When it comes to coastal lighthouses in the USA, there are plenty worth visiting. Each lighthouse has its own unique history, look, and surrounding landscapes that make them places to see when traveling.
Here's a few of these coastal lighthouses and details on why they're worth seeing.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, standing at 198 feet tall. The lighthouse was built in 1870 to help guide ships through the treacherous waters of the Graveyard of the Atlantic, a region known for its dangerous shoals and shipwrecks.
One unique feature of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is its distinctive black and white spiral pattern, which makes it easy for ships to identify in the daytime. The lighthouse also features a powerful first-order Fresnel lens, which casts a beam of light that can be seen for up to 20 miles out to sea.
Visitors to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse can climb the 257 steps to the top for a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding coast and ocean. The lighthouse is also part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a protected area that includes miles of sandy beaches, dunes, and maritime forests.
Portland Head Light
Located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, the Portland Head Light is one of the most iconic lighthouses in the United States. The lighthouse was first lit in 1791 and has been guiding ships through the rocky coast of Maine ever since.
One unique feature of the Portland Head Light is its location on the edge of a rocky bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse tower stands at 80 feet tall and features a classic white tower with a distinctive black lantern room.
Visitors to the Portland Head Light can take a guided tour of the tower, where they can learn about the history of the lighthouse and its keepers. The nearby Fort Williams Park also offers scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the ocean and surrounding coastline.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
Located in St. Augustine, Florida, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is a historic landmark that has been guiding ships through the waters of the Atlantic Ocean since 1874. The lighthouse tower stands at 165 feet tall and features a classic white tower with a distinctive red lantern room.
One unique feature of the St. Augustine Lighthouse is its impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits, which showcase the history of the lighthouse and the surrounding area. Visitors can climb the 219 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
The lighthouse is also part of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, which includes exhibits on maritime history, shipwrecks, and coastal ecology. The museum also offers a range of educational programs, including hands-on exhibits for children and interactive workshops for adults.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Located on the central Oregon coast, the Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the USA. First lit in 1894, the lighthouse stands at 56 feet tall and features a classic white tower with red trim. The lighthouse is perched atop a rocky cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline below.
One unique feature of the Heceta Head Lighthouse is its Fresnel lens, which was made in Paris, France and is one of the most powerful lenses ever made. The lens weighs over 2,000 pounds and has 256 individual glass prisms that work together to project the lighthouse beam up to 21 miles out to sea.
Visitors to the Heceta Head Lighthouse can take a guided tour of the tower, where they can learn about the history of the lighthouse and its keepers. The nearby Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast also offers a unique opportunity to stay overnight in the lighthouse keeper's house and experience the charm and history of this iconic landmark.
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Perched on the rocky cliffs of Point Reyes National Seashore, the Point Reyes Lighthouse is a historic landmark that has been guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the California coast since 1870. The lighthouse tower stands at 37 feet tall and features a classic white tower with a distinctive red roof.
Visitors to the Point Reyes Lighthouse can take a guided tour of the tower, where they can climb down 308 steps to the bottom of the cliff to get a closer look at the lighthouse and its surrounding landscape. The views from the lighthouse are stunning, with panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline below.
One unique feature of the Point Reyes Lighthouse is its fog signal, which was installed in 1905 and still operates today. The signal uses compressed air to blast a loud horn every 30 seconds during periods of low visibility, warning ships of the dangerous rocks and cliffs that surround the lighthouse.
Assateague Lighthouse
Located on the remote barrier island of Assateague, the Assateague Lighthouse is a historic landmark that has been guiding ships through the waters of the Atlantic Ocean since 1867. The lighthouse tower stands at 142 feet tall and features a classic white tower with a distinctive red striping.
Visitors to the Assateague Lighthouse can take a guided tour of the tower, where they can climb 175 steps to the top for a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding island and ocean. The lighthouse also features a small museum that showcases the history of the lighthouse and the island.
One unique feature of the Assateague Lighthouse is its location on the remote island, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife including wild horses, migratory birds, and sea turtles. Visitors to the island can explore the sandy beaches, hike the trails, and experience the natural beauty of this unique coastal ecosystem.
Overall, visiting and exploring the coastal lighthouses of the USA and seeing other sights local to them is a must for anyone who loves history, architecture, or just a good view. With so many to choose to visit, it's easy to see why these beacons of the sea continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of visitors from all around the world.