Lighthouses are more than just navigational aids—they’re icons of resilience, craftsmanship, and history. Many are open to the public, offering tours, museums, and even places to stay. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, photographing rugged coastlines, or soaking in maritime legends, these lighthouses promise unforgettable stops on your next adventure.

Located in the Outer Banks, this iconic black-and-white spiral tower stands 198 feet tall—making it the tallest brick lighthouse in the country. Completed in 1870, it replaced an 1803 structure and helped ships navigate the hazardous Diamond Shoals, known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” In 1999, the lighthouse was moved nearly a half-mile inland to escape shoreline erosion, an extraordinary feat of engineering that preserved it for future generations.

 Commissioned by George Washington and completed in 1791, this is Maine’s oldest lighthouse and one of the most photographed in the world. Overlooking the rugged coastline of Cape Elizabeth, it served as a critical aid during the Revolutionary War and World Wars, when nearby Fort Williams was an active military post. Today, the former keeper’s house hosts a maritime museum, and visitors flock to see its dramatic cliffside views.

This striking black-and-white spiral tower was built in 1874 on the site of earlier Spanish watchtowers and lighthouses dating back to the 1500s. It served as a World War II lookout post and is now part of a museum dedicated to maritime archaeology. The lighthouse is also known for its eerie reputation—it’s one of the most haunted in the country, offering popular nighttime ghost tours.

Built in 1871, this coastal gem near Pescadero stands 115 feet tall and was named after the ship Carrier Pigeon, which wrecked nearby. Its first-order Fresnel lens guided vessels through the fog-heavy Pacific waters for decades. Though currently closed for restoration, its dramatic cliffside setting and adjacent hostel make it a favorite coastal stop along Highway 1.

Perched high on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior, this stunning lighthouse was constructed in 1910 following a deadly 1905 storm that wrecked nearly 30 ships. Its isolated location made construction difficult, requiring materials to be lifted up a 130-foot cliff. Decommissioned in 1969, it is now meticulously preserved as part of Minnesota’s state park system, offering some of the most photogenic views in the Midwest.

Completed in 1909 on the southeastern tip of Oahu, this lighthouse was vital for steamships traveling between California and Honolulu. It houses a rare hyper-radiant Fresnel lens, the largest of its kind in the United States. Its vibrant red roof and ocean-facing perch along the Kaiwi coastline make it a spectacular hiking destination and a great spot for seasonal whale watching.

Built in 1905 in response to the tragic wreck of the Clara Nevada during the Klondike Gold Rush, this octagonal lighthouse sits on a tiny island in Lynn Canal. It was one of the first lighthouses constructed in Alaska and operated until its automation in the 1970s. Though now vacant, the lighthouse remains a poignant symbol of Alaska’s remote maritime past.

The site of America’s very first lighthouse, originally built in 1716, Boston Light was destroyed during the American Revolution and rebuilt in 1783. Located on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor, it was the last lighthouse in the U.S. to retain a full-time keeper, remaining staffed until 1998. Today, it still flashes every ten seconds and welcomes visitors via seasonal boat tours.

Completed in 1894, this charming lighthouse is perched 205 feet above the Pacific and named after 18th-century Spanish explorer Bruno de Heceta. Its first-order Fresnel lens can be seen 21 miles out to sea. Now part of a scenic state park, the former assistant keeper’s house operates as a bed and breakfast, offering guests a chance to experience lighthouse life firsthand.

The current tower, built in 1872, is the third attempt to place a lighthouse in this area—previous versions were either poorly built or destroyed during the Civil War. Located just south of Nags Head, its black-and-white horizontal stripes make it a standout feature along the Outer Banks. After a major restoration, the lighthouse reopened for public climbs in 2013.

Constructed in 1870 in one of the foggiest and windiest spots on the Pacific Coast, this lighthouse guided ships past the treacherous Point Reyes headlands. To increase visibility to mariners, the tower was placed down a long flight of stairs rather than atop the high bluff. Decommissioned in 1975, it now forms part of Point Reyes National Seashore, offering dramatic coastal views and whale sightings.

Built in 1822 on the rocky shoreline of Lake Erie, this lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Its first keeper, Benajah Wolcott, served until 1832; his wife Rachel continued in his place, becoming the first female lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes. Today, it stands proudly within a lovely state park with picnic areas and stunning lake views.

Erected in 1875, this lighthouse is the last remaining screw-pile lighthouse in its original location on the Chesapeake Bay. Built on iron legs over the water, its design was intended to withstand harsh ice flows. Now a National Historic Landmark, it’s accessible only by seasonal guided boat tours and offers insight into 19th-century lighthouse architecture.

This remote lighthouse in Ludington State Park was built in 1867 to assist ships navigating Lake Michigan. Originally constructed of Milwaukee cream brick, it was later encased in steel and painted with its distinctive black-and-white bands. It remained manually operated until 1968 and is now a favorite destination for lighthouse lovers willing to make the 1.8-mile hike to reach it.

Standing 93 feet tall, this is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse and has been in continuous operation since its completion in 1873. Located just north of Newport, its beacon has guided mariners for over 150 years. Surrounded by rocky cliffs, tide pools, and wildlife, it is a crown jewel of the Oregon coast and part of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.

Many lighthouses are open seasonally, and some require a short hike or boat ride. Be sure to check visitor hours and weather conditions before heading out. And don’t forget your camera—you’re going to want to remember these views!