14 Lighthouses To Check Out In Rhode Island

With about 400 miles of scenic coastline, Rhode Island is a haven for maritime history lovers. The state’s lighthouses capture that spirit well. These beacons have stood watch over the Atlantic for centuries, guiding sailors safely through rocky waters and thick fog. Today, they offer not only breathtaking views and photo-worthy backdrops but also a glimpse into the Ocean State’s rich nautical past. Whether you’re a lighthouse enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique day trip, here are some must-see lighthouses in Rhode Island that are worth adding to your coastal adventure.

Rose Island Lighthouse

Lighthouse on a rocky island with a nearby bridge spanning the background under a clear blue sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Rose Island Lighthouse offers a unique glimpse into maritime history and natural beauty. This lighthouse is located on an island off Newport, Rhode Island. This lighthouse is accessible by ferry. You can explore the fully restored lighthouse museum, stroll through historic gardens, enjoy panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge, and even stay overnight.

Prudence island Lighthouse

A small white lighthouse stands on grassy land near the water, with a long bridge visible in the background under a cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Prudence Island Lighthouse offers a serene escape into Rhode Island’s maritime history. To get to this lighthouse, you’ll take the ferry from Bristol. The lighthouse is not open to visitors, but you can explore the area around it.

Beavertail Lighthouse

People sitting on rocky shore near a lighthouse with a red roof and adjacent buildings. Ocean and blue sky in the background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Beavertail Lighthouse in Beavertail State Park is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States. It was established in 1749, but the current structure was built in 1856. It is now a museum and there are select days that they open the tower to climb. Be sure to check their website for dates.

Southeast Light

A red brick lighthouse with a sloped roof stands under a clear blue sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Southeast Lighthouse is one of two lighthouses situated on Block Island. This lighthouse was built in 1875 and it stands 52 feet tall. This lighthouse is open for tours during the summer. It’s also supposedly haunted. (If you’re interested in haunted lighthouses, check out these Haunted New England Lighthouses.)

North Light

A sandy path leads through green shrubs to a stone lighthouse with a brick-red roof under a clear blue sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

The second lighthouse you can visit on Block Island is North Light. Unlike Southeast Light, it’s a bit of a walk to get to this lighthouse. The current structure is the fourth one. This lighthouse has stood since 1867. The museum is open in the summer months.

Watch Hill Lighthouse

A white lighthouse with a tall square tower and red roof stands on a grassy area near the water under a clear blue sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Watch Hill Lighthouse in Westerly can be visited year-round from 8am to sunset throughout the year. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset and enjoy coastal views. If you’re looking to enjoy the museum, it’s open seasonally in July and August.

Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

A white lighthouse with a red roof sits on a rocky hill surrounded by greenery, with cloudy skies overhead. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is located just south of Providence. It’s situated on an island in the Providence River. The Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse offers tours of the lighthouse. They will take you to the island on a boat that departs from Cranston. The lighthouse was established in 1871.

Hog Island Shoal Light

A weathered lighthouse stands on a rusted base in the water, with houses, trees, and a shoreline visible in the background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Hog Shoal Island Light is a sparkplug style lighthouse that was built in 1886. While the best views of this lighthouse are from the water, you can also view it from Bristol Ferry Town Common in Portsmouth. I also had a nice view of it when I visited Prudence Island.

Point Judith Lighthouse

Lighthouse and adjacent buildings on a grassy coast with the ocean in the background under a clear sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Point Judith Lighthouse is an active Coast Guard station. The lighthouse was built in 1857. The best way to view this lighthouse is at Camp Cronin. Go up the steps of the Point Judith Fisherman’s Memorial to get a nice view of the lighthouse.

Castle Hill lighthouse

A stone lighthouse with a black top stands by the sea under a cloudy sky. A sailboat is visible in the water. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Castle Hill Lighthouse is a cute little lighthouse located in Newport. It was built in 1890. This lighthouse can be a little difficult to find. It’s located at the Castle Hill Inn. You will park in the parking lot by the greenhouse and take the short, wooded path to the lighthouse.

Goat Island ligthhouse

A stone lighthouse stands next to a tree on a grassy area by the water in Newport, Rhode Island, with a bridge and blue sky in the background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Goat Island Lighthouse is another lighthouse located in Newport that can be a little tricky to get to. It’s located next to the Newport Harbor Island Resort. Because of this, the parking lots are private, so you’ll need to walk to get to the lighthouse. Park your car on the bridge that takes you to Goat Island (Gladys Carr Bolhouse Road) and walk to the lighthouse. This 29 foot lighthouse was built in 1842.

Dutch Island Lighthouse

A tall, rectangular white lighthouse with black windows stands on a rocky shoreline, with leafless trees and a house in the background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This 42 foot lighthouse was built in 1857. The lighthouse is situated at the west passage of Narragansett Bay. While the lighthouse is best seen by boat, it can also be viewed from Fort Getty Park in Jamestown, Rhode Island.

Conimicut Lighthouse

White lighthouse with a black top stands on rocks surrounded by water, with houses and leafless trees visible on the distant shoreline under a clear sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Conimicut Lighthouse can be viewed from Conimicut Point Park in Warwick. It is a cast-iron caisson lighthouse that was built in 1833. This lighthouse is 58 feet tall and it’s located at the entrance to the Providence River.

Bristol Ferry Lighthouse

A small white lighthouse with a square tower and black lantern stands near trees and rocks; an American flag is in the background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Bristol Ferry Lighthouse is situated under the Mount Hope Bridge at the mouth of Mount Hope Bay. The lighthouse was established in 1855. This lighthouse is privately owned and currently an Airbnb that you can rent. Since it is private property, unless you’re staying there, the best way to view this lighthouse is from the water. If you’re viewing it from land, you can see it from Bristol Ferry Town Common in Portsmouth.