Lighthouse Directory
Explore the storied lighthouses that have guided mariners along the New England coast for centuries.
ActiveCape Elizabeth, Maine
One of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States, commissioned by President George Washington. It stands at the entrance to Portland Harbor and remains an enduring symbol of New England's maritime heritage.
Visitor Info: Open year-round. Museum on site.
ActiveYork, Maine
Perched on a small rocky island just off Cape Neddick, Nubble Light is one of Maine's most beloved and photographed lighthouses. Its classic white tower and red-roofed keeper's house make it instantly recognizable.
Visitor Info: Viewable from Sohier Park. No public access to island.
ActiveBristol, Maine
Standing on dramatically striated granite ledges, Pemaquid Point Light is one of Maine's most scenic lighthouses. The keeper's house now serves as the Fishermen's Museum, celebrating the region's fishing heritage.
Visitor Info: Open seasonally. Museum and grounds accessible.
ActiveNantucket, Massachusetts
The second lighthouse built in the United States, Brant Point Light guards the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. Its small white tower is a beloved symbol of the island, and it's a tradition to toss a penny overboard when departing Nantucket.
Visitor Info: Viewable from the ferry. Grounds accessible.
ActiveTruro, Massachusetts
The oldest and tallest lighthouse on Cape Cod, Highland Light (also known as Cape Cod Light) stands on the high clay cliffs of Truro. It was famously moved 450 feet inland in 1996 to protect it from coastal erosion.
Visitor Info: Open for tours in summer. Admission charged.
ActiveProvincetown, Massachusetts
Located at the tip of Cape Cod in the Cape Cod National Seashore, Race Point Light is accessible only by foot or off-road vehicle. Its remote setting makes it a favorite destination for lighthouse enthusiasts seeking solitude.
Visitor Info: Accessible via 1.5-mile walk or 4WD. Overnight stays available.
ActiveNew Castle, New Hampshire
One of the oldest lighthouse sites in the United States, Portsmouth Harbor Light has guided vessels into the Piscataqua River since colonial times. The current cast-iron tower, erected in 1877, stands within Fort Constitution Historic Site and offers sweeping views of the harbor.
Visitor Info: Grounds open daily via Fort Constitution. Tower open on select dates.
ActiveNarragansett, Rhode Island
Guarding the treacherous waters at the mouth of Narragansett Bay, Point Judith Light has warned mariners away from the rocky shoals since 1816. The current octagonal brownstone tower, built in 1857, is one of the most recognizable sentinels on the Rhode Island coast.
Visitor Info: Grounds open daily. Tower interior not open to public.
InactiveIsle La Motte, Vermont
Situated on the northern tip of Isle La Motte in Lake Champlain, this modest stone lighthouse is one of Vermont's few remaining lake lights. Built to guide vessels through the narrow Alburg Passage, it stands as a quiet reminder of the lake's once-busy commercial shipping era.
Visitor Info: Viewable by boat or from the island's northern shore. Private property — no trespassing.
ActiveNew London, Connecticut
One of the most unusual lighthouses in New England, New London Ledge Light sits on a concrete pier in the Thames River. Its French Second Empire architecture — complete with mansard roof — makes it unlike any other lighthouse in the region.
Visitor Info: Viewable by boat. Tours available seasonally.
Our directory grows with the help of the NELL community. If you have photos, history, or visitor information to share, we'd love to hear from you.