Iconic Historic Lighthouses for Coastal Road Trippers

Located in Cape Elizabeth, this iconic granite lighthouse offers some of the most photographed views in New England. Visitors can explore the nearby Fort Williams Park, enjoy picnic areas, and hike along rugged coastal trails while learning about its 1791 origins.

Perched atop a cliff in New Bedford, this historic beacon provides breathtaking views of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. It is one of the most frequently photographed lighthouses in Massachusetts, offering a serene setting for romantic sunsets and coastal photography.

While not a traditional lighthouse, this historic site on the Cape Cod National Seashore marked the first transatlantic radio transmission. It features restored buildings and museums that offer deep insights into early communication history alongside beautiful beach access.

Standing on the bluffs of Siasconset, this lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby islands. The historic keeper's quarters and museum provide context on its evolution from a simple beacon to a vital navigational aid for shipping lanes.

One of the oldest lighthouses in America, Beavertail features dramatic cliffside views and a rich history dating back to 1749. The park offers excellent hiking trails, picnic spots, and interpretive signage that details the lighthouse's role in colonial maritime trade.

The first lighthouse built in America, Cape Henry sits at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. It offers educational programs about lighthouse life and provides visitors with sweeping views of the bay and ocean where the first English colonists landed.

Recognizable by its distinct black and white spiral stripes, this is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. Located within the Outer Banks National Seashore, it offers climbing tours with rewarding 360-degree views of the turbulent waters off Cape Hatteras.

Part of the Outer Banks trio, Bodie Island features a striking red and white diamond pattern. It is surrounded by marshlands and wildlife sanctuaries, making it a perfect stop for photographers interested in capturing both historic architecture and natural coastal scenery.

Known as the 'Lighthouse on the Ocean,' this black brick beacon stands directly on the sand, surrounded by marsh grass. It is one of the few lighthouses in the Southeast that still stands in its original location, offering a unique and picturesque coastal experience.

Located on a restricted-access island, this lighthouse offers a rare glimpse into undisturbed maritime history. Visitors typically reach it via guided tours, where they can explore the ruins of the plantation and the lighthouse itself amidst vast salt marshes.

The tallest lighthouse in Florida, this towering structure has guided ships for over 150 years. Located near St. Augustine, it offers climbing tours, a museum on naval history, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway convergence.

While primarily a fort, the site includes historic navigational aids and exhibits related to maritime safety. It is a massive masonry fortification in the Dry Tortugas, offering a unique historical perspective on coastal defense and navigation in the Florida Keys.

America's oldest lighthouse, this black and yellow striped beacon offers climbing tours with panoramic views of the coast. The site includes museums, a haunted history tour, and a maritime academy, making it a comprehensive stop for history buffs and sightseers.

Located in Pompano Beach, this lighthouse features a museum detailing the history of the area and the lighthouse keepers. It is one of the few remaining lighthouses in Broward County, offering a quiet retreat with beautiful ocean views and historical exhibits.

One of the tallest brick lighthouses in the world, this 144-foot structure was designed to withstand hurricanes. Visitors can climb the tower for incredible views of the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean, while exploring the nearby maritime museum.

This historic lighthouse sits within Sebastian Inlet State Park, known for excellent surfing and fishing. The site offers interpretive center exhibits, walking trails through the dunes, and views of the contrasting waters of the river and the ocean.

The only lighthouse in the Florida Keys built entirely of coral rock, it sits on a reef far from shore. Accessible only by boat tours, it offers a unique historical and engineering marvel experience, highlighting the challenges of early maritime navigation in the Keys.

This historic beacon stands at the mouth of the Corpus Christi Bay, offering views of the Gulf of Mexico. It is part of a state park that provides opportunities for bird watching, fishing, and learning about the region's coastal defense history during World War II.

Though less famous, the historic markers along the Bolivar Peninsula offer insights into the maritime history of Galveston Bay. Travelers can combine these stops with visits to the Port of Galveston for a comprehensive look at Texas's coastal trading heritage.

Located in San Pedro, this lighthouse offers one of the best panoramic views of the Port of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. It features a museum dedicated to maritime history and is easily accessible via a short hike from the parking area.