12 Massachusetts Coastal Lighthouses You Can Tour
Massachusetts boasts some of America’s most beautiful and historic lighthouses along its rugged coastline. These maritime sentinels have guided sailors safely to shore for centuries, each with its own fascinating story to tell.
Join me as we explore 12 magnificent Massachusetts lighthouses where you can climb spiral staircases, learn about lighthouse keepers’ lives, and enjoy spectacular ocean views.
1. Boston Light on Little Brewster Island
America’s oldest lighthouse station awaits your visit! Established in 1716, Boston Light stands proudly as the only Coast Guard-staffed lighthouse in the country.
During summer months, ranger-led tours take you up 76 steps to an incredible panoramic view of Boston Harbor. I love telling visitors that the original lighthouse was blown up during the Revolutionary War and later rebuilt in 1783.
Access requires a boat ride from Boston, making the journey part of the adventure.
2. Race Point Lighthouse in Provincetown
Perched at the northernmost tip of Cape Cod, this lighthouse offers one of the most remote and rewarding experiences for lighthouse enthusiasts. The sand dunes surrounding it create a dramatic, almost otherworldly landscape.
What makes this lighthouse special? You can actually stay overnight in the keeper’s house! I’ve watched breathtaking sunsets from here while dolphins played offshore.
Getting there requires a challenging trek through sand or an arranged shuttle ride during summer months.
3. Nantucket’s Sankaty Head Light
Standing tall on Nantucket’s eastern bluff, Sankaty Head Light greets visitors with its distinctive red and white striped tower. The lighthouse has been moved back from the eroding cliff edge to preserve it for future generations.
From its perch, I’ve spotted seals playing in the surf below. The surrounding Sankaty Head Golf Club creates a uniquely manicured setting for this maritime beacon.
Open houses occur several times yearly, allowing visitors to climb the tower for sweeping views of Nantucket’s moors and the Atlantic.
4. Highland Light in Truro
The oldest and tallest lighthouse on Cape Cod stands majestically atop clay cliffs in the Cape Cod National Seashore. Also known as Cape Cod Light, this beacon has a fascinating history of being moved 450 feet inland in 1996 due to cliff erosion.
The attached museum houses fascinating maritime artifacts. My favorite exhibit features the original Fresnel lens that once guided ships.
Climbing the 69 steps rewards you with breathtaking views of the Atlantic stretching to the horizon, sometimes with whales visible offshore.
5. Gay Head Lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard
Perched dramatically on multicolored clay cliffs, this brick lighthouse offers perhaps the most spectacular setting of any Massachusetts beacon. The striking red clay cliffs create a photographer’s dream backdrop.
Recently rescued from falling into the sea, the entire lighthouse was moved inland in 2015. The engineering feat saved this historic treasure that’s guided mariners since 1799.
When touring the lighthouse, I recommend timing your visit for sunset when the cliffs glow with remarkable red and orange hues.
6. Chatham Light on Cape Cod
Standing guard over the treacherous Chatham Bar, this active lighthouse continues its vital mission warning ships of dangerous shoals. The blindingly white tower contrasts beautifully with the blue sky and sea.
Summer open houses let you climb inside while Coast Guard personnel share stories of daring rescues. From the grounds, I’ve watched seals lounging on sandbars during low tide – a delightful bonus to any visit!
The adjacent beach offers perfect views for lighthouse photography, especially during sunrise when golden light bathes the tower.
7. Scituate Lighthouse’s Historic Cottage
Unlike many lighthouses where keeper’s quarters are separate, Scituate’s charming structure features the light tower attached directly to a quaint cottage. The unique design makes it one of Massachusetts’ most photographed lighthouses.
History comes alive here! During the War of 1812, two young girls used a fife and drum to trick British soldiers into retreating. Their brave story is commemorated with a nearby plaque.
The rocky shoreline surrounding the lighthouse offers excellent tide pooling opportunities where I’ve discovered starfish and sea urchins.
8. Nobska Point Light in Woods Hole
Guarding the entrance to Woods Hole and Vineyard Sound, this picturesque cast-iron lighthouse offers exceptional views of Martha’s Vineyard across the water. Recently restored to its former glory, the white tower gleams against the blue backdrop.
The grounds are always open for visitors to enjoy. I’ve watched countless ferries passing by on their way to the islands while exploring the property.
After years of restoration work, interior tours are now available seasonally through the Friends of Nobska Light, who saved this maritime treasure.
9. Eastern Point Light in Gloucester
Standing at the entrance to Gloucester Harbor, this lighthouse has witnessed countless fishing vessels coming and going from America’s oldest seaport. The distinctive black and white tower rises beside a charming keeper’s house.
The adjacent dog bar breakwater stretches nearly half a mile into the harbor. Walking its length gives spectacular views of the lighthouse from different angles.
Famous artist Winslow Homer painted this lighthouse multiple times. I always feel a connection to maritime history when visiting this working beacon that continues guiding ships safely home.
10. Long Point Lighthouse in Provincetown
Reaching this lighthouse requires a bit of adventure – it sits at the very tip of Provincetown’s curving arm of land. The journey across the breakwater or by water taxi makes the destination even more rewarding.
The stark white tower stands as a sentinel at land’s end. From its base, I’ve enjoyed 360-degree views of Provincetown Harbor, the Atlantic Ocean, and Cape Cod Bay.
Though interior tours aren’t available, the surrounding beach offers perfect swimming and beachcombing opportunities after you’ve admired this remote lighthouse.
11. Minot’s Ledge Light Off Cohasset
Unlike other lighthouses on this list, Minot’s Ledge stands defiantly in the open ocean atop a treacherous reef. This engineering marvel can only be viewed from shore or boat tours, making it mysteriously alluring.
Known as the “I Love You Light,” its unique 1-4-3 flash pattern has romantic significance. The lighthouse replaced an earlier structure that catastrophically collapsed during an 1851 storm with keepers still inside.
For the best views, I recommend Cohasset’s Government Island where the original stones were cut and assembled for testing.
12. Three Sisters Lighthouses in Eastham
Rather than one lighthouse, here you’ll find a trio of identical towers nestled in a clearing within Cape Cod National Seashore. These charming “sisters” once stood in a row along the coast before being retired and moved inland.
The wooden towers tell the story of lighthouse evolution on Cape Cod. Rangers offer fascinating tours where you can step inside these historic structures and learn why three lighthouses were needed.
After visiting, I recommend walking the nearby Nauset Light Beach Trail to see their replacement – the iconic red and white Nauset Light.
