Lighthouses To Check Out In Massachusetts
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Massachusetts is packed with standout lighthouses that blend history, character, and classic coastal scenery. Many are easy to visit and offer great views, photo opportunities, and a glimpse into the state’s maritime past. Whether you’re exploring Cape Ann, the South Shore, Cape Cod, or the islands, there’s a standout lighthouse waiting on every stretch of coast.
Race Point Lighthouse
Race Point Light sits on a rugged stretch of Cape Cod’s Outer Cape in Provincetown, where the waters of the Atlantic meet the Cape Cod Bay. Originally built in 1816, it has been an essential guide for ships navigating the dangerous waters of the “Race,” which is the swift current between Cape Cod and the Massachusetts mainland. The lighthouse is accessible by a long walk down the beach or by driving with an off-road vehicle.
Ned’s Point Lighthouse
Ned’s Point Lighthouse is located in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, at the entrance to Mattapoisett Harbor. The lighthouse was first built in 1838 and has been rebuilt several times over the years. It is an active aid to navigation and is situated on a small peninsula, offering views of the harbor and Buzzards Bay.
Nobska Lighthouse
Nobska Point Lighthouse, built in 1876, stands as a beacon of maritime history, guiding ships through the waters between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. Its scenic location in Falmouth offers panoramic views of Vineyard Sound and the surrounding coastal landscape, making it a popular spot for both history buffs and nature lovers.
Highland Lighthouse
Highland Lighthouse, also known as Cape Cod Light, is the oldest lighthouse on Cape Cod. The original lighthouse was built in 1797 to guide ships around the Cape’s treacherous shores, but the current lighthouse was built in 1857. You can visit this lighthouse in North Truro. In the warmer months, you can actually climb it.
Nauset Light
Nauset Light, located in Eastham, is one of Cape Cod’s most iconic lighthouses, known for its distinctive red and white striped tower. This is lighthouse that is featured on the bags of Cape Cod chips. It has been guiding ships along the dangerous Outer Cape waters since 1923.
The Three Sisters Lighthouses
The Three Sisters Lighthouses, located in Eastham, are a trio of small, distinctive beacons originally built in 1838 to guide ships safely along the Outer Cape. These charming towers, now part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, are placed in their original orientation on a plot of land on Cable Road.
Wood End Lighthouse
Wood End lighthouse lies between Race Point and Long Point along the Cape Cod seashore. The lighthouse is accessible by foot via the Provincetown Causeway. It is one of three lighthouses you’ll find in Provincetown.
Long Point Light Station
Long Point Light Station, located at the tip of Provincetown, marks the entrance to Provincetown Harbor and is one of Cape Cod’s more remote lighthouses. The lighthouse is accessible by boat or a very long hike via the Provincetown Causeway and the beach (I did the long walk in the winter and it was not pleasant lol). It’s a peaceful spot for visitors seeking a more secluded lighthouse experience.
Chatham Lighthouse
Chatham Light in Chatham stands 48 feet tall and 80 feet above sea level. It is one of the few lighthouses in America that still operates 24 hours a day. Today, the lighthouse is an active duty Coast Guard Station, with a primary mission of Search & Rescue for the safety of the local fishing fleet and recreational boating community.
Derby Point Light Station
Derby Point Light Station in Salem, Massachusetts is a coastal landmark that was built in 1871. This light is Derby Wharf’s only original surviving lighthouse. You can walk right up to this lighthouse, but you cannot go inside. At only 20 feet tall, this lighthouse is quite tiny.
Fort Pickering (Winter Island) Lighthouse
Fort Pickering Lighthouse, also known as Winter Island Lighthouse, is located in Salem, Massachusetts. This lighthouse can be visited at Winter Island Park. The lighthouse was built in 1871.
Boston Harbor Light
Boston Light is the oldest and most famous lighthouse in Boston Harbor. The lighthouse is located on Little Brewster Island. You can see it in the distance from land, but the best way is to see it on a cruise. I saw the lighthouse on the Lighthouses and Tales of Boston Harbor boat tour.
Eastern Point Light
Eastern Point Lighthouse in Gloucester can be viewed from Mass Audubon’s Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary. This is still an active lighthouse owned by the Coast Guard, so it’s fenced off. But, you can get pretty close to it from here. Another way to see this lighthouse is on a lighthouse cruise out of Gloucester. The current structure was built in 1890, but it was established in 1832.
Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse
Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse sits at the mouth of the Annisquam River. It has been guiding boats into Gloucester since 1801, although the current tower was built in 1897. Its quiet setting and classic white tower make it one of the North Shore’s most photogenic landmarks.
Cape Ann Light Station
Cape Ann Light Station, perched on Thacher Island off the coast of Rockport, is known for its iconic twin lighthouses. These lighthouses are the only operating pair in the United States. The station offers dramatic ocean views and a rare glimpse into New England’s maritime history. You can visit the island or see the lighthouses from a lighthouse cruise out of Gloucester.
Straightsmouth Island Light Station
Straightsmouth Island Light Station stands off the coast of Rockport, serving as a steady guide since 1835, although the current tower was built in 1896. Its simple tower and remote, windswept setting give it a rugged charm distinct from mainland lights. While the island is mostly undeveloped, the station offers a compelling look at New England’s quieter side of maritime history. You can visit the island or see the lighthouse from a lighthouse cruise out of Gloucester.
Ten Pound Island Lighthouse
Ten Pound Island Lighthouse is located just off the coast of Gloucester. This cute little lighthouse was established in 1821. It was built to help mariners find their way into Gloucester inner harbor while avoiding dangerous ledge to the southwest of the island.
Scituate Lighthouse
Scituate Lighthouse, built in 1811 on Massachusetts’ rocky shoreline, is a classic example of early American coastal navigation. It’s best known for the “Lighthouse Army” story, where two local girls famously fended off a British ship during the War of 1812. While the light keeper’s house is private, the area around the lighthouse is open to the public.
