Lighthouses have long captured the imagination, standing as sentinels along treacherous coastlines and guiding ships to safety. These iconic structures not only serve a crucial maritime purpose but also offer a glimpse into the rich nautical history of the United States.
This guide explores 20 of the most historically significant and visually striking lighthouses along the U.S. coast, each with its own unique story and charm.
Portland Head Light, Maine
Portland Head Light, commissioned by George Washington in 1791, stands as one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States. Its picturesque setting on the rugged Maine coast has made it one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.
Boston Light, Massachusetts
Boston Light, located on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously used lighthouse site in the United States. First lit in 1716, it remains an active aid to navigation and is the only lighthouse in the country still actively staffed by the U.S. Coast Guard.
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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, North Carolina
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, with its distinctive black and white spiral pattern, is the tallest brick lighthouse in North America. In 1999, the entire structure was moved 2,900 feet inland to protect it from coastal erosion, an engineering feat that preserved this iconic landmark.
St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida
St. Augustine Lighthouse, built in 1874, offers visitors a climb of 219 steps for panoramic views of the nation’s oldest city and the Atlantic Ocean. The site includes a museum with interactive exhibits and restored keepers’ houses, providing insight into lighthouse life in the late 19th century.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California
Pigeon Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in America, has been guiding ships along the California coast since 1872. While the tower itself is currently closed for restoration, visitors can explore the grounds, visit the museum, and even stay overnight in the former keepers’ quarters, now converted into a hostel.
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Split Rock Lighthouse, Minnesota
Perched atop a 130-foot cliff overlooking Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse is a picturesque icon of Minnesota’s North Shore. Built in response to a series of shipwrecks in 1905, it now serves as a museum offering visitors a glimpse into the life of lighthouse keepers in the early 20th century.
Cape Lookout Lighthouse, North Carolina
Cape Lookout Lighthouse, with its distinctive diamond-patterned daymark, has been guiding ships along the treacherous North Carolina coast since 1859. Visitors can climb the 207 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and learn about the area’s maritime history in the nearby keepers’ quarters museum.
Block Island Southeast Lighthouse, Rhode Island
The Block Island Southeast Lighthouse, with its distinctive red brick facade, offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mohegan Bluffs. In 1993, this historic lighthouse was moved 300 feet inland to save it from cliff erosion, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to preserve these important maritime landmarks.
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Montauk Point Lighthouse, New York
Montauk Point Lighthouse, authorized by President George Washington in 1792, is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. Its strategic location at the eastern tip of Long Island has made it a crucial aid to navigation for over two centuries, and today, it offers visitors both historical insights and panoramic coastal views.
Peck’s Beach Lighthouse, New Jersey
Peck’s Beach Lighthouse, now located in Ocean City, New Jersey, is a unique example of a lighthouse that has been moved and repurposed. Originally built in 1855 on a nearby beach, it was relocated in 1884 and now serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s maritime past.
Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon
Heceta Head Lighthouse, perched on a scenic headland, is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Oregon coast. Visitors can take guided tours of the lighthouse, hike the surrounding trails for stunning coastal views, and even stay overnight in the assistant keeper’s house, now operating as a bed and breakfast.
Point Reyes Lighthouse, California
Point Reyes Lighthouse, located on a rugged peninsula north of San Francisco, offers visitors a chance to descend 308 steps to the historic lighthouse structure. Built in 1870 to warn ships away from the treacherous Point Reyes Headlands, it now serves as a popular tourist attraction within the Point Reyes National Seashore.
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Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Maine
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, featured on the Maine State Quarter, offers visitors stunning views of the rocky Maine coastline. Built in 1827, the lighthouse has withstood countless storms and continues to serve as an active aid to navigation, while also housing a fishermen’s museum in the keeper’s house.
Key West Lighthouse, Florida
Key West Lighthouse provides visitors with a glimpse into the lives of lighthouse keepers in the 19th century through its well-preserved keeper’s quarters. First lit in 1848, the lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships through the dangerous waters around the Florida Keys and now offers panoramic views of Key West from its observation deck.
Cape Flattery Lighthouse, Washington
Cape Flattery Lighthouse, located on Tatoosh Island off the Olympic Peninsula, is the northwesternmost lighthouse in the contiguous United States. While the lighthouse itself is not accessible to the public, visitors can hike to nearby observation points for stunning views of the lighthouse and the rugged Washington coastline.
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Marblehead Lighthouse, Ohio
Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes, has been guiding ships on Lake Erie since 1822. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the lake and nearby islands, and explore the keeper’s house museum to learn about the lighthouse’s long history.
Tybee Island Lighthouse, Georgia
Tybee Island Lighthouse, one of the few 18th-century lighthouses still in operation, offers visitors a chance to climb 178 steps for panoramic views of the Georgia coast. First built in 1736, the current lighthouse dates from 1867 and has been meticulously restored, along with its support buildings, providing a comprehensive look at lighthouse life through the centuries.
Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, Virginia
Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792, was the first federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government. Located on the grounds of Fort Story military base, it offers visitors not only historical significance but also stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean from its observation deck.
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Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Florida
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s tallest lighthouse, offers visitors a chance to climb to the top for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Halifax River. The well-preserved light station complex includes several museums and exhibits showcasing maritime history and lighthouse technology, making it one of the most complete light stations in the nation.
Nauset Lighthouse, Massachusetts
Nauset Lighthouse, with its distinctive red and white coloring, is an iconic symbol of Cape Cod. Initially built in 1877 and moved to its current location in 1923 to escape coastal erosion, the lighthouse continues to serve as an active aid to navigation while also offering tours and educational programs to visitors.
Enjoy Spectacular Coastal Views
These 20 historical lighthouses represent some of the most significant and beautiful maritime landmarks along the U.S. coast. Each lighthouse tells a different story of America’s nautical heritage, technological innovation, and the brave individuals who kept the lights burning through storms and darkness.
By visiting these lighthouses, travelers can enjoy spectacular coastal views and also gain a deeper appreciation for the crucial role these beacons played in shaping the nation’s maritime history.
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