The Most Gorgeous Lighthouses Across America
Lighting the Way
Many lighthouses are old and beatufiul, and lots of them still shine bright. People who love lighthouses go on adventures all over to see and climb them. But even if you're not a big lighthouse fan, you'll still be amazed by the incredible views you get from up high (and sometimes even down below). Check out these lighthouses calling out to you, whether they're on the East or West coasts, down South, or around the Great Lakes.
Editor's note: This story was updated in April 2024
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
San Diego, California
Off the shores of San Diego, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse stands as a charmingly restored beacon. A brief hike up a hill rewards visitors with breathtaking ocean vistas, particularly stunning during sunset. The towering, spiral staircase presents a considerable challenge, accessible to the public only during select events.
Cockspur Island Lighthouse
Near Savannah, Georgia
Cockspur Island Lighthouse, situated on an island 12 miles east of Savannah, is currently inaccessible to the public due to ongoing preservation work. Originally built in the 1850s, the original lighthouse succumbed to a hurricane in 1854. Its replacement, completed the following year, has endured its share of hurricane damage over the years. Despite its closure, visitors can still catch a glimpse of this historic beauty from the end of a short trail originating at Fort Pulaski National Monument, with the lighthouse surrounded by water at high tide, retaining its timeless allure.
Loggerhead Key Lighthouse
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
The Loggerhead Key Lighthouse, situated on a secluded island within the national park, has been standing since 1858. Due to its remote location, visitors must make arrangements beforehand through the National Park Service. At over 150 feet tall, the lighthouse's conical tower dominates the landscape, while the kitchen in the quarters below serves park service volunteers. Access to the park is restricted to boat or seaplane travel only.
Related: Stunning Photos of Every National Park in America
Pigeon Point Light Station
Pescadero, California
Pigeon Point Light Station, located within a state historic park bearing its name, ranks among the tallest lighthouses in the United States. The park welcomes visitors until sunset, providing an ideal opportunity to admire this historic gem perched on a cliff overlooking the coastline south of the Bay Area.
Greens Ledge Lighthouse
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
The historic Greens Ledge Lighthouse is located approximately a mile off the coast of Norwalk, near Sheffield Island. It played a vital role in assisting the Coast Guard during the early and mid-1900s. Visitors can enjoy boat tours of the site provided by a local company, The Maritime Aquarium, offering plenty of chances to capture photos of the rocky reef surrounding the lighthouse.
Nubble Light
York, Maine
Maine's rugged coastline is famous for old lighthouses, with Nubble Light being one of the most picturesque. Positioned approximately 300 feet from Cape Neddick Point, the lighthouse's interior isn't accessible to the public. However, Sohier Park offers an excellent vantage point to admire Nubble Light and marvel at the majestic waves crashing against the shoreline.
Diamond Head Lighthouse
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
The Diamond Head Lighthouse graces the southern cliffs of Oahu, with its history dating back to the 1870s when it was established to oversee incoming vessels. Erected in 1899, the lighthouse features an all-white design with a distinctive rounded red roof, providing a striking contrast against the lush greenery and turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. Still serving its purpose, the lighthouse remains operational under the care of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse stands out among the ten lighthouses honored as National Historic Landmarks. Instead of the typical tall structure, this one is hexagonal, shorter, and raised above the water. Managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, it continues to guide ships in the area. During the summer, it opens for public tours, but before you set foot on it, you'll need to fill out a form about your well-being and agree to accept liability
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Ludington, Michigan
The Big Sable Point Lighthouse, situated in Ludington State Park on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a quintessential beacon. Accessible via a picturesque 1.8-mile hike from the parking lot, this majestic black-and-white tower awaits. Visitors can explore the main floor of the keeper's quarters and peruse the gift shop at no additional cost
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
Florida's tallest lighthouse, the red Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, is a National Historic Landmark. Climbing up its steep stairs rewards you with stunning views of the ocean and land, plus a refreshing breeze. You can visit the lighthouse and its museum to learn all about its history.
Biloxi Lighthouse
Biloxi, Mississippi Following serious damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the cast-iron Biloxi Lighthouse underwent restoration and welcomed the public again in 2010. Whether explored during the day or admired from afar in the evening, the lighthouse offers a delightful experience. Positioned near a pier, it serves as a picturesque backdrop for fishing or leisurely strolls.
Bodie Island Light Station
Nags Head, North Carolina
Situated on the northern tip of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Bodie Island Light Station is one of three lighthouses within the park. This black-and-white-striped beacon continues to aid ships navigating through the treacherous waters known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic."— the treacherous waters off the coast of North Carolina, particularly around Cape Hatteras.
Split Rock Lighthouse
Silver Bay, Minnesota Located on Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse is a designated National Historic Landmark. It stands proudly on a cliff, rising 130 feet above the lake, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline and deep blue waters below, when accessible.
Block Island Southeast Lighthouse
New Shoreham, Rhode Island
Embark on a brief ferry journey to reach the delightful red brick Block Island Lighthouse, perched atop Mohegan Bluffs on the island's southern shore. This compact structure is connected to the keeper's cottage, and now houses a museum.
Cape Hatteras Light Station
Buxton, North Carolina
The Cape Hatteras Light Station, located adjacent to the Bodie Island Light Station within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, is the tallest brick lighthouse in the world, boasting 257 steps to the top. The striking black-and-white striped tower, set atop a vibrant red base, remains an impressive sight from the exterior.
North Head Lighthouse
Ilwaco, Washington Situated within Cape Disappointment State Park, North Head Lighthouse proves to be anything but disappointing. Positioned within a remote park where the Columbia River converges with the Pacific Ocean, the lighthouse underwent renovations around 2018. Additionally, two keeper's quarters are available for overnight rentals.
Portland Head Light
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Portland Head Light, situated in Fort Williams Park along the shoreline, commenced operations in 1791. Today, a museum occupies the keeper's quarters, surrounded by picturesque scenery worthy of a postcard. Admission to the grounds is free for all except commercial vehicle groups.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Florence, Oregon
Perched within a "state scenic viewpoint," Heceta Head Lighthouse continues to cast its beam 21 miles out into the ocean. While lighthouse tours are currently unavailable, visitors can still roam the grounds, with the assistant lightkeeper's house now serving as a bed and breakfast. Additionally, guests can explore the nearby tide pools and enjoy a small beach.
This story was edited with the help of AI
This article was originally published on Cheapism