Lighthouse sights in New England
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Little Brewster
Little Brewster is the country’s oldest light station and site of the iconic Boston Light. Although the first lighthouse was built on this spot in 1715, it was demolished by the British in the revolution; today’s lighthouse dates from 1783. To visit Little Brewster, you must take an organized tour (reservations recommended). Learn about Boston’s maritime history during a one-hour sail around the harbor, then spend two hours exploring the island. Adventurous travelers can climb the 76 steps to the top of the light for a close-up view of the rotating light and a far-off view of the city skyline. Tours depart from Moakley Courthouse Dock in the Seaport District.
reviewed
-
Sheffield Island Lighthouse
The Norwalk Islands lie a half-mile off the coast of SoNo, and are the playground of coastal birds. Admission to the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, activated in 1868, is included in the price of the summer-only ferry ride to see the birds. Or if you want to take matters into your own hands, you can kayak there. The Small Boat Shop leads two-hour, four-hour and all-day trips to the islands in the summer.
reviewed
-
East Chop Lighthouse
The original lighthouse in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard was privately owned, but sailing ships refused to pay the fee imposed by the owner. The US government stepped in and erected the current cast-iron structure in 1875. Until it was painted white in 1988, it was known as the chocolate lighthouse for its reddish-brown color. You can visit the lighthouse during limited hours in summer.
reviewed
-
Owls Head Lighthouse
In Owls Head is the photogenic sight of Owls Head Lighthouse atop a promontory overlooking the dramatic coastline. Although the 19th-century lighthouse and keeper’s cottage are off limits, you can visit the surrounding grounds, which have short walking paths, a pebble-strewn beach and picnic tables.
reviewed
-
B
Fort Williams Park
Up for a picnic in an unbeatable setting? Head 4 miles south of central Portland to Cape Elizabeth and this 90-acre park where you'll find Portland Head Light, New England's most photographed lighthouse and the oldest (1791) of Maine's more than 60 lighthouses.
reviewed
-
Gay Head Lighthouse
Built in 1844 with a state-of-the-art Fresnel lens, this red-brick structure on the Gay Head cliffs is arguably the most scenic lighthouse on the Vineyard. Its caretaker, the Martha’s Vineyard Historical Society, opens the lighthouse for two hours around sunset on summer weekends.
reviewed
-
C
Cape Cod Highland Light
In North Truro, Cape Cod Highland Light dates to 1797, casts the brightest light on the New England coastline, and offers a sweeping view.
reviewed
-
Annisquam Lighthouse
reviewed