35 of the Most Beautiful Lighthouses in America
How many of these photogenic landmarks have you visited?
Some of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world can be found in America, from the coasts of California to the shores of Mississippi. Let these lighthouse photos inspire you to take a trip around the country, so you can experience the scenic beauty and historical significance for yourself.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Florida
This gorgeous red lighthouse is the tallest in Florida, and one of the tallest in the United States. Its history goes way back to 1835, though it was out of use for decades because of destruction and construction. It's been back in business since 1982, though, and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1998.
Biloxi Lighthouse, Mississippi
If you can't travel down to the deep South to see this Mississippi attraction in person, don't worry: The kind folks of Biloxi set up a live video feed from the top of the lighthouse so everyone can enjoy the view.
Boston Light, Massachusetts
On the coast of Little Brewer Island you'll find the oldest lighthouse in the U.S. The first structure was built in in 1716, and the current one was erected in 1783. If you're in the area, you can take a tour of the Boston Harbor—which includes this National Historic Landmark—during the summer.
Point Bonita Lighthouse, California
According to the National Park Service website, this Bay Area beauty has "helped shepherd ships through the treacherous Golden Gate straits" since 1855. You can visit the lighthouse and trail on Sundays and Mondays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Greens Ledge Lighthouse, Connecticut
Looking to own a lighthouse? Back in 2015, this was one of six being offered for free by the Federal Government as part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000.
Diamond Lady Lighthouse, North Carolina
Diamond Lady Lighthouse stands tall above the shimmering sand at Cape Lookout on North Carolina's central shore, an area accessible only by boat. Built in 1859, it was painted with its distinctive black-and-white checkered pattern in 1873.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Michigan
Michigan is home to more lighthouses than any other U.S. state. The Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association is raising funds to repair Ludington State Park's Big Sable Point Lighthouse—the last of the Great Lakes lighthouses to become electrified.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California
This picturesque lighthouse has been a shining beacon along the central California coastline since 1872.
Lorain Lighthouse, Ohio
This charming lighthouse was saved from demolition in the 1960s and is today one of the most beloved landmarks in Lorain, Ohio.
Block Island Southeast Light, Rhode Island
One of the most architecturally sophisticated lighthouses in the country, this Rhode Island beauty is an impressive example of the High Victorian Gothic style.
Loggerhead Lighthouse, Florida
Located in the Florida Keys and originally known as the Dry Tortugas Light, this iconic structure became America's most powerful lighthouse when it was electrified in 1931.
New London Ledge Light, Connecticut
An early keeper known as "Ernie" is said to haunt this historical Connecticut lighthouse.
Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine
Located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine's oldest lighthouse (it dates to 1791) is also one of the state's most photographed landmarks.
Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon
Considered to be one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, this Oregon treasure now operates as a bed & breakfast.
White Shoal Lighthouse, Michigan
Michigan's only barber pole lighthouse can be found on the state's Save Our Lights license plates.
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Oregon
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is Oregon's only surviving historical, wooden lighthouse.
Old Point Loma Lighthouse, California
This picturesque San Diego lighthouse operated for only 36 years. Built in 1855, it was decommissioned in 1891 after its location proved too foggy to show its beam.
Split Rock Lighthouse, Minnesota
Perched high on a rocky cliff, the Split Rock Lighthouse resembles something only Hollywood could dream up. Naturally, it made a cameo appearance in the 2013 film The Great Gatsby.
Bodie Island Lighthouse, North Carolina
A black-and-white wonder, this whimsical tower replaced an earlier lighthouse (the second on the site) that was blown apart during the Civil War.
Battery Point Lighthouse, California
As one of California's first lighthouses (and arguably its most spectacular), this Crescent City icon has been helping mariners navigate the rugged coastline since 1856.
Elizabeth Finkelstein and her husband, Ethan Finkelstein, are the brains behind the popular Instagram and newsletter Cheap Old Houses. Together, they restore historic homes in HGTV’s series Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House? Elizabeth grew up in an 1850s home lovingly restored by her parents, so her love for crown molding and peeling wallpaper runs in her gene pool. She holds a master’s degree in historic preservation and has put in years of professional work restoring old houses. While not filming or nurturing the vast and wonderful @cheapoldhouses community, the couple spends time restoring their own cheap old farmhouse — a little slice of heaven they snagged for a cool $70,000.
Jennifer Aldrich was the editorial assistant for CountryLiving.com.
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