Lighthouses stand as guardians of America’s coastlines, combining practical maritime significance with stunning architectural beauty. These iconic structures have helped sailors navigate treacherous waters for centuries while also becoming beloved landmarks that draw countless visitors each year.
The East Coast, with its rich maritime history and rugged shorelines, boasts some of the most picturesque lighthouse settings in the country. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, history buff, or just someone who appreciates coastal charm, these beacons offer something special.
Here is a list of 14 must-visit lighthouses along the Eastern Seaboard that combine breathtaking views, fascinating histories, and unique designs.
Portland Head Light
Situated in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, this iconic lighthouse dates back to 1791 and was commissioned by George Washington himself. The contrast between the white tower and the dramatic rocky coastline creates a postcard-perfect scene that has made it one of the most photographed lighthouses in America.
Visitors can explore the adjacent museum housed in the former keeper’s quarters and enjoy spectacular views from Fort Williams Park.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Standing at 210 feet, this black-and-white spiral striped giant in North Carolina’s Outer Banks is America’s tallest brick lighthouse. The distinctive candy-cane spiral pattern isn’t just for show—it helps sailors identify the lighthouse during daylight hours from miles away.
In 1999, the entire structure was moved 2,900 feet inland to protect it from shoreline erosion, an engineering feat almost as impressive as the lighthouse itself.
Block Island Southeast Light
Perched dramatically atop Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island, Rhode Island, this red brick lighthouse offers views that stretch all the way to Montauk on clear days. Built in 1875, the Gothic Revival structure features ornate details rarely seen in maritime architecture, making it feel more like a Victorian mansion than a utilitarian beacon.
The lighthouse was physically moved back from the eroding cliffs in 1993, saving this National Historic Landmark for future generations.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cape May Lighthouse
This New Jersey gem has guided ships safely through Delaware Bay since 1859. Standing 157 feet tall, visitors who climb the 199 steps to the top are rewarded with panoramic views of the Cape May peninsula, Delaware Bay, and Atlantic Ocean.
The surrounding Cape May Point State Park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, particularly during the fall migration when the area becomes a hotspot for hawk watching.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
Florida’s first lighthouse combines striking black and white spiral patterns with panoramic views of the nation’s oldest city and the Atlantic Ocean. Built in 1874, the 165-foot tower requires climbing 219 steps, but the sweeping vistas make every step worthwhile.
Ghost enthusiasts might find additional interest here—the lighthouse is renowned for reported paranormal activity and has been featured on several ghost-hunting television shows.
Gay Head Lighthouse
Located on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, this brick lighthouse stands on colorful clay cliffs that create a stunning natural backdrop. The red brick tower contrasts beautifully with the multicolored clay cliffs and deep blue waters surrounding the island. In 2015, the lighthouse was moved 135 feet back from the eroding cliffs in a community-funded effort that demonstrated the deep attachment locals have to this historic beacon.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Montauk Point Lighthouse
Authorized by President George Washington in 1792, this sandstone lighthouse stands at the easternmost point of Long Island, New York. The oldest lighthouse in New York State offers not just spectacular ocean views but also excellent opportunities for spotting seals on the rocks below during winter months.
The lighthouse museum contains fascinating artifacts, including original documents signed by Washington himself.
Cape Lookout Lighthouse
The distinctive diamond-patterned black and white lighthouse on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast stands out for both its appearance and remote location accessible only by boat. The unique checkerboard pattern serves a practical purpose—it helps sailors identify which direction they’re approaching from, with the black diamonds pointing north-south and the white diamonds pointing east-west.
The unspoiled beaches surrounding the lighthouse offer exceptional shelling and chances to spot wild horses on nearby Shackleford Banks.
Nubble Light
Officially known as Cape Neddick Light, this Maine lighthouse sits on a small rocky island just off the shore, creating a perfect composition for photographers. Though visitors can’t access the island itself, the mainland viewing area provides excellent vantage points year-round, with special charm when the lighthouse is decorated with lights during the winter holiday season.
The lighthouse keeper’s house, with its distinctive red roof, completes the quintessential New England coastal scene.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Pemaquid Point Light
Made famous by its appearance on the Maine state quarter, this lighthouse sits atop spectacular rock formations created by ancient volcanic activity. The layers of striated rock leading down to the water create natural geometric patterns that draw artists and photographers from around the world.
When the tide is low, visitors can explore the unique geological formations that make this site special even beyond its maritime significance.
Assateague Lighthouse
This red and white striped beauty on Virginia’s Assateague Island offers the unique bonus of wild ponies roaming nearby. Standing 142 feet tall, the current lighthouse dates to 1867 and features a first-order Fresnel lens that can project light 19 miles out to sea.
The surrounding wildlife refuge provides opportunities for birdwatching, beach combing, and of course, observing the famous wild Assateague ponies that have lived on the island for centuries.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
This bright red lighthouse in Florida stands as a vibrant contrast to the surrounding blue waters and green landscape. Built in 1860, the 108-foot tower sits atop a 48-foot hill, making its light visible from far out at sea.
The site includes a fascinating museum dedicated to Florida’s maritime history, and the surrounding natural area offers trails through rare tropical hammock ecosystems found nowhere else in the country.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Sankaty Head Light
Located on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts, this red and white lighthouse sits on a high bluff, offering sweeping views across the Atlantic. Built in 1850, the lighthouse was moved 400 feet inland in 2007 to protect it from the eroding bluff edge.
The surrounding area features some of the most exclusive golf courses in America, creating a uniquely manicured setting for this historic beacon.
Boston Light
America’s oldest continually used lighthouse site features a pristine white tower on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor. First lit in 1716 and rebuilt after the Revolutionary War, it remains the only officially staffed lighthouse in America, with the Coast Guard maintaining a keeper to welcome visitors and preserve traditions.
The 76-foot tower offers spectacular views of the Boston skyline and harbor islands for those who make the boat trip and climb its 76 steps.
Beacons Through Time
These lighthouses represent more than just navigational aids—they stand as monuments to American maritime heritage and engineering ingenuity. Each tower tells stories of shipwrecks prevented, lives saved, and communities built around the important work of lighthouse keeping.
Though GPS and modern navigation have made their original purpose less critical, these structures continue to captivate visitors with their beauty and historical significance.
The lighthouses of the East Coast offer windows into America’s seafaring past while providing some of the most magnificent coastal views available anywhere.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated lighthouse tour or simply looking to add special stops to your next coastal vacation, these 14 beacons promise experiences that combine natural beauty, historical depth, and architectural wonder in perfect harmony.
More from Travel Pug
- Cities Growing so Fast You Won’t Recognize Them in 10 Years
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 16 U.S. Cities That Are Quietly Becoming Travel Hotspots
- Where to Travel If You Love Long Bus Rides and Daydreams
- 20 Cities Perfect for Solo Travelers Who Crave Adventure & Culture
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.