Lighthouse sights in USA
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Key West Lighthouse
You can climb up 88 steps to the top of this lighthouse, built in 1846, for a decent view. But honestly, it’s just as enjoyable to gaze up at the tower from the leafy street below.
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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 either from Fan Pier in the Seaport District or from Georges Islan…
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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.
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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.
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Cape Florida Lighthouse
- Miami, USA
- Sights › Lighthouse
At the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area’s southernmost tip, the 1845 brick lighthouse is the oldest structure in Florida (it replaced another lighthouse that was severely damaged in 1836 by attacking Seminole Indians). You can tour it for free at 10am and 1pm daily. Tours are limited to 12 people, so put your name on a sign-up list at least 30 minutes prior to the tour.
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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.
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Point Pinos Lighthouse
At the northwestern end of Lighthouse Ave, on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula, you'll find Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. It's been warning ships off this hazardous point since 1855. Inside are exhibits on its history and its failures: local shipwrecks.
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Old Point Loma Lighthouse
The 1854 Old Point Loma Lighthouse, dramatically built at the top of the hill, was so prone to fog-in that a new, lower lighthouse took over duty 36 years later. On the ocean side of the point, you can drive or walk down to the tide pools to look for anemones, starfish, crabs, limpets and 'dead man's fingers'.
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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.
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Absecon Lighthouse
The Absecon Lighthouse dates from 1857 and, at 171ft high, ranks as the tallest in New Jersey and the third tallest in the country. It’s been restored to its original specifications (including the Frensel lens) and you can climb the 228 steps to the top for phenomenal views.
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St Augustine Lighthouse
The light produced by this 1870s candy-striped lighthouse beams all the way downtown. It's a great place to bring kids older than seven and more than 4ft tall (none younger or shorter are allowed). The adjacent museum displays nautical exhibits.
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Alki Point Lighthouse
The US Coast Guard maintains this lighthouse. It has limited public hours and you can’t just walk up to it, but tours are available by appointment. Call for a current schedule and more information.
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Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
About 6 miles south of Daytona Beach, you can walk the 203 steps up to the top of Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and congratulate yourself: it's Florida's tallest.
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St George Reef Lighthouse
Situated six miles offshore, the St George Reef Lighthouse will be visible on a clear day. The only way to get there is via helicopter (around US$170; book ahead).
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Lighthouse Park
The 7-acre Lighthouse Park is the 11,000 candle power Pemaquid Light, built in 1827. A climb to the top will reward you with a fine coastal view.
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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.
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Point Bonita Lighthouse
Attractions in Marin Headlands include the Point Bonita Lighthouse.
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Annisquam Lighthouse
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