Lighthouses remain crucial to maritime navigation, but they also draw visitors from far and wide.
Throughout the Northeast, you’ll find plenty of lighthouses worthy of a visit. You can even climb to the top of some to take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
A lighthouse-themed road trip could be a fun way to explore and learn more about a place. They also make for great pitstops on your way to other destinations. Here are seven can’t-miss lighthouses in the Northeast.
(Photo courtesy of AAA Northeast member Janis Lee)
Barnegat Lighthouse
Barnegat, N.J.
Located in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, the Barnegat Lighthouse was constructed in 1859 on the northern tip of Long Beach Island to help maritime pilots avoid the shoals and shifting sandbars along the shoreline. Each year from Memorial Day through Labor Day, visitors can climb the 217 steps to take in the scenic views from the top of the lighthouse. At the Interpretive Center visitors can check out the lighthouse’s history and learn about the changing nature of the coastline surrounding the lighthouse. Other activities in the park include a maritime forest trail for hiking, fishing, bird watching and picnicking.
Beavertail Lighthouse
Jamestown, R.I.
Located on the southernmost tip of Jamestown overlooking Narragansett Bay, the Beavertail Lighthouse stands at 64 feet high. Constructed in 1856, the current structure is the third to stand at the site, which was home to the third lighthouse in the colonies. While the lighthouse museum is open seasonally from May through October, the lighthouse is open for climbing on specific dates, so check the online calendar to see if dates match up with your visit. If they do, you can climb the 49-step spiral staircase and 7-foot ladder to reach the observation catwalk. At the top, you will be rewarded with gorgeous 360-degree views.
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Book TodayThe Lighthouse Museum
Stonington, Conn.
Constructed in 1840, this lighthouse stands sentry at the entrance to the harbor of Stonington. Featuring stonework, ornamental cornices and granite lintels above the doorways and windows, the lighthouse looks a bit different than many lighthouses. Visitors who can climb the 29 circular steps and ladder to reach the top will enjoy views of Long Island Sound as well as three states. Open seasonally from May through December, the site includes the lighthouse and museum, which holds artifacts not only about Stonington’s maritime and agricultural history, but also artifacts predating the lighthouse that document the city’s earliest history.
(Photo courtesy of AAA Northeast member Joseph Kelly)
Montauk Point Lighthouse
Montauk, N.Y.
The first lighthouse in New York State, Montauk Point Lighthouse was built in 1796 overlooking the Block Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Following an addition in 1860, the lighthouse now stands more than 110 feet tall, with 137 iron steps to the top. Today, visitors can tour the lighthouse museum to learn more about the lighthouse and the role it played in American maritime history, climb to the top for panoramic views and shop at the gift shop. The lighthouse is also home to special events throughout the year, so check the online calendar to see what’s happening when you plan to visit.
Nauset Light
Eastham, Mass.
(Pictured at top of story)
Since 1838, maritime pilots have relied on the light shining from the coast of Eastham to help them find their way around the coastline of Cape Cod. The latest lighthouse structure in Eastham, Nauset Light was constructed in 1877 using cast iron and brick lining. Painted red and white, it features two rotating aero beacons to provide guidance. Today, visitors can take a free tour of the lighthouse to learn its history, climb the 48-foot-high tower and visit the lookout room. You’ll find a calendar on the lighthouse’s website with tour dates and times so you can plan your visit.
Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse
Oswego, N.Y.
Overlooking Oswego Harbor, the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse was built in 1934, replacing the existing lights. Today, visitors can reach the lighthouse by boat for a tour, which are offered by the H. Lee White Maritime Museum each year between June and September. Before or after your tour, take time to explore the museum to learn about the area’s maritime history and see the original fourth order Fresnel Lens that used to provide light in the lighthouse before its replacement with an automated lantern.
Rose Island Lighthouse
Newport, R.I.
Constructed in 1869, the Rose Island Lighthouse lit up for the first time on Jan. 20, 1870, over Narragansett Bay. It operated until 1970, when it was decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1985, the lighthouse was deeded to the City of Newport, and, through the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, was restored and returned to private operation in 1993. Today, visitors can take the Jamestown Newport Ferry to the island from May through October to tour the lighthouse and the Fort Hamilton barracks. For an extended stay, you can even book overnight island accommodations each year from April 1 through Oct. 31.
What’s your favorite lighthouse in the Northeast? Tell us in the comments.
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One of the most beautiful lighthouses in New England is the Gay head lighthouse in the town of Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard! there is a PBS documentary on it’s relocation! The view is absolutely stunning from the lighthouse & from the ocean! My second choice is Highland Light in Truro, MA
Nobska Lighthouse, Woods Hole/Falmouth MA
Nubble Light, Cape Neddick/York, ME, Horton’s Point Light, Southold, NY Highland Light, Truro, MA. The cliffs at Highland Light were eroding so the light was moved back from the edge in 1996. Glad it was saved, it’s a beautiful spot.
Jupiter, FL Lighthouse is my favorite. Beautiful views & wonderful history.
Chatham Lighthouse is also an interesting stop. Located in Chatham MA the lighthouse hosts tours on a scheduled basis, which can be found on their website. Across the street from the lighthouse is a wonderful beach and a charming downtown Chatham just a short walk.
Lighthouse is at Coast Guard Station overlooking Chatham Harbor and the Atlantic. Beautiful! Only difficulty is finding a parking place in Summer. Chatham is famous for its restricted parking.
You didn’t mention any of the Maine lights. My favorite is probably Nubble, with Portland Head and Owls Head following close behine. But there are so many more beautiful lights in Maine. How could you ignore them?
My favorite is the Southeast Lighthouse on Block Island. You can actually see two lighthouses during your visit to Block Island. The North Lighthouse is beautiful too!
You forgot Race Point in Massachussets, near Provincetown. You can also spend some nights there. The only problem is not easy to get there.
This doesn’t have anything in Maine which boasts a great amount of coastline. The Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is definitely worth a visit on a trip to Portland. Further up the coast is the Marshall Point lighthouse featured in Forest Gump. In Rockland Maine there is a spectacular breakwater lighthouse that is almost a mile into the harbor.
These are all the best of the Maine coastline. Several years ago I cruised on the windjammer Victory Chimes which had a week long special cruise to view lighthouses. It was spectacular!
My favorite lighthouse would be the one in Watch Hill, RI. I was stationed there while in the Coast Guard in 1972-73. It is in a beautiful location on its own peninsula jutting out into Rhode Island Sound with a view of Montauk, Long Island, Fisher’s Island and looking eastward towards the Rhode Island shoreline.
I would add one more light house to the list. Particularly if one gets out Cape Cod to the Nauset Light. If you drive about 40 minutes further out on
Cape Cod to Truro you can see the Highland Ljght on the dramatic cliffs of Truro. It’s a beautiful spot including the ability to climb the light as well as a walk out to a.great overlook.
How is West Quoddy Head, which overlooks the bay of Fundy in Lubec Maine, not on this list?
Where is Nubble Light House York Beach Maine one of the most beautiful and photographed light houses in the country
Excellent stop for a lighthouse visit. Seasonal Lobster and Ice Cream available while visiting!
Nubble Lighthouse at Cape Neddick in Maine is definitely worth the trip.
Fire Island lighthouse @Robert Moses Field 5 is the BEST! Stroll from the beach on a secluded path to the lighthouse…then KISMET, fire Island and back!! If you are a Long Islander, there’s NO competition!
Nobska Light House
Located In Woods Hole/ Falmouth Mass. Nobska Point Lighthouse. … itself is very picturesque, and immediately behind it you get beautiful views of the bay and of Martha’s Vineyard.
You forgot about Cape Necddick Nubble Light, best viewed from York Beach Maine, one of the most iconic, beautiful and photographed lighthouses in the world. It sits very close to the mainland, with just a narrow channel keeping it a short distance away. As a child, my family used to park and watch for the Coast Guard family to come out. It was automated in 1987 I believe.
You should have included Fire Island Light House in your article
The West Quoddy Lighthouse in Lubec, ME was built in 1808, and is the only candy striped tower in the US. The nearby Head Harbour Lighthouse is on Campobello Island, New Brunswick. It can be seen from Lubec or with a passport cross over to the Canadian island.
Love the history of light houses .
My favorite has to Sankaty Head light on the eastern bluff of Nantucket. I was fortunate enough to live there at the light while serving in the USCG. A close 2nd would be Great Point light fantastic spot .