Looking for the best East Coast lighthouses to visit? We got you. There are so many stunning lighthouses on the East Coast of the United States from Maine down to Florida, these beacons have been aiding vessels in the Atlantic Ocean for hundreds of years, and make for rather cool destinations to visit.

Most East Coast lighthouses date back to the late 18th century when they were established under the presidency of George Washington. The need for these navigational aids arose as maritime trade grew and coastal waters posed significant risks. The Lighthouse Act of 1789 formalized the federal government’s responsibility for constructing and maintaining lighthouses, leading to the development of a comprehensive system along the East Coast.

Strategically placed to guide ships through treacherous areas, these lighthouses used various materials and lighting technologies, such as oil lamps and later Fresnel lenses.

Today, East Coast lighthouses stand as historic landmarks, preserving maritime heritage and attracting visitors who appreciate their architectural beauty, storied past, and the stunning coastal landscapes they protect.

We love lighthouse hopping, I think that our Nova Scotia road trip a few years back really made us realize that there were so many incredible lighthouses to see along the East Coast and it made us want to road trip and plan trips around seeing some of the beautiful lighthouses along the US East Coast!

So we’ve rounded up 30 of the best East Coast lighthouses that are well worth a trip to check out and explore. Please note that depending on a variety of factors like restorations and storm damage, the lighthouses may not be open at the time you visit, or you may just get to see the exterior (which in my opinion is the best part as we love seeing and photographing the lighthouses along the coastline).

Additionally, there may be height restrictions, as well as other conditions, that are in place in order to climb to the top of the lighthouses. Be sure to check the information for the lighthouses before you go. Without further ado, keep on reading to learn more about the gorgeous lighthouses on the East Coast!

And quickly, if we were to pick a favorite, mine is Portland Head Lighthouse in Portland, Maine and Scott’s is Montauk Point Lighthouse in Long Island, New York!

Most Beautiful Lighthouses on the East Coast

Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

The first East Coast lighthouse on this list is situated in the idyllic Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Known for being Maine’s oldest lighthouse and the most photographed lighthouse in the United States! The first time the Portland Head Light was illuminated was in 1791.

When you visit Portland Head Light, you will be greeted by the crisp scenery of the white light tower, and the accompanying creamy white buildings with red roofs.

As far as exploring the lighthouse, access is very limited to the public. It’s so limited, that the lighthouse is only publicly open once per year, on Maine Open Lighthouse Day.

However, you can still enjoy this landmark and the surrounding area, which is well worth the visit as the area surrounding the lighthouse offers the quintessential gorgeous New England coastline.

And if you want to learn more, you can go inside the former Keepers’ Quarters, where there is a museum and you can check out numerous lenses, as well as various displays.

Additionally, there is a seasonal shop with general gifty-type items centered around Maine. The Portland Head Light sits in the 90-acre Fort Williams Park, and here you will find picnic areas, hiking trails, recreation areas, and fantastic ocean views.

Better yet, there are actually a few awesome lighthouses in Portland you can check out around Cape Elizabeth, which are all easy to add on to a dreamy weekend in Portland getaway and East Coast lighthouse hopping!

Cape Neddick Light (Nubble Lighthouse) in York, Maine

Maine is known for having several stunning lighthouses, so many that you can plan a whole road trip around visiting lighthouses. The Cape Neddick Light, also known as Nubble Lighthouse, is located in York Beach, Maine, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is situated on a rocky island a few hundred feet offshore, and in 1874 the President designated money to construct a lighthouse on the “nub” of land, hence the name!

The lighthouse became active in 1879, and originally it wasn’t painted white but it seems that the tower was red or brown in its original form.

Unfortunately, the lighthouse and surrounding area are not open to the public, because of its offshore location. However, you can visit Sohier Park, and still get great views of the lighthouse.

Parking is also free at the park. There is also the Nubble Light Gift Shop as well as restrooms, which are open seasonally April through October. During the holiday season in December, the lighthouse and buildings are illuminated, which is arguably the best time to view the lighthouse for photos!

Bass Harbor Head Light in Tremont, Maine

Maine has many picturesque East coast lighthouses, but one of their many enchanting lighthouses has made it onto the America the Beautiful quarter in 2012, the NPS centennial postage stamp in 2016, as well as being on the National Register of Historic Places. And that lighthouse is the Bass Harbor Head Light, located on the southwest corner of Mount Desert Island in Tremont, Maine.

It was built in 1858, and the grounds included the lighthouse, the keeper’s dwelling, bell house, oil house, and barn. Acadia National Park manages three lighthouses, and the Bass Harbor Head Light is one of them.

When you visit this light tower, you are not able to go inside, but you can get somewhat close with a nearby walkway. Enjoy the views of the white light tower and buildings perched up on a weathered cliff with swaths of dense green trees nearby.

You can get here by car, but there is limited parking. Additionally, buses, trailers, and RVs are not allowed, as the road is not wide and there is limited space in the parking lot. Make sure to include the Bass Harbor Head Light in your itinerary of lighthouses on the East Coast to visit.

Pemaquid Point Light in Bristol, Maine

In Bristol, Maine at the access point of Muscongus Bay and Johns Bay, there is the Pemaquid Point Light. The white light tower is kind of stocky and has several structures nearby painted the same white color, and that does pop against the deep blue ocean, gray cliffs, and green landscape.

Ordered by John Quincy Adams back in 1827, this unassuming lighthouse is active today and well worth a visit. You can explore the lighthouse, check out the Fisherman’s Museum which is located in the Keeper’s House, and stroll around Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park.

There is an admission fee, which is $3.00 for ages 12 and under, and $1.00 for ages 5-11. This gets you access to the Fisherman’s Museum, Pemaquid Art Gallery, Learning Center, picnic spots and restrooms, and entrance to the light tower.

West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec, Maine

Ok, not going to lie, I love a good striped lighthouse! Located in the town furthest east in the United States in Lubec, Maine, you can find the West Quoddy Head Light. Known for its red and white horizontal linear design, referred to as “candy striped”, the lighthouse is the only one with that design in the United States.

This light tower dates back to the early 1800s when Thomas Jefferson ordered the construction of the tower. The lighthouse is open seasonally, from roughly around Memorial Day through mid-October.

Tours of the light tower happen at intervals during the summer months, as well as during special events during the summer. However, these tours are not always guaranteed to happen. Be sure to check what tours are being offered when you visit.

The lightkeeper’s house has become the Visitors Center, which has a museum and gallery. When you are done checking out the lighthouse, make your way over to West Quoddy State Park.

There are almost 550 protected coastal spaces, nature paths and coastal hiking trails, picnic areas, and landscape that includes bogs and a rocky beach. The park is open mid-May through mid-October. Additionally, if the timing is right when you visit, there is the West Quoddy Annual Lighthouse Celebration in July.

Cape Ann Light (Thacher Island Twin Lights) in Rockport, Massachusetts

Now onto Massachusetts where Cape Ann Light has not one but two East Coast lighthouses that are not only cool but historic as well! This is a unique spot as these are the only twin operating lighthouses in the country!

Also referred to as the Thacher Island Twin Lights in Rockport, Massachusetts. It’s located on Thacher Island, a 50-acre rocky island located about one mile off the shore of Rockport.

This National Historic Landmark was built in 1771, in response to the hazardous conditions of the area that resulted in numerous shipwrecks. The Cape Ann Light has two lighthouse towers, and at the time they were built in the mid-late 1700s they had the distinction of being some of the first lighthouses to indicate a hazardous location instead of the entrance to a harbor.

Additionally, they were the final light towers constructed under British rule in the colonies. The public are able to visit the island from mid-June through mid-September.

You can get there via the Thacher Island launch, if it is open and running, to reach the island. Once on the island, there are walking paths, visitor center, and museum, and you can explore the buildings related to the lighthouse.

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle, New Hampshire

The sole lighthouse on the mainland of New Hampshire is the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. Perched on the U.S. Coast Guard Station on Portsmouth Harbor, it is just a stone’s throw away from Fort Constitution and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Built in 1877, this modest white light tower sits a little farther out in the water than the other structures nearby.

You are able to tour the lighthouse, but advance reservations are required. A great view of the lighthouse can be seen from Great Island Common, which is the town park in New Castle. This area is great to visit, so while you’re here be sure to stop by this fantastic East Coast lighthouse.

Boston Light in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts

The oldest and consistently used lighthouse in the U.S. is the Boston Light, situated on Little Brewster Island off the coast of Boston, Massachusetts in the Boston Harbor.

Known as “America’s First Light Station”, the Boston Light is staffed, making it the last standing staffed lighthouse in the United States. It was constructed in 1716, and at this time the light from the lighthouse was provided by candles.

Today, the light beam extends 27 miles! The only way to really see this lighthouse is by boat cruise. The Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park offers a two-hour cruise where you will see the Boston Light, as well as Graves Light and Long Island Light.

Scituate Light in Scituate, Massachusetts

One of the first lighthouses built in the United States was the Scituate Light in Scituate, Massachusetts. Actually, it was the 11th lighthouse built in the country, and it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1810, a sum of $4,000 was designated for the construction of the lighthouse, and it was illuminated by 1811.

The lighthouse and buildings have a beachy feel, with the white-washed lighthouse and weathered brownish-gray colonial house attached.

Public access to the lighthouse is permitted on Society Open House dates. However, you can visit the property throughout the year, and you can check out the grounds of the lighthouse as well as the stone jetty behind the light tower.

As you walk around the property, take notice of the plagues that provide interesting facts about the lighthouse and area. The Scituate Light is definitely one of the lighthouses on the East Coast for those who have an interest in historical landmarks.

Nauset Light in Eastham, Massachusetts

The next lighthouse on this list is known for being Cape Cod’s most recognized and photographed lighthouse. Located within the limits of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Nauset Light is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The top half of the light tower is red, the bottom half is white, and it is in a rather idyllic spot with lots of greenery.

In the mid-1990s, Nauset Light was relocated and moved 300 feet away from the cliff that it had been perched on.

Tours of the lighthouse are available to the public at no charge, and the tours are conducted in an open-house fashion. Be sure to check the calendar for tour dates and times.

During the tour, you can climb the light tower, explore the lookout room, and learn about the history of this landmark. You can park in the parking lot, set out on the trail and it will take you to Nauset Light.

Gay Head Light (Aquinnah Light) in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Close to the Aquinnah cliffs on the southwest shore of Martha’s Vineyard is where you will find the Gay Head Light, also known as the Aquinnah Light, which is one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the East Coast!

This was the original lighthouse built on Martha’s Vineyard, and the Town of Aquinnah is located in Martha’s Vineyard.

The whaling industry caused an increase in maritime activity in the late 1700s, and consequently, the lighthouse was deemed necessary and constructed. The Gay Head Light would guide vessels through the Devil’s Bridge rocks.

The lighthouse is open seasonally, public access is permitted during certain times, and there is a lighthouse keeper on site. If you drive, there is limited parking on Aquinnah Circle.

As far as public transportation, the Vineyard Transit Authority does have buses that make their way to the lighthouse. Martha’s Vineyard is not only a fun place to visit, but it’s home to one of the best East Coast lighthouses.

Block Island Southeast Light in Block Island, Rhode Island

If I were to pick one of the East Coast lighthouses to live in, Block Island Southeast Lighthouse would be high on the list, it’s so stunning! This is one of the most unique looking lighthouses on the East Coast with a Gothic-Revival style of architecture in the brick home and light tower.

This lighthouse is also on the highest elevation in New England is the Block Island Southeast Light. Dating back to 1873, this National Historic Landmark is located on the southeast point of Block Island, on the Mohegan Bluff.

The Block Island Southeast Light is open in the summer and fall, through early-mid October, and the grounds are open daily from dawn til dusk. Guided tours of the lighthouse are offered, with an admission fee of $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for students, active military, and seniors.

If you would like to visit the museum and check out the exhibits, the admission fee is $10.00 for adults, and $8.00 for students, active military, and seniors.

If you want to combine guided lighthouse tour and museum access, the fee is $20.00 for adults, and $16.00 for students, active military, and seniors.

Point Judith Lighthouse in Narragansett, Rhode Island

To the west of the entrance of Narragansett Bay you will find the Point Judith Lighthouse, another stunning Rhode Island lighthouse famous for it’s ‘spark plug’ design.

An interesting fact about this landmark is that during WWII, the final German U-boat went down just a mere two miles from Point Judith Light. In the mid-late 1800s, the fog signal was changed from a horn to a whistle, which made it different from the Beavertail Lighthouse, and the whistle was easier to hear over the crash of the waves.

In addition to the lighthouse, there is an oil house, fog signal building, and radio beacon building. Visitors can explore the grounds, but access to the lighthouse is not permitted. But the scenery here is fantastic, and it’s worth the time to walk around the property and take pictures.

Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island

At Narragansett Bay’s East Passage sits the Castle Hill Lighthouse, a stubby light station perched on rocky outcroppings overlooking the ocean. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a popular photography spot.

The Castle Hill Light looks like it’s been built into the cliffs, and the structure is made of cast iron, it was actually lighthouse in the United States to be made of cast iron. The keeper’s house is not next to the lighthouse, but it can be found a few hundred feet from the light tower.

You can visit the grounds near the Castle Hill Inn & Resort, but not inside the lighthouse itself, it is on the smaller side so you’ll understand why. In fact, this is one of the best places to stay in the area and for exploring this East Coast lighthouse.

Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, Rhode Island

North America’s third-oldest lighthouse is situated in the southernmost point in Jamestown, Rhode Island. The Beavertail Lighthouse also has the distinction of being the first lighthouse in America to use a bell as a warning to those out at sea.

The lighthouse and museum are only open on certain days from May through October, be sure to check the calendar for the dates when the lighthouse is open.

If you are visiting during one of the days when the tower is open to the public, you can climb the tower to the observation catwalk. Keep in mind, to visit this gorgeous East Coast lighthouse you will need to climb a 49-step spiral staircase and 7-foot ladder to get to the observation catwalk, so plan accordingly.

Beavertail State Park is next to the lighthouse grounds, and it has four overlooks, and is great for walking and sightseeing. The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum has historical items, exhibits, a little theater, interactive displays, and a gift store.

Montauk Point Lighthouse in Montauk, New York

Moving on to New York, this is another one of our favorite lighthouses on the East Coast located in the Hamptons. Montauk Point lighthouse is also the fourth oldest active lighthouse in the United States and the oldest lighthouse in New York.

Montauk Point Lighthouse is nestled on the farthest point of eastern Long Island, known as the ‘end of the world’ and one of the most popular things to do in Montauk, which is a great Hamptons getaway!

When we went, it was spring which was perfect because it was so moody and atmospheric during our visit. We got the best photos from Camp Hero State Park, which has spooky lore around it and is rumored to be the inspiration behind Stranger Things!

This lighthouse was authorized by President George Washington and is a National Historic Landmark.

To visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum, admission is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors, and $5.00 for children under 12. If you drive here, there is a parking lot across the street from the lighthouse, and that does come with a fee of $8.00.

This is definitely one of the most popular things to do in the Hamptons and is worth visiting! She’s a stunner!

Fire Island Lighthouse in Fire Island, New York

Long Island has over 20 lighthouses, and the Fire Island Lighthouse is the tallest of the bunch. To put into perspective how tall the light tower is, you can see the New York City skyline from the top of the lighthouse!

Ascend the 182 steps to the gallery platform, where you can get incredible panoramic views. The Fire Island lighthouse is open throughout the year, and lighthouse tours happen every day, depending on the availability of the volunteers.

A fun historic fact is that this lighthouse was one of the first locations in the United States to use a telegraph system for communicating weather conditions and other vital information to ships at sea, which was truly innovative at its time in the late 19th-century.

The admission fee is $10.00 for adults. You can get here by car, or take a ferry ride from Bay Shore to Kismet then reach the lighthouse by walking or water taxi.

Statue of Liberty in New York City, New York

This lighthouse really needs no introduction, because who hasn’t heard of the Statue of Liberty? Did you even know that the Statue of Liberty is in fact a lighthouse?!

Located on Liberty Island in the New York Harbor, this famous landmark is known for symbolizing hope and opportunity, especially for those who were arriving to the United States.

While not a traditional lighthouse, President Grover Cleveland decided to put the Statue of Liberty under the administration of the U.S. Lighthouse Board in 1886, because it was classified as a federal lighthouse.

To visit the Statue of Liberty today, you will need to purchase a ticket, which can be done on-site or in advance, we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot as this is one of the most popular things to do in NYC. There are different ticket options depending on whether you want to visit the pedestal, crown, or just general admission. And to reach Liberty Island, you will need to ride the ferry.

Saugerties Lighthouse in Saugerties, New York

At this next East Coast lighthouse is a hidden gem and you can actually spend the night! That’s right! The Saugerties Lighthouse, located on the Hudson River at Esopus Creek, has a two-room bed and breakfast.

A cool feature of the property is that it is furnished as it probably looked in the early 1900s, making for a unique visit or stay. The grounds include a small museum, gift shop, kitchen, keepers’ quarters, parlor, and two guest bedrooms.

Public tours of the lighthouse are offered as well. When you climb to the top of the lighthouse, you will have views of the Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains.

None of the other lighthouses on the East Coast we mention offer a bed and breakfast experience, so if you can, take advantage of this unique opportunity and explore all the cool things to do in the Hudson Valley and Saugerties, New York.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse in Sandy Hook, New Jersey

Now for the oldest lighthouse in the country, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Situated close to the point of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, it was actually built before the Revolutionary War, in 1764.

The purpose of building the lighthouse was to help vessels navigate their way into the southern end of the New York Harbor. It should come as no surprise that the Sandy Hook Lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark.

Visitors are able to explore the lighthouse and climb to the top, and the reward is really gorgeous scenery of the surrounding area. The lighthouse is only open for a couple of hours each day for tours, and they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May, New Jersey

In Cape May Point State Park there is the Cape May Lighthouse, another lovely East Coast lighthouse on the National Register of Historic Places.

This is the third lighthouse built at this location, as the spots for the first two lighthouses are now underwater.

The Cape May Lighthouse opened to the public in 1988, and once you climb the 199 steps to the top, enjoy the views of the Delaware Bay, Atlantic Ocean, Cape May Point Borough, and Cape May Point State Park.

In addition to the lighthouse, there is a museum shop, interpretative panels that provide historical information, another museum with live reptiles, nature displays, a WWII bunker, and nature trails. And another plus of this landmark is the free parking and restrooms. Admission is $12.00 for adults, and $8.00 for kids aged 3-12.

Barnegat Lighthouse in Barnegat Light, New Jersey

On the northern point of Long Beach Island in Ocean County is the Barnegat Lighthouse. It was a critical “change of course” spot for boats and other vessels. Shoals, currents, and sandbars were dangers that the lighthouse helped ships to avoid.

I actually discovered this cool East Coast lighthouse on the popular photography account, Accidentally Wes Anderson as the photographer who shared it captured this lighthouse so beautifully!

And an interesting fact is that it’s also got the nickname,s “Old Barney.” The lighthouse earned this name due to its distinctively deep, resonant foghorn, which emits a low-pitched sound.

After climbing 217 steps to the top, take in views of Barnegat Bay, Long Beach Island, and Island Beach. The lighthouse is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

In the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, there is more than just the lighthouse to enjoy. The Interpretative Center shows the “Story of Barnegat Lighthouse”, and the Maritime Forest Trail is a 0.2 mile loop trail in one of New Jersey’s remaining maritime forests. Additionally, other activities to enjoy here include birdwatching, fishing, and picnicking.

Concord Point Lighthouse in Havre de Grace, Maryland

The next lighthouse on this list has the distinction of being Maryland’s second oldest lighthouse. Located at the spot where the Susquehanna River merges with the Chesapeake Bay, the Concord Point Lighthouse was in service from 1827 to 1975.

I’m not going to lie, this East Coast lighthouse is on the smaller side, but it is very picturesque and a focal point in the historic town of Havre de Grace, Maryland, a fun place to base as you explore some of the cool things to do in Harford County.

The public can visit the lighthouse on the weekends from April through October on a tour. The Keeper’s House is an intersting musem and chronicles the lightkeepers of this historic lighthouse, many of which were women which is unheard of and all from the same family!

Even if you aren’t able to tour, it’s fun to walk along the scenic waterfront promenade or visit the Maritime Museum nextdoor.

Fenwick Island Lighthouse on Fenwick Island, Delaware

Delaware’s oldest lighthouse, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, is located at the southern border of Delaware that borders Maryland.

The lighthouse as built to help boats navigate through Fenwick Shoals, because a lot of shipwrecks were happening. It started operating in 1859, and was built in the gothic style.

Visitors can’t climb the lighthouse, but there is a small gift shop and museum that are occasionally open. The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is more of a fun spot to get a picture and scope out the exterior of the lighthouse and buildings.

And while you’re here, check out the Transpeninsular Stone, which indicates the Maryland/Delaware state line.

Assateague Lighthouse on Assateague Island, Virginia

Another one of the coolest candy caned striped lighthouses on the East Coast is the Assateague Lightouse! It’s designated on the National Register of Historic Places and is situated on the Virginia section of Assateague Island, which is a quarter mile away from Chincoteague Island, and it’s still in operation today.

The Assateague Light is within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which is a great spot for birdwatching and just exploring the area. There are 175 steps to the top, where you can catch panoramic views of Assateague Island, Chincoteague Island, and the beach.

The public is able to visit the top of the lighthouse, and admission is free. The Assateague Light is open seasonally from April through November during the weekends.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Outer Banks, North Carolina

Oh, how I love the look of these striped lighthouses on the East Coast! In North Carolina, there is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, possibly the world. Clocking in at 198 feet tall, the Cape Hatteras Light is located near Cape Hatteras, in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

This majestic lighthouse guards a very dangerous section of the Atlantic coast. This area has been given the name ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic’ due to the numerous shipwrecks that have happened here.

The lighthouse is open seasonally from late April until early October, and you do need to purchase a ticket to visit.

There are 257 steps to the top, where you will have 360-degree scenery of Hatteras Island. The grounds include a museum, gift shop, picnic area, nature trail, and beach ramp access to Cape Point.

Bodie Island Lighthouse in Outer Banks, North Carolina

Also located in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, one of the last brick tower lighthouses in the United States and another cool striped lighthouse. It also has an original first-order Fresnel lens, which is rare.

The light tower has wide, horizontal stripes of white and navy, and it’s located in a marshy area. Exploring and climbing to the top of the Bodie Island Lighthouse can be done in the summer.

There’s an interesting story behind the name of this lighthouse, it was originally called Body Island Lighthouse, but there was an error on a map in the mid-19th century and it was mispelled as Bodie. Somehow, this error stuck and this historical mistake has persisted over the years!

You will need to purchase a ticket online, and it needs to be purchased on the same day that you are going. The price is $10.00 for adults, and $5.00 for seniors over age 62 and children 11 and under.

The lighthouse has about 200 steps, just about the same as climbing 10 flights of stairs. At the top, enjoy the scenery of Pamlico Sound, the Atlantic Ocean, and of course Bodie Island.

Tybee Island Light Station on Tybee Island, Georgia

On Tybee Island, Georgia, just outside of the beautiful city of Savannah is the state’s oldest and tallest lighthouse.

The history of the Tybee Island Light Station can be traced back to 1736. In addition to the lighthouse, the grounds include three light keeper’s cottages, an 1812 Summer Kitchen, and an 1899 Military Battery, which is the location of the museum.

And during the Civil War, Union troops temporarily disabled the lighthouse which hindered Confederate navigation until they were able to regain control. Just one of the many intersting historic stories about this lighthouse.

Ticket prices are $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors older than 62 and children ages 6 through 17. Kids aged 5 and under have free admission. The ticket gets you access to the complete light station and the Tybee Museum in Battery Garland. The Tybee Island Light Station is open every day except Tuesdays, and there is two-hour parking free with the price of admission.

St. Augustine Light in St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is known as the Nation’s Oldest Port, and the lighthouse is part of that history. And it’s rumored to be haunted! Spooky! The St. Augustine Light is located on Anastasia Island, and it looks out over the Matanzas Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is a private, nonprofit museum, and it’s open daily. General admission tickets are $14.95 for adults, and $12.95 for seniors over 60 years old and children 12 and under.

Admission allows you to climb the 219 steps to the top of the light tower, access to the exhibits in the museum, as well as access to the nature trails and shipwreck artifacts.

Ponce de Leon Lighthouse in Daytona Beach, Florida

Finishing off this list is the tallest lighthouse in Florida, the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse. Located ten miles south of Daytona in the town of Ponce Inlet, this National Historic Landmark was built in 1887 and its one of the few lighthouses that has the original lightkeeper’s dwelling intact!

You can visit the Ponce Inlet Light Station and Museum at an admission rate of $6.95 for adults and $1.95 for children ages 3-11.

Admission gets you access to all areas of the lighthouse except the lantern room. They offer self-guided tours and guided tours, and you can visit the gift shop with all kinds of trinkets that help support the operation of the lighthouse.

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30 Best Lighthouses on the East Coast (Post Summary):

• Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine
• Cape Neddick Light (Nubble Lighthouse) in York, Maine
• Bass Harbor Head Light in Acadia National Park
• Pemaquid Point Light in Bristol, Maine
• West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec, Maine
• Thacher Island Twin Lights in Rockport, Massachusetts
• Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle, New Hampshire
• Boston Light in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts
• Scituate Light in Scituate, Massachusetts
• Nauset Light in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
• Gay Head Light (Aquinnah Light) in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
• Block Island Southeast Light in Block Island, Rhode Island
• Point Judith Lighthouse in Narragansett, Rhode Island
• Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island
• Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, Rhode Island
• Montauk Point Lighthouse in Montauk, New York
• Fire Island Lighthouse in Fire Island, New York
• Statue of Liberty in New York City, New York
• Saugerties Lighthouse in Saugerties, New York
• Sandy Hook Lighthouse in Sandy Hook, New Jersey
• Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May, New Jersey
• Barnegat Lighthouse in Barnegat Light, New Jersey
• Concord Point Lighthouse in Havre de Grace, Maryland
• Fenwick Island Lighthouse on Fenwick Island, Delaware
• Assateague Lighthouse on Assateague Island, Virginia
• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Outer Banks, North Carolina
• Bodie Island Lighthouse in Outer Banks, North Carolina
• Tybee Island Light Station on Tybee Island, Georgia
• St. Augustine Light in St. Augustine, Florida
• Ponce de Leon Lighthouse in Daytona Beach, Florida

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Heading to the West Coast? Check out our favorite California lighthouses too!