Lighthouses might be the most iconic structure on any coastline- standing tall against raging storms, guiding sailors home, and looking absolutely Instagram-worthy while doing it. These beacons have saved countless lives while also providing some of the most dramatic photo opportunities in America.
From rocky New England shores to tropical Hawaiian cliffs, America’s lighthouses are as diverse as the country itself. Some have been keeping watch for centuries, while others have become icons of their regions. Whether you’re a maritime history buff or just someone who appreciates a killer sunset backdrop, these lighthouses deserve a spot on your coastal bucket list.
12. Assateague Lighthouse, Virginia
This candy-striped beauty on Assateague Island gives you two natural wonders for the price of one – an iconic lighthouse AND those famous wild ponies roaming nearby. Standing 142 feet tall, its red and white barber pole design pops against the green island backdrop.
You can climb the 175 steps to the top for views that don’t stop. The surrounding wildlife refuge means you might spot dolphins, herons, and ponies all in one visit.
11. Greens Ledge Lighthouse, Connecticut
Sitting on its own little island in Long Island Sound, Greens Ledge looks like someone dropped a birthday cake into the ocean. This 1902 “sparkplug” style lighthouse might be harder to visit than others (you’ll need a boat), but that’s part of its exclusive charm.
The octagonal cast-iron structure rises straight from the water, with waves sometimes crashing right against its foundation during storms. Local boaters love showing it off to visitors, and some lucky kayakers even paddle out for close-up views.
10. Makapu’u Point Lighthouse, Hawaii
Makapu’u is perched on a 600-foot cliff on Oahu’s easternmost point. The lighthouse itself is pretty impressive with its rare hyperradiant lens (the largest in America), but it’s the setting that’ll blow your mind.
The hike to reach it offers ridiculous panoramic views of the turquoise Pacific, with humpback whales putting on shows during winter months. Unlike many lighthouses, you can’t go inside this one, but trust us – you’ll be too busy taking in the views of Koko Head crater and neighboring islands to care.
9. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Maine
Sitting on a dramatic slice of wave-battered granite in classic Maine style, Pemaquid has been guiding sailors since 1827. It’s so iconically Maine that they even put it on their state quarter.
The contrast between white tower, black top, and rugged rocks below creates postcard-perfect scenes no matter the weather. The adjacent Fishermen’s Museum lets you peek into the keeper’s former quarters, while the surrounding rock formations provide endless scrambling opportunities. Just try not to think about how many ghosts definitely haunt this place as you explore at dusk.
8. Tybee Lighthouse, Georgia
One of America’s most intact light stations, it’s been guiding ships to Savannah since 1736 (though the current tower dates to 1867). The black-and-white tower stretches 145 feet high, with all 178 steps open to visitors brave enough to tackle the climb.
Unlike many lighthouses, Tybee still has all its support buildings like keeper’s cottages and a summer kitchen. The beach town surrounding it has mastered that perfect balance of funky and laid-back, making this lighthouse experience more “vacation vibe” than “isolated sentinel.”
7. Eldred Rock Lighthouse, Alaska
Alaska doesn’t do anything halfway, including lighthouses. Eldred Rock stands as the last surviving octagonal frame lighthouse in the state, perched on a tiny island in the middle of Lynn Canal. Built after a catastrophic 1898 shipwreck, this white lighthouse with its distinctive red roof has weathered some of the harshest conditions imaginable.
While you can’t go inside (it’s only accessible by boat or helicopter), cruising past it gives you serious perspective on how isolated lighthouse keepers must have felt. The surrounding snowcapped peaks and possible whale sightings are just bonus features.
6. Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon
At 93 feet tall, this black-capped white tower has been photobombing family vacation pics since 1873. The coolest part might be the surrounding tide pools, where you can spot starfish, anemones, and other creatures that sound made-up but aren’t.
During whale migration seasons, you might catch gray whales cruising by while sea lions bark in the background. The 114-step spiral staircase gives you bragging rights and views that’ll make you consider a career change to lighthouse keeper.
5. Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Michigan
Hidden in a state park with no road access, Big Sable rewards visitors who are willing to hoof it with 1.8 miles of scenic trail. The black and white tower rises 112 feet from the sandy dunes of Lake Michigan. Built in 1867, this lighthouse has seen everything from shipwrecks to marriage proposals.
Unlike many lighthouses, you can actually stay overnight here as a volunteer keeper. The most magical thing about Big Sable might be watching freighters pass on the horizon while standing in the same spot where keepers have watched for over 150 years.
4. Bodie Island Lighthouse, North Carolina
In all it’s black and white glory, Bodie Island’s lighthouse stands 156 feet tall against the backdrop of Outer Banks marshland.The current tower is actually the third attempt – the first was abandoned and the second was blown up by retreating Confederate troops (rude).
Today, you can climb the 214 steps for panoramic views of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where wild ponies occasionally photobomb your lighthouse shots. Be warned, climbing is only open from April until October, but for a special visit, check out the full moon climbs that are as ethereal as they come!
3. Point Bonita Lighthouse, California
If dramatic entrances are your thing, Point Bonita delivers with a narrow suspension bridge that’s your only access to this cliff-hugging beacon. Just a hop from San Francisco, this lighthouse dangles at the edge of Marin Headlands, guarding the treacherous entrance to the Golden Gate.
Unlike most lighthouses, Point Bonita is actually built below the cliff top, not above it – because fog in San Francisco makes normal lighthouse rules useless. The half-mile trail to reach it takes you through a hand-carved rock tunnel. Time your visit for sunset when the Golden Gate Bridge glows orange in the background, creating lighthouse views that even locals can’t stop photographing.
2. St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida
With its dramatic spiral black and white paint job, St. Augustine’s lighthouse looks like it’s trying to hypnotize sailors into safety. Standing 165 feet tall, this 1874 tower offers the best workout in Florida – 219 steps that end with ridiculous views of the Atlantic, Intracoastal Waterway, and historic St. Augustine.
The keeper’s house is turned into an impressive museum where you can geek out on shipwreck artifacts. Ghost hunters take note: this is supposedly one of America’s most haunted lighthouses, with TV shows regularly documenting spooky encounters. Skeptical? Climb those stairs at dusk when the light starts its automatic rotation and see if you still feel alone.
1. Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon
Perched on a 205-foot headland with dizzying ocean views, Heceta Head proves that sometimes the stereotypical postcard shot really is the best one. This white tower with its red roof beam has been guiding ships since 1894, with a light visible a whopping 21 miles out to sea. What puts Heceta at number one isn’t just its ridiculous beauty – it’s the complete package.
The Victorian keeper’s house operates as a B&B where you can actually sleep over (ghosts included at no extra charge), and the surrounding hiking trails wind through old-growth forest with sunset vistas that’ll break your camera from overuse. Sea lions barking from the rocks below provide the perfect soundtrack for your lighthouse fantasies.
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