10 Connecticut Lighthouses You Don't Want To Miss

Connecticut’s coastline is home to some of the most charming and historically significant lighthouses you’ll find. These coastal gems offer not only stunning views but also a glimpse into maritime history that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you won’t want to miss checking out these iconic lighthouses. They are perfect for day trips, photo opportunities, or simply soaking in the scenic beauty.

Five Mile Point Lighthouse

A tall, weathered lighthouse stands on a snowy landscape under a clear blue sky, surrounded by benches and lamp posts. — Five Mile Point Light at Lighthouse Point Park. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

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This beautiful lighthouse in New Haven is located in Lighthouse Point Park. This lighthouse was built in 1847 and it sits at the entrance to the New Haven Harbor. This lighthouse is also known as the Five Mile Point Lighthouse.

New London Ledge Light

A square, red brick lighthouse with a metal roof sits on a concrete platform surrounded by water, under a partly cloudy sky. — New London Ledge Light. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This haunted New England lighthouse is a local favorite. New London Ledge Light has a unique style that was influenced by wealthy home owners who lived on the shoreline at the time. This lighthouse was built in 1909 and it helps light the mouth of the Thames River.

Fayerweather Island Light

When people think of the city Bridgeport CT, their first thought is not lighthouses. However, the city is home to a cute little 1823 lighthouse that you can actually walk right up to! Fayerweather Island Light is a must visit if you’re ever in Fairfield County.

Sheffield Island Light

A historic stone lighthouse with the year 1868 above the entrance stands under a partly cloudy sky, surrounded by grass and a small tree. — Sheffield Island Light. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This granite, Victorian-style lighthouse sits on Sheffield Island at the entrance to Norwalk Harbor. You can actually visit this Sheffield Island Lighthouse by taking a ferry that is run by the Norwalk Seaport Association. This lighthouse was built in 1868.

Great Captain Island Lighthouse

A stone lighthouse with a white lantern room sits on a grassy hill under a partly cloudy blue sky. The building has multiple windows and "1868" above the door. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Great Captain Island Lighthouse was built in 1868. You can access this lighthouse by taking the ferry out to Great Captain Island in Greenwich, CT. The lighthouse has the same architectural design as other lighthouses in the New England and New York area. Those lighthouses are:

Old Field Point Light in East Setauket, NY
Sheffield Island Lighthouse in Norwalk, CT
Morgan Point Lighthouse in Noank, CT
Plum Island Lighthouse in Orient, NY
Block Island North Light on Block Island, RI

Saybrook Breakwater Light

A white lighthouse with black trim stands on a rocky shore under a cloudy sky, with a bird flying above and choppy water in the foreground—one of the lighthouses you don't want to miss in Connecticut. — Saybrook Breakwater Light. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Old Saybrook is home to two stunning lighthouses, making it a Connecticut town that’s totally worth a visit. Saybrook Breakwater Light is a beautiful lighthouse that sits at the mouth of the Connecticut River. It’s also featured on Connecticut “Preserve the Sound” license plates. The best spot to view it from land is from Maple Avenue (Route 154) in Old Saybrook.

Stratford Point Light

A two-story house with grey trim sits beside a red and white lighthouse, both surrounded by a white picket fence under a cloudy sky—one of those iconic lighthouses you don’t want to miss in Connecticut. — Stratford Point Lighthouse. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This lighthouse in Stratford isn’t typically open to the public, but they do offer tours. You’ll need to check the town of Stratford’s website for availability. If you aren’t taking the tour, you can view this lighthouse from The Connecticut Audubon Society at Stratford Point, which is right next door or from the water by boat. The current structure was built in 1881.

Morgan Point Lighthouse

Stone lighthouse built in 1868 with white trim, surrounded by greenery, and a row of white Adirondack chairs on the lawn facing the water. — Morgan Point Lighthouse. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This lighthouse looks a lot like Sheffield Island Lighthouse. It was built in the same year, 1868, and it is built in the same style. It’s a private residence now, but it can be viewed from the land or the water. If you don’t have a boat, the best way to view this lighthouse is by taking the Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise. You can also view it from land along Riverview Avenue in Noank, CT. You can also view it from Esker Point Beach in Groton.

Avery Point Lighthouse

A tall brick lighthouse stands by the seaside under a clear blue sky, with a small boat visible in the distance. — Avery Point Lighthouse. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This stunning lighthouse is located at UConn’s Avery Point Campus in Groton. You can walk right up to this lighthouse and enjoy the scenic coastal views. This lighthouse, built in 1944, is one of the newer ones on this list.

New London Harbor Lighthouse

A tall white lighthouse stands next to a white house with a black roof, situated on a rocky shoreline with trees in the background under a cloudy sky. — New London Harbor Light. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This is Connecticut’s oldest surviving lighthouse as well as the tallest. It was originally opened in 1761, but this lighthouse structure was built in 1801. The best views of the lighthouse are from the water, but you can view it from Pequot Avenue in New London as well. The New London Maritime Society offers tours inside the lighthouse where you can climb to the top and go into the lantern room.

Stonington Harbor Light

Nestled by the water, the stone lighthouse with its cylindrical tower is attached to a rectangular building, under an overcast sky in Stonington, Connecticut. Nearby houses add to the charm, making it a must-see on your list of things to do in Stonington, Connecticut. — Stonington Harbor Lighthouse. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Stonington Harbor Lighthouse is located at Stonington Point at the tip of the Stonington Borough. It now serves as a museum. You can climb to the top via a ladder and enjoy some really nice views of the shoreline. It’s a great spot to visit in Stonington.

Lynde Point Lighthouse

A tall, white lighthouse—one of the lighthouses you don't want to miss in Connecticut—stands beside a small house on a rocky shoreline, with trees and buildings in the background under a cloudy sky. — Lynde Point Lighthouse. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This lighthouse is not open to the public, but there are still ways to view it. One way to view this 1838 lighthouse is along the causeway that goes over South Cove on Route 154 in Old Saybrook. However, the best views of this lighthouse are seen from the water. The Connecticut River Museum offers a cruise aboard RiverQuest to see the two Old Saybrook Lighthouses twice a year. I took the photo in this post on that cruise!

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