House can welcome up to eight guests. The Race Point Light Station is in a secluded location, and guests need to use their own four-wheel-drive vehicle and obtain an oversand permit from the National Park Service to access it. Alternatively, they can contact a dune tour operator for transportation. Fit travelers can make their way on foot. The lighthouse, rebuilt in 1876, is open for tours twice a month from June to October.

Borden Flats Lighthome, Somerset, MA

Photo: Allan Wood Photography /Shutterstock

If you’re looking for a secluded lighthouse you can stay in overnight, it doesn’t get much more remote than this eye-catching off-shore lighthouse located between Somerset and Fall River. It’s available for overnight stays via its Overnight Keepers Program from April to November, as well as a few nights in December upon request, starting at $395 per night. Built in 1881 and inhabited by keepers until 1963, the Borden Flats Lighthome is very cozy and welcoming, and it can accommodate two guests for up to two nights. The lighthouse is completely off the grid and powered by solar panels and batteries. There is no WiFi in the lighthouse, but guests are so busy enjoying the view from the lantern room that they are unlikely to miss it. Complimentary boat service from Borden Light Marina is offered to guests.

Bakers Island Lighthouse, Salem, MA

Photo: Bakers Island Light

Bakers Island Lighthouse is located on a 55-acre island that’s just four miles off the coast of Salem . The property itself is on 10 acres of private land and is available for rent for up to six people between June and September for a minimum of two nights (Fridays and Saturdays only). Rates start at $790 for four people for two nights (price includes a boat ride to and from the island). Guests don’t get to stay in the lighthouse but in the Assistant Keeper’s House, which is solar-powered with limited lighting, basic furniture, filtered well water, and a limited amount of hot water. There is no TV in the house, so guests can fully unplug and relax by the ocean.

Rhode Island Lighthouses

Rose island lighthouse, newport, ri.

Photo: Wayne Penn /Shutterstock

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Best Lighthouses On The East Coast

We’ve listed the best lighthouses on the east coast of the US and Canada. Learn about their history and things to know before your visit.

Our appreciation for lighthouses has really grown over the last few years. We now make it a point to visit them in any destination we’re exploring. To fuel both our and your lighthouse wanderlust, with the help of our blogger friends, we’ve put together this epic list of the best lighthouses on the east coast.

Our list includes lighthouses on the east coast of both the US and Canada. We’ve placed them in order from north to south. So from Newfoundland to Key West, you have 27 beautiful and historic lighthouses.

Pro Tip: As you’re exploring lighthouses, make sure to check out the best wineries on the east coast and the best botanical gardens on the east coast !

Map Of Lighthouses On The East Coast

Below you will find a map of the 27 lighthouses on the east coast that we mention in this article.

Cape Spear Lighthouse – Newfoundland

Lora of Explore with Lora

Newfoundland is full of lighthouses but one of the most impressive is the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site. Located on the most easterly point in North America, this lighthouse has important historical significance. It was the second lighthouse built in Newfoundland in 1836, and is now the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province.

Just a 20-minute drive from downtown St. John’s, Cape Spear Lighthouse is situated in a beautiful location facing the Atlantic Ocean.  The site is accessible year-round, but tours and exhibits are only open from May to October, daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is $3.90 per adult and there is a large parking lot available.

There are many beautiful hiking trails around the lighthouse that are well worth adding on to your visit. During the spring you can often see icebergs in the ocean, and humpback whales in the summertime. Cape Spear is one of those places that will make you  fall in love with Newfoundland !

Head Harbour Lightstation – New Brunswick

Stuart of  Go Eat Do

Head Harbour Lightstation is an octagonal structure painted white with a red cross. It warns mariners of the dangers of rocks off the northern tip of New Brunswick’s Campobello Island. The Canadian island was one of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s favorite summertime residences and is today the location of Roosevelt Campobello International Park. The lighthouse is a 15-minute drive from that historic site.

The lighthouse, termed Head Harbour Light by locals, is the second oldest in the province. It aids navigation in Passamaquoddy Bay and the Bay of Fundy. The tower was constructed back in 1829. Four other buildings have been added over the past two centuries, the most recent being the boathouse, which was built in 1947.

To visit Head Harbour Lightstation plan your visit to coincide with low tide. Park up in the nearby car park then clamber down the weather-worn metal ladders to cross the bay then climb the steps up to the rocky headland to tour the oft-photographed landmark. Tours are possible between May 1 and October 31, costing between $5 and $25. Be prepared for changeable weather.

Peggy’s Point Lighthouse – Nova Scotia

Kevin of Wandering Wagars

On the rocky shores of St. Margarets Bay, Nova Scotia sits one of the world’s most iconic lighthouses. The classic red and white Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse stands proudly on the rocky shores of a quaint and colorful town of the same name.

The lighthouse stands proudly on a shelf of rock worn smooth by the pounding of the north Atlantic waves. The town itself offers a few options for dining and parking. During the summer sunsets, the rocks around Peggy’s Cove welcome throngs of visitors hoping to catch one of the most beautiful views on Canada’s east coast. But if you wait until the sun dips low, many of the tour groups leave and you can get a great view of one of the most majestic sunsets on Canada’s east coast.

Peggy’s Cove is a working lighthouse, so there are no tours inside the structure. But half the fun of visiting is climbing and exploring the amazing rocks that the relentless waves have worn into incredible shapes and patterns.

Cape Forchu Lightstation – Nova Scotia

Megan of Bobo & Chichi

Located in Cape Forchu on the south shores of Nova Scotia near Yarmouth is one of the most beautiful lighthouse locations and is considered the second most photographed lighthouse in Nova Scotia behind Peggy’s Cove lighthouse.

The original lighthouse in this location was built in 1839, but was replaced with the “apple core” style lighthouse in 1962. Located on a small cape connected by a road and thin strip of land off the coast of mainland Nova Scotia, this lighthouse is surrounded by the rocky shoreline of the south shores and small fishing community.

Cape Forchu Lighthouse is on 19 acres of land and is open to the public. Visitors come to walk along the Leif Erickson Trail that wraps around the rocky and rugged cape with gorgeous seaside as well as amazing views of the lighthouse.

If you’re hungry you can stop for a meal at the Keeper’s Kitchen on the location that also doubles as a gift shop. The trails are open all year long but the gift shop and restaurant are only open for the summer season. This is a great place to come for a sunset and at night as Cape Forchu is one of North America’s Starlight Destinations.

In recent pop culture, Cape Forchu was used to film The Lighthouse featuring Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe who is up for an Academy Award for his role in the film. However, you won’t be recognizing the apple core Cape Forchu lighthouse in the film as they built their own lighthouse on the cape and removed it after filming completed. Even though the lighthouse is different, you can still recognize the gorgeous views from Cape Forchu in the film.

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse – Maine

Want to see an epic sunrise? Visit the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Lubec, Maine. It’s one of the best lighthouses on the east coast because it’s located on the easternmost point in the continental US so you’d be the first to see the sun’s rays in the country!

The original lighthouse was built in 1808 and was replaced with the current lighthouse in 1858. The tower is 49 feet tall and has a 5.5 foot tall Fresnel lens from France. The light became fully automated in 1988 and is now maintained by the US Coast Guard.

Next to the lighthouse is a visitor’s center which was once the home to generations of lightkeepers and their families. The visitor’s center is open from Memorial Day to mid-October and has interactive exhibits about the lighthouse and the area as well as artwork done by local artists.

Although tours of the lighthouse are given sporadically (typically Saturdays in July and August), you can roam around Quoddy Head State Park year round. There are trails and picnic tables, and of course, beautiful views!

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse – Maine

Amy and Nathan of Two Drifters

A small and squat lighthouse, Bass Harbor Head Light is better known for its glorious position on the rocky Maine coast than for its impressive height. Initially built in 1858, the lighthouse was completed in 1876, with the addition of a tower and a fog bell. It is situated on the southwest tip of Mount Desert Island, Maine, and lies within the grounds of Acadia National Park. It is, in fact, the only lighthouse on the island, a popular Maine vacation spot.

While still functional today, the Bass Harbor Head lighthouse became automated in 1974. There are no tours of the lighthouse available, but visitors are welcome to come and see the remarkable views. The lighthouse is located off Route 102A and has a designated parking area that is open daily from 9:00 AM to sunset.

There are a few paths leading from the parking area, either to the base of the lighthouse itself or to a vantage point to the left of the lighthouse, as seen in the photo. Be aware that many, many people gather here, especially around sunset, hoping to grab their epic lighthouse photo. Because of that, it can get crowded at this time of day. Exercise caution if you choose to clamber over the sharp, wet rocks (as I did and ended up with a few bruises and very wet pants).

This is a beautiful lighthouse and the view of it over the water truly is an  iconic Maine image. If you’re spending time visiting the island, be sure to add a visit to Bass Harbor Head Light to your  Acadia National Park itinerary.

Rockland Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse – Maine

Lori of Travlinmad

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse in Rockland Maine (mid-coast) is considerably younger than many lighthouses dotting the eastern coastline of the US and Canada. Construction of the small lighthouse only came in 1892 and followed the long breakwater which was built first to protect Rockland Harbor as a commercial port.

The breakwater extends south from Jameson Point 4,364 feet (nearly a full mile) into Rockland Harbor, and the small lighthouse at the end is the cherry on top after the long walk to get there. Park your car and stroll the length of the breakwater — it’s a sort of rite of passage for first time visitors.

The breakwater itself is made of huge granite blocks which can be slippery when wet. Spaces between the blocks make the walk a bit tenuous, but easy-going if you don’t get distracted by the view.

Visitors can walk through the beautifully restored, 3-story lighthouse and climb to the top of the lantern for a bird’s eye view of the harbor. There’s no admission charge and you’ll see a multitude of working lobster boats coming and going. In warmer months, the historic wooden schooners taking passengers out on a  Maine Windjammer cruise  is a site to behold.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse – Maine

Sage of Everyday Wanderer

Although the Portland Head Light is one of the most popular (and photographed) lighthouses in Maine , there are several other lighthouses in the Portland area. One of my favorites is the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.

To reach this gorgeous lighthouse on the East Coast, you have to wind through the oceanside campus of the Southern Maine Community College. Jutting northeast out into Luckse Sound, you’ll see the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse at the end of a jagged granite sea wall.

While you cannot go inside the lighthouse, you can snag one of the few parking spots along Lighthouse Circle Road and carefully walk along the sea wall for amazing views of the lighthouse and sound. But keep in mind, this is not a smoothly paved wall. Rather, it’s a 950-foot-long breakwater made by piling 45 tons of granite in the water between the lighthouse and the dry land.

Portland Head Lighthouse – Maine

Lindsay of I’ve Been Bit

There’s a reason Portland Head Lighthouse is the most photographed lighthouse in the USA – she really is a beauty! This historic lighthouse was built in 1791 and is the oldest lighthouse in Maine.

Situated along the shores of Fort Williams Park, it warns oncoming vessels of the entrance to the primary shipping channel into Portland Harbor. Take your time exploring the shoreline along the paved trails as they offer some incredible views of Maine’s rocky coast.

The former Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters has been transformed into a museum where you can learn more about this iconic landmark for just $2 ($1 for children). While the museum is only open from May until November, you can admire Portland Head Lighthouse within Fort Williams Park all year round.

No matter what time of the year you visit, I guarantee you’ll be mesmerized by the tides as they roll in with ferocity. It really is a  must-see on any Portland itinerary !

Nauset Lighthouse – Massachusetts

One of Cape Cod’s most famous lighthouses, and one of the most unique lighthouses on the east coast, is the Nauset Lighthouse in Eastham. You might recognize it from the front of the popular Cape Cod Chips. The Nauset Lighthouse, also known as the Nauset Beach Light, has had an interesting history as it has been rebuilt and moved multiple times due to coastal erosion.

The current lighthouse was built in 1877, but in nearby Chatham and it had a twin lighthouse which is still there. The wooden lighthouse that had been in Eastham was retired in 1923, so the northern lighthouse in Chatham was dismantled and brought over to Eastham. It was moved again in 1996, in one piece, approximately 300 feet to where it currently stands because of erosion.

The Nauset Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and tours are free to the public in season. Nauset Light Beach is nearby and has a parking lot which offers great views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Gay Head Light – Massachusetts

One of the best things we did during our day trip to Martha’s Vineyard was visit the Gay Head Light in Aquinnah. This was actually the first lighthouse built on Martha’s Vineyard, back in 1799. It was considered a very impressive lighthouse and has been welcoming tourists for centuries.

Recently, in 2015, the Gay Head Light was moved 134 feet to keep it safe from the eroding cliff side. Tours quickly resumed and visitors can now see granite stones that were placed in a circle marking the spot where the lighthouse had previously stood.

The lighthouse is open from mid-June to mid-October daily from 10am to 4pm. If possible, we recommend visiting on a Thursday of Friday because they have sunset viewing from 6 to 8pm. The sunset views are incredible! Admission to climb to the top of the lighthouse is $6 and children under 12 get in free.

Brant Point Lighthouse – Massachusetts

Alison of Green With Renvy

Thirty-six miles out to sea, one of the first welcoming sites for tourists on the island of Nantucket is the beacon of the historic Brant Point lighthouse.  Established in 1746, the lighthouse has been keeping ships safe for centuries and is now owned by the US Coast Guard. This is the smallest of three lights on the island and the 2 nd oldest in America.

Although the lighthouse itself isn’t open to the public, the grounds allow for sweeping views of the harbor and adjacent luxury yachts. Located just a short walk from town off of Easton St, Brant Point is a favorite spot for photo ops, especially couples saying “I Do” on the island. Visitors leaving The Grey Lady (nicknamed for the islands notorious fog) by ferry toss a coin overboard as they cross the point, insuring that one day they will return to this enchanting time capsule of nautical life.

For an interesting take on the important role the lighthouses played in Nantucket’s history, make sure not to miss the Nantucket Lightship and Lifesaving Museum.

South East Lighthouse – Rhode Island

Jamie of The Daily Adventures Of Me

Any trip to Block Island, Rhode Island should include a stop at South East Lighthouse. Built in 1875 on a bluff overlooking the rocky shore of the island, it was the most architecturally complex lighthouse built in the 19th century. Like many lighthouses, it has been physically moved away from the eroding cliffs.

If you are visiting when the lighthouse is open (in season) be sure to take the tour. It is more than worth the $10 fee to climb the circular staircase, learn about lighthouses and shipwrecks. The biggest treat is the intact, working green Fresnel lens. The views are spectacular, as well, looking over the Atlantic and the Mohegan Bluffs.

Fire Island Lighthouse – New York

James of Travel Collecting

The Fire Island Lighthouse is a beautiful lighthouse with wide black and white horizontal stripes that dominates the western end of Fire Island. The lighthouse was first built on the site in 1826, though the current lighthouse tower dates from 1858.

It was yellow when it was first built, but was changed to the current black and white stripes in 1891. The lamp has been lit by whale oil, lard oil, mineral oil, kerosene and, since 1938, electricity. It was decommissioned as a working lighthouse in 1973, but in 1986 was recommissioned and is still a current working lighthouse today.

It is possible to climb the 182 steps to the top of the 168-foot tall tower. It’s open daily and costs $8 for adults. There are great views of the ocean, Fire Island, the nearby bays, and on a clear day you can even see New York City in the distance.

They have occasional specialty tours of the lighthouse, plus there are permanent exhibitions in the lighthouse, the lighthouse keeper’s quarters and adjacent modern building. There is a First Order Fresnel Lens that was used from 1858 to 1933, information about the lighthouse, and an exhibit on the United States Lifesaving Service in the nearby boathouse.

This section of Fire Island is in Robert Moses State Park. You can drive there, then park in the Field 5 parking lot and from there, it’s about a 20-minute walk. The nearby beach is less crowded than those right next to the parking lot, which is an added bonus if visiting the lighthouse.

Cape May Lighthouse – New Jersey

Abbie of Speck on the Globe

Nothing is more iconic than talking a stroll down a New Jersey beach and seeing a towering lighthouse as a beacon of safety through the Delaware Bay. The lighthouse at Cape May was built in 1859 and is still operational. With 199 steps to the top, the views extend over Cape May and Wildwood and on a clear day you can see south onto Delaware. 

Not only can you climb the lighthouse by day, but there are special full moon night climbs, where from 8pm until 10pm you can visit the lighthouse and see the moon and stars from above.

The Mid-Atlantic Center for Arts & Humanities also have  events  for lighthouse enthusiasts of all ages. In the summer, they host family fun days weekly at the Cape May Point State Park as well as a free weekly talk with the Keeper of the Cape May Lighthouse.

Parking at the lighthouse is always free, and there is a $10 admission fee for adults, $5 for children. Veterans and active duty military always have free access.

Thomas Point Shoal Light – Maryland

Stella of Around the World in 24 Hours

Annapolis, Maryland  is the perfect destination for anyone who loves the water. It has a wonderful location right on the Chesapeake Bay. And one of the best sights off the coast of Annapolis is the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, built in 1875.

This unusual beauty is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. It’s also one of only ten lighthouses in the country to be declared a National Historic Landmark because it’s the only screw-pile lighthouse in Chesapeake Bay on its original location.

You can see Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse up close via a paid tour during warm weather months. Watermark Cruises from Annapolis Harbor will bring you right past the lighthouse. Several cruises leave from Annapolis Harbor every day.

If you have more time, you can take tours of the interior of the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse with the United States Lighthouse Society. On this tour, you’ll be able to climb all the way up to the lantern room.

Annapolis is a small and walk-able city, so there’s no need for a car to get around. But if you can’t leave your car behind, there are several lots that offer metered parking near Annapolis Harbor.

Pro Tip: Consider a weekend getaway in nearby Frederick, Maryland !

Assateague Lighthouse – Virginia

Julie of Fun in Fairfax VA

Visitors are drawn to the  Eastern Shore of Virginia  because of its most famous inhabitants, the wild ponies popularized in the Misty of Chincoteague book series. One fun and beautiful way to locate the ponies is by climbing to the top of the Assateague Lighthouse. There you’ll find a spectacular view of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

The current red and white striped brick lighthouse opened in 1867, its construction delayed several years by the Civil War. Two flashes still warn ships of Assateague’s shallow waters and aid in navigation. Be prepared to walk an easy quarter-mile trail, then climb 175 steps to reach the view. Rangers may be on hand to point out groups of ponies in the surrounding marshland.

After your climb, explore the refuge by bike or on foot. It’s the best chance for seeing ponies and other birds and wildlife. The park also provides access to a nice stretch of Atlantic Ocean beach at Assateague National Seashore.

The Assateague Lighthouse is open daily April through November. There is no admission fee to climb, but donations are welcome. Additionally, there is a $20 per vehicle fee to enter the refuge.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse – North Carolina

Theresa of Fueled By Wanderlust

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse, located in the small village of Corolla, Outer Banks , has been lighting the way for sailors along the treacherous North Carolina coast since 1875. The structure is distinctive against its fellow Outer Banks lighthouses for its red color. This last brick and mortar lighthouse in North Carolina was intentionally left unpainted. Having the largest of seven lenses of its kind, the light from the tower can be seen for 18 nautical miles.

Today, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse welcomes visitors of all ages to explore the grounds, as well as climb to the top of the lighthouse. The lighthouse is open seasonally, from mid-March to December 1st, and keeps regular hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

Visiting and parking are free. However, a climb to the top of the Currituck Lighthouse has an admission fee of $10. If you do choose to climb the 220 steps to the top, you will be greeted with sweeping views of the Currituck Sound on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

Bodie Island Lighthouse – North Carolina

Christina of NC Tripping

Just south of Nags Head in North Carolina’s  Outer Banks , Bodie Island Lighthouse stands 156 feet and is one of only a dozen remaining brick tower lighthouses in the United States. Pronounced “body”, this iconic lighthouse was first built in 1847. It was rebuilt because of poor foundation in 1859 and destroyed by Confederate troops in 1861. Today’s structure was completed in 1872.

With horizontal black and white stripes, Bodie Lighthouse is equipped with an original first-order Fresnel lens, flashing 160,000 candlepower beacon over 19 miles. Of the five lighthouses in the Outer Banks, Bodie is the easiest to access. This is due to its close proximity to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills where most vacationers stay.

Those wanting to scale the 214 spiral steps to the top must do so between the third Friday in April through Columbus Day. Parking is easily accessible and visitors are encouraged to stop by the Visitors Center for more historical information and maps for scenic nature trails around the lighthouse. Beautiful views of Bodie Island, the Atlantic Ocean, and Pamlico Sound are visible from the top. Tickets cost $10 for adults and climbs start every 30 minutes.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – North Carolina

Maggie of Pink Caddy Travelogue

Many accolades belong to the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It’s one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the world, it guards one of the most dangerous stretches of the Atlantic seaboard, and at 210ft tall, it’s also the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States (and 2 nd  in the world). And in 1999, became one of the largest masonry structures to ever be moved – yes,  moved.

The black-and-white candy-striped beacon has been guiding sailors to safety through the most dangerous stretch of Atlantic coastline, known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” since 1870. But the ever-shifting sands of North Carolina’s  Outer Banks  eventually threatened the structural integrity of the lighthouse and the decision was made to move it inland.

So in 1999, a feat of modern engineering moved the lighthouse almost a mile from its original location. Today, the lighthouse is open to visitors to climb its 257 steps during the summer months. The museum and visitor’s center is open year-round, though. Admission is free.

Tybee Island Light Station – Georgia

Not only is the Tybee Island Lighthouse one of the best lighthouses on the east coast, it is also the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia! It’s located about 30 minutes east of Savannah . The original tower was built in 1736, but since then has been rebuilt multiple times. The current lighthouse is 145 feet tall and it takes climbing 178 steps to get to the top.

Tickets are $10 for adults. With your ticket, though, you also get admission to the Tybee Museum across the street. There is free parking at the lighthouse for those visiting the lighthouse and museum. Note that there is a 2 hour parking limit. Visiting hours are from 9am to 4:30pm every day except for Tuesday when they are closed.

St. Simons Island Lighthouse – Georgia

Melody of Wherever I May Roam

I love climbing to the top of lighthouses for panoramic photographs and just the sheer accomplishment of it. There is no trouble making it to the top of St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum in Georgia, with only 129 steps. It is one of the shortest lighthouses in the country at 104’ tall.

The lighthouse was built in 1872 to replace the original tower that was destroyed in the Civil War. It is one of only five remaining lighthouses in Georgia. The Keeper’s Dwelling, the two-story brick part of the structure, is currently a museum. It has a fantastic selection of historical photos.

Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 10-5, and Sunday 12-5. Prices are $12 for adults/$6 for ages 6-12/ and free for children under 6. A $2 military discount (with ID) is given. 

St. Augustine Lighthouse – Florida

Known as the “Nation’s Oldest City” because it is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America, St. Augustine’s top attractions include it’s popular lighthouse. Standing at over 140 feet tall, climbing the 219 steps to the top offers impressive 360 degree views.

Completed in 1874, the lighthouse and Keepers’ House Museum are open year round except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate and has many interesting exhibits and artifacts. Admission is $12.95 for adults, although the lighthouse offers special guided tours for an extra cost like their Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour.

Ponce Inlet Light Station – Florida

As Florida’s tallest lighthouse, the Ponce Inlet Light Station is not to be missed! This beautiful lighthouse was built in 1887 and is located just 20 minutes south of Daytona Beach. Besides the lighthouse, there are other buildings on the property that have videos and artifacts detailing the history of the lighthouse and its many keepers.

Admission is only $6.95 for adults and there is free parking on site. The lighthouse is open every day of the week, but hours change based on the season. From June 1 to September 6, visiting hours are from 10am to 9pm. From September 7 to May 30, visiting hours are from 10am to 6pm.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse – Florida

Located just 30 minutes from West Palm Beach , the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse has been preventing shipwrecks along the Florida coast since 1860. Incredibly, the majority of work on the 108-foot lighthouse, adjacent oil house, and keepers’ house were completed in less than six months!

Admission to the lighthouse grounds costs $12 per adult. They offer guided tours at 11am and 2pm or you can choose to take a self-guided tour using an app on your phone.

After you climb the 105 steps to the top o the lighthouse, be sure to visit the museum and also walk the surrounding grounds of the lighthouse; there are scenic hiking trails and a playground for the kiddos.

Cape Florida Lighthouse – Florida

One of our favorite lighthouses on the east coast is the Cape Florida Lighthouse which is just off of Miami on Key Biscayne. The lighthouse is inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and costs $8 per vehicle to enter.

An interesting fact about the area known as Cape Florida is that in 2004 it was designated a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site; the island had been a secret place for runaway slaves and Black Seminoles to meet with sea captains that would take them to the British Bahamas.

The grounds of the lighthouse are open daily and tours of the lighthouse are available Thursday through Monday from 10am to 1pm. During tour times visitors can also enter the Keeper’s Quarters and Kitchen.

Pro Tip: Stop by nearby Virginia Key for mountain biking and kayaking with manatees !

Key West Lighthouse – Florida

One of the top things to do in Key West is to visit its lighthouse. It was built in 1848, two years after the original lighthouse had been destroyed by a hurricane.

An interesting fact about the Key West Lighthouse is that when it became operational in 1848, it’s Keeper was a woman; Barbara Mabrity was the widow of the previous Keeper. For a woman to hold that important position was not very common and she held that position for over 30 years.

Visitors to the Key West Lighthouse can climb the 88 steps to the top and get views of Key West and the ocean. You might even see a cruise ship! Admission is $12 for adults and includes the exhibits inside the Keeper’s Quarters.

Final Thoughts On The Best Lighthouses On The East Coast

We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best lighthouses on the east coast. We’ve certainly enjoyed putting it together! It’s interesting to learn of their history; they played such an important role and saved countless lives. Although many lighthouses have been decommissioned, we hope that communities continue to see their historic value and continue to preserve them.

Have you been to any of these lighthouses on the east coast? Which is your favorite? Is there a favorite of yours that we missed? We’d love to read your comments below! 🙂

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11 Comments

Great list! I’m on something of a lighthouse quest too. The two I’d add are Barnegat (Old Barney) in NJ and Concord Point in MD.

How about Barnegat Light House and Cape Lookout light house?

Those are both great suggestions! We haven’t been to either, but will try to plan a visit the next time we’re in the area. Thanks! 🙂

This compilation of lighthouses would make a great calendar.

Haha I think you’re right!

I love lighthouses! I want to see all of them, we especially want to go to Newfoundland!

They’re beautiful aren’t they?? 🙂

I am thinking of heading up into Newfoundland this summer. Love to hear about their lighthouses.

We relocated to the east coast a few years ago and we are always looking for road trip ideas. We would love this, definitely going to keep it mind. I bet in the fall it would be spactacular.

Montauk lighthouse not being on the list is a sin

It’s on our list of places to visit when we are in the area 🙂

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Northeastern US Routes

10 Top Road Trip Routes in the Northeastern US

The United States abounds with scenic routes and picturesque drives , but the beauty of the Northeast offers landscapes you can't see anywhere else in the country. Chasing rivers and scaling mountains, they wind through the country's most adorable small towns and along its most storied coastline. As the East Coast is famous for its fiery autumn colors, many of these trips are especially striking during the fall . However, each season offers something uniquely enjoyable and you can enjoy these drives at any time of the year.

Read on to find inspiration for your next Northeast road trip.

Upper Delaware River Valley

If you've seen those car commercials that show a slick vehicle navigating a wildly undulating mountain road, there's a good chance it was State Route 97 in the Upper Delaware River Valley of Upstate New York. This twisting highway traces the Delaware River, which forms a natural border between New York State and Pennsylvania. The most famous part is a section known as the Hawk's Nest, which covers the 70 miles from Point Jervis to Hancock. It takes about an hour and a half to complete the route, so even though it isn't the fastest way to travel between the cities, it's undoubtedly the prettiest.

Apart from the stomach-churning turns and breathtaking views, travelers should also stop at landmarks along the route including the Minisink Battleground Park , which hosted a skirmish during the Revolutionary War, and Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct , a canal bridge and engineering marvel built in 1848.

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park in Upstate New York has been nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the East" for its dramatic gorge that drops 600 feet into the Genesee River below. The best place to get into the park is at the southern entrance in the town of Portageville, which is just over an hour from either Rochester or Buffalo . You can drive the length of the entire park and come out at the north end, which isn't even 20 miles long. But factor in plenty of time for pulling over, taking pictures, and hiking around the gorge. You'll see plenty of waterfalls during your trip through Letchworth, but if they leave you wanting more, Niagara Falls is just an hour and a half away by car.

The Adirondacks

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

In the remote northeastern part of New York's Adirondack Park , there are 46 rounded peaks that soar roughly 4,000 feet or more toward the sky, but you don't need to hike them for glorious views. This scenic drive starts in North Creek, New York—about an hour and a half north of Albany. From North Creek, drive on Route 28N as it loops around through the forest and mountains. Once you reach Blue Mountain Lake, Route 28N turns into Route 28S, but continue weaving through the many charming lakes until you reach Old Forge. The entire route is nearly 90 miles and has plenty of opportunities for stopping the car and enjoying nature.

Along the way, allow time for a scenic Gondola Skyride at Gore Mountain. And don't miss the splendid Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake , a sprawling complex that brings to life the people who've explored, settled, and cherished this wilderness. It's one of the top things to do in New York State .

The Vermont Shore

Yes, Vermont has a coast: a freshwater one along Lake Champlain. And the town of Shelburne—just a few miles south of Burlington —is a picturesque spot to start a drive that affords fabulous views of the lake and its majestic backdrop, the Adirondack Mountains across the border in New York.

Start at ​ Shelburne Farms , a 1,400-acre working farm built on Lake Champlain as a model agricultural estate in the late 19th century. Pick up Route 7 South to Mount Philo State Park  in Charlotte, where you can drive to the summit for panoramic lake views. Continue on Route 7 South to Route 22A through Vergennes and out to Button Bay State Park . Once there, you can hike along a bluff overlooking Lake Champlain or even rent a boat and get out on the water. Not including time out of the car, the drive should take just about an hour.

The Mohawk Trail

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

A path blazed by five Native American tribes became New England's first official scenic route in 1914. Automobiles have come a long way since then, but the 63-mile Mohawk Trail—Route 2 between Williamstown and Athol in Western Massachusetts —still leads to bucolic scenes that seem little altered over the past century. Famous for its sharp Hairpin Turn, which looks out over the Hoosac Valley, it's a drive you'll particularly want to savor in the fall . Allow time to hike a portion of the Mahican-Mohawk Trail that runs through the Mohawk Trail State Forest in Charlemont. It follows the original footpath trod by New England's earliest inhabitants.

The Kancamagus Highway

New England's ultimate scenic route—especially in the fall—is the 34.5 miles of Route 112 between Conway and Lincoln, New Hampshire. Known by its Native American name, the Kancamagus Highway (pronounced kank-ah-MAU-gus but called "the Kanc" by locals) was completed in 1959, connecting these towns on the east and west sides of the 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest . There are overlooks, hiking opportunities, historic sites, and campgrounds along this famed roadway, but even if you just motor through (be prepared to ride your brakes when fall traffic peaks), you'll be thrilled by the views of densely forested mountains and the boulder-strewn Swift River.

Connecticut's National Scenic Byway

Think of this as your "serenity now" route. Connecticut's first National Scenic Byway—Route 169 from North Woodstock to Lisbon—is a supreme leaf-peeping route that glides for 30 miles past farmlands, stone walls, and nearly 200 homes built before the Civil War. Worthy stops on your trip include Historic New England's Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, Mashamoquet Brook State Park in Pomfret for lore and hiking, and Martha's Herbary in Pomfret for aromatic gifts. Time your drive to coincide with the Brooklyn Fair , the oldest continuously-held agricultural fair in the U.S., which takes place in late August each year.

Narragansett Bay

Kim Knox Beckius

Set your GPS for 1460 Ocean Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island, and begin this road trip at one of New England's prettiest lighthouses: Point Judith Lighthouse . Although you can't venture inside, you can stroll the grounds of this still-active beacon built in 1857. From here, you'll follow Ocean Road north to Narragansett Town Beach , where surfers ride vigorous waves year-round. The Towers —all that remains of the Gilded Age Narragansett Pier Casino—provide an enchanting backdrop. Drive Route 1A North, and you'll pass Historic New England's Casey Farm , established in 1750 and still operating and open for tours.

From there, take Route 138 East across the Jamestown Bridge, exit onto Conanicut Island, and follow local roads south to Beavertail State Park on Beavertail Road. Here, you'll see the 1856 stone Beavertail Lighthouse and you can venture inside the museum in the assistant keeper's house. Look east, and you'll bring your lighthouse count up to three: Castle Hill Light is visible in the distance.

Massachusetts' Coastline

If you're a fan of fried clams, lobster, and fresh fish, this is the road trip for you. It starts in Gloucester, Massachusetts —the oldest seaport in the U.S.—and follows Route 127A to Route 127 along the coast north of Boston . It then turns inland toward Essex on Route 133 and north once again on Route 1 to Newburyport . Along the way, you'll see Gloucester's Good Harbor Beach, one of the prettiest in New England, and the petite fishing village of Rockport, where the art scene thrives.

You'll be distracted at practically every turn by seafood shacks, but you may want to save your appetite for Essex, where fried clams were invented by Chubby Woodman. His descendants still prepare them the same way at Woodman's of Essex , and some say the golden beauties at The Clam Box up the road in Ipswich are even better, so you'll want to try both. If you're still hungry when you reach Newburyport, finish with a scenic drive along Plum Island, stopping at the no-frills but delicious Bob Lobster on the way. The entire drive is about 45 miles.

Acadia's Park Loop Road

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The 27-mile Park Loop Road through Maine's Acadia National Park is as exhilarating a drive as you'll find anywhere. Even though it's not a long route, expect to spend at least three to four hours driving, including stops to get out and enjoy the scenery (it can be even longer during the busy summer months due to traffic). The Atlantic waves crashing against the forests make for a truly dramatic landscape, made all the better by the towering Cadillac Mountain—and you can drive to the summit. This national park does charge an entrance fee, but your admission is good for seven days of visits, so make the most of your visit by staying nearby or even camping in the park.

The Mohawk Trail Association. "More Than a Trail... A Journey." Accessed September 11, 2022.

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Northeast USA tours & vacations

Welcome to Northeast USA

Covering nine states, hundreds of years of history, a few major cities and a sprinkling of heavenly nature reserves; the Northeast makes for some pretty incredible days out. From the roaring Niagara Falls to the contemplative Gettysburg fields , to the buzzing streets of major metropolitan hubs or the quaint seaside villages of Maine . There’s so much to see in the land of the free, but don’t worry; we’ve got it sorted.  

Our Northeast USA trips

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Northeast USA highlights

Northeast usa travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Where is Northeast USA?

Northeast USA is found in the top right-hand corner of the continental United States. There are sometimes different states included in this region, but generally, these states make up the Northeast:  Maine , Maryland, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The northernmost states neighbor the Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick provinces of   Canada . To the east is the Atlantic Ocean, with many of the Northeast states right on the coast. To the west is the Midwest region, and below is   the South . 

How do I get to Northeast USA?

It's pretty easy to get to the Northeastern USA as there are several international airports throughout the states. Some of the largest airports include:

• John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), La Guardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New York.
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington, D.C.

Depending on where you'd like to visit, you can also drive in from any other part of the US or even Canada. 

Trainlines and buses also operate in and out of this area which can be great options for those not looking to rent a car.

How will I get around Northeast USA?

Getting around the Northeast as a traveler is generally easy as there is a lot of public transport that operates interstate. Buses can get you just about anywhere in the Northeast, however, long-distance and inter-city trains can take you between several of the major hubs, including New York, Philadelphia and Boston.

Other transport options include the use of private cars, which is great for road trips. There's also the option to fly between certain areas depending on the destination.

When is the best time to visit Northeast USA?

The best time to visit Northeast USA is during the summer from May to August when the weather is at its best. The shoulder seasons can also be good times to visit for small crowds.

If you're looking for a trip filled with snow days and cozy fireside meals, winter in the Northeast is a magical time.

What to pack for a trip to Northeast USA

What to pack on a trip to the Northeast USA depends on your trip type and time of travel. Generally, the climate in the Northeast can vary and change quickly. With that in mind, you should pack to ensure you have warmer clothing, especially for the evening, as well as waterproof items in case of wet weather. 

If you are going on a camping or walking/trekking trip, you will likely need to bring some specialty items, including hiking boots, breathable non-cotton hiking t-shirts, a sleeping bag, a towel and suitable layers for rugging up.

If you are traveling in North America over winter, it's recommended that you're prepared for temperatures that can easily fall below 32ºF. This means bringing waterproof clothing, especially shoes with good grip for walking across snow or ice, as well as cold weather gear such as gloves, thermals, fleece and headwear, such as beanies. 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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Northeast USA Tours & Trips

If you're heading to the USA on a multi-day tour, make sure to visit Northeastern USA to explore New York City, Philadelphia, Maine for an adventure that is sure to impress any traveller! Read here about the best USA vacations .

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117 northeast usa tour packages with 992 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural

American Triangle – 5 Days

The tour was great and very informative. Our tour guide was awesome and friendly and making sure everyone is ok.

• Christmas & New Year

American Gateway – 4 Days

The first two days were good. The third day continued in another bus where WiFi did not work. Breakfast and departure times are too tightly scheduled. Either breakfast is too late or the bus leaves too early. Since the toilets in the buses are not to be used, the breaks to visit the restrooms have to be timed shorter. 3 hours ride is too long here especially for older participants without a break. The stop at the Amish could have been saved and only leads to an unnecessarily long day. All tour guides should be emphasized, they were very friendly, competent and eager.

USA - American Getaway

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Niagara Falls, Washington DC, Philadelphia & Amish Country 4D/3N (from New York)

A hectic and fast paced trip, starting with early mornings. Loved Niagara Falls and being able to go to the Canadian side for one night (remember to apply for a Canadian Esta and bring your passport). Pennsylvania and Amish country side was a treat. Wish we had more time there. Love hearing about American history. Then Washington DC- amazing city. We disembarked after touring DC monuments and aeronautical museum and spent two more days in DC. Wharf, eateries, sights and monuments within reach.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

East Coast Explorer: 8-Day Group Tour of New York, Boston & Washington DC Adventure

A lot of travelling but you get to see a lot in a short amount of time. Excellent guides!

New York Uncovered (4 Days)

I loved this tour and our guide Jon was great. However it should be advertised as a 3 day tour as the 4th day is just check out of the hotel, no activities.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

USA & Canada - Niagara Falls, Toronto and a Thousand Islands

New York City, Niagara Falls & Washington DC

New York City, Niagara Falls & Washington DC with Extended Stay in New York City

New York and Washington

5-Day Tour of America from New York City

The tour itself was fantastic the tour guides were great hotels were fabulous If you only have a short time then this is perfect lots to see and we’ll organised My only issue was when we arrived at the said location to start the check in was chaos You need to have a list with peoples names making sure they are at the correct place and know which bus they are on and the buses were full do we did not even think we were getting on so it was very stressful Anyway once on all good Fabulous trip highly recommend From Josephine Sydney Australia

Great Eastern Cities

Very nice, well organized, good tour

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Toronto, Niagara with East Coast

• Food & Culinary

Expert Local Food & Culture Immersion: Boston, New York City, Amish Country, & Philadelphia

USA – 5 Days Shenandoah – West Virginia Adventure with Rock Climbing via Ferrata

What people love about northeast usa tours.

Overall the 2 tour guides were good, especially Brian who guided us from NJ La Quinta to Philadelphia, Amish Country to DC and back to NY. Loved his sense of humor, his knowledge- will definitely recommend him to anyone! Great job Brian! And thank you !!

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ROAD TRIP: Tour the Lighthouses of Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands

The Shores & Islands region is home to eight lighthouses, six of which can be viewed onshore. The Green Island Lighthouse and West Sister Island Lighthouse are only visible from water, so you’d need a boat to see them.

With road trips soaring in popularity right now, let’s take a drive to see the area’s other six lighthouses. While this can probably be accomplished in one day, we suggest you take your time and spread it out over two days to get the full coastal experience. Lighthouse addresses and navigational maps are available by clicking on the lighthouse links.

Day One – Port Clinton to Marblehead

Starting from the western shores of the region and moving east, you’ll begin your lighthouse adventure at the restored Port Clinton Lighthouse . Originally at the mouth of the Portage River, the lighthouse built in 1896 sat on private property for six decades, until she was lovingly restored and brought to her new home at Water Works Park in 2016. A replica Lightkeeper’s Boathouse is also located in the park along with a “Lightkeeper” sculpture. The grounds are open and accessible year-round, while the lighthouse is open for tours on Saturdays through Labor Day. Don’t forget to grab a photo with the “Lake Erie Love” sign also on display at Water Works Park.

Heading east on SR 163 via car, you’ll turn north on SR 53 at Catawba to drive your vehicle aboard the Miller Ferry , bound for Put-in-Bay. Yep, you can road trip right across the lake! Vehicles are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis Monday-Friday. Round-trip vehicles are not permitted on weekends. Or, leave your vehicle behind and plan to rent a bicycle or golf cart upon arrival to the island. From the Lime Kiln dock (Miller Ferry arrival point) you’ll drive up the hill (or walk to the top and rent your island transportation) and turn left on Langram Rd. en route to the South Bass Island Lighthouse . Operated by Ohio Sea Grant and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the lighthouse was first lit in 1897 to mark the south passage between Sandusky and Toledo. The grounds are open to the public and offer breathtaking lakeside views. Tours are available on Fridays through the end of August and by appointment for groups. After taking in the lighthouse and views, head back out on Langram Rd. to downtown Put-in-Bay where you can grab a bite to eat, do some shopping, or simply enjoy DeRivera Park in the heart of town. Be sure to make note of ferry departure times so you can make it back to the mainland in time to enjoy your next stops.

Once you’ve returned to the mainland via the ferry, continue south on SR 53 towards SR 2. Just before the highway entrance, turn left on E. State Rd and then right on E. Bayshore Rd. Continue on E. Bayshore Rd. along the bottom side of the Marblehead peninsula to The Keeper’s House . This 1822 limestone home was the residence of the first three lighthouse keepers of the Marblehead Lighthouse. Check out the Ohio Historical Marker on site. Tours are offered at The Keeper’s House twice a week; check their website for a schedule to see this unique part of area maritime history. Continue east on E. Bayshore Rd. around the tip of the peninsula, where you’ll find the grounds of the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, home to the lighthouse, the Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society museum (located in a more recent keeper’s house), and the U.S. Coastguard Lifesaving Station replica.

The oldest continually-operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes, the Marblehead Lighthouse is also one of the most visited and photographed spots on Lake Erie. The lightouse tower and buildings are open daily for tours through Labor Day. Additionally, the state park’s grounds offer wonderful sightseeing opportunities, with views of the Lake Erie islands and Sandusky across the bay, as well as picnic grounds, and walking trails.

A couple of lighthouse-themed lodging options are available for your overnight stay. Near the Marblehead Lighthouse there is the Marblehead Lite Bed & Breakfast or the Lighthouse Lodge , good for larger groups. If you’re road-tripping via RV consider heading east for the night and staying at Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point in Sandusky – one of your stops on day two. Rest up…you’ve got a big day tomorrow!

Day Two – Sandusky to Vermilion

Good morning! Begin your day in downtown Sandusky and stop at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky on the corner of Meigs and Water streets, where you can learn about the area’s nautical history as well as step inside a replica of the Cedar Point Lighthouse. The gift shop also offers a number of lighthouse-related items.

Venture across the street from the museum’s parking lot to either the Meigs Street Pier or Battery Park for a view across the bay at world-famous Cedar Point Amusement Park , home of the original Cedar Point Lighthouse . Built in 1862, the lighthouse was used for navigation until 1909 and is now a central fixture among vacation cottages and cabins that are rented by Cedar Point as Lighthouse Point . The area is only accessible by guests of the amusement park or resort. If you ever get a chance to visit the peninsula, be sure to check it out!

Follow US 6 east out of downtown Sandusky and head towards Huron. You’ll see the entrance to the amusement park, along with the amazing sports venues, Cedar Point Sports Center and Sports Force Parks, and several lovely parks and natural areas on your way there. As you approach Rye Beach Road on the western edge of Huron, US 6 will merge with SR 2. Do not follow this route and instead continue straight at the stoplight intersection on to what is now Cleveland Road W. This road will continue into Huron and end at Main Street, where you will turn left and follow the road along the Huron River’s edge, past the Comfort Inn to the parking lot at Main Street Beach. Here you will find the entrance to the mile-long fishing pier, which leads out to the Huron Lighthouse . This pier is popular with fisherman, bird watchers, and leisure walkers and leads out to an observation platform from which to view the lighthouse. This unique light is still in operation and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. While not accessible up-close or available for tours, there are many historical markers and informational signs along the pier and observation platform where you can read about its history.

This is good time to stop for a bite to eat. You can either enjoy riverside dining at the mouth of the pier with either the Old Fish House or Pier Pub , home of the “Freak” milkshake.

After the Huron Lighthouse, you can take Main Street back south, where it will meet back up with US 6. Continue east on US 6 towards Vermilion. Upon arrival in downtown Vermilion, US 6 will also become Liberty Avenue. At the stop light at the corner of Liberty Avenue and Main Street, turn left or north towards the lake. The road will dead-end into Main Street Beach, where you’ll find the Vermilion Lighthouse , which is a replica of the original. The original 1877 Vermilion Lighthouse served its community for half a century before being damaged in an ice storm. The lighthouse was replaced by a functional but not aesthetically pleasing light, and it was dismantled and moved to Lake Ontario, where it is now known as the East Charity Shoal Lighthouse off Cape Vincent. The replica was built in 1991 and located at what was then the home of the Inland Seas Maritime Museum, which has since moved to Toledo. However, the light is still operational and accessible via the beach. It is a popular location to sit and admire the lake. After you’ve visited the lighthouse, be sure to explore and enjoy the coastal town of Vermilion, known as “the town of Sea Captains” and filled with unique shops and eateries.

Be sure to photograph your Shores & Islands lighthouse adventure and tag @shoresandislands and hashtag #ThisisCoasting with your pics. If you participate in the U.S. Lighthouse Society Passport Program , contact us for info on where to get your stamp for each lighthouse.

If you are interested in continuing your road trip, there are many more lovely Lake Erie lighthouses to enjoy along the coast. Follow the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail , a National Scenic Byway to enjoy more of Ohio’s shore.

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