There’s something undeniably eerie about a lighthouse. Perched on rocky cliffs or standing alone on tiny islands, these historic structures have guided sailors safely home for generations. They’ve also witnessed shipwrecks, violent storms, heartbreaking tragedies, and countless stories that refuse to fade into history.

Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy a good story, visiting a haunted lighthouse adds an unforgettable twist to your next coastal getaway. Many are still open for tours, while others offer breathtaking views, museums, hiking trails, or even overnight stays. Here are some of America’s most fascinating haunted lighthouses to add to your travel bucket list.

Hours:

• March 1 – September 30: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM daily (last admission at 6:00 PM)
• October 1 – February 28: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (last admission at 5:30 PM)
• Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Hours and tower access may change due to weather or special events.

Tours Available:

• Self-guided exploration of the museum grounds and exhibits
• Guided museum tours (offered during select daytime hours)
• Nighttime Dark of the Moon Ghost Tours
• Sunset/Moonrise tours (seasonal)
• Special behind-the-scenes experiences, including Lighthouse Keeper Tours and private Lens Room Tours (advance reservations recommended)

Can You Climb the Lighthouse?
Yes! Visitors can climb all 219 steps to the observation deck for panoramic views of St. Augustine, the Atlantic Ocean, and Anastasia Island. Children must be at least 44 inches tall and able to climb on their own. The tower may temporarily close during thunderstorms or high winds.

Accessibility:
The historic lighthouse does not have an elevator. Access to the top requires climbing 219 open-grate steps with several landings along the way. While the museum grounds and some exhibits are accessible, the tower itself is not wheelchair accessible.

Parking:
Free on-site parking is available for museum visitors.

Recommended Visit Time:
Plan on spending 2–3 hours to fully enjoy the lighthouse climb, museum exhibits, maritime archaeology displays, nature trails, and gift shop. If you’re taking a ghost tour or one of the specialty experiences, allow additional time.

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Hours:

• Point Lookout State Park: Open daily year-round.
• Point Lookout Lighthouse: May through September, Thursday–Monday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Hours may vary seasonally, so check the park’s website before your visit.

Tours Available:

• Self-guided tours of the restored lighthouse museum
• Historical exhibits featuring lighthouse keepers and maritime history
• Seasonal special events and ghost-themed programs
• Guided tours may be offered during select events throughout the year.

Can You Climb the Lighthouse?
Partially. Visitors can explore the restored keeper’s quarters and climb to the cupola, where the lantern room once stood. Unlike traditional lighthouse towers, Point Lookout is an integral lighthouse, meaning the light was built into the roof of the keeper’s home rather than a separate tall tower.

Accessibility:
The museum is housed in a historic 1830 building. Some areas require the use of stairs, and the upper level and cupola are not wheelchair accessible. Accessibility is limited due to the historic nature of the structure.

Parking:
Ample paid parking is available within Point Lookout State Park. Visitors pay the standard Maryland State Park entrance fee, which includes access to the lighthouse, beaches, trails, fishing pier, and other park amenities.

Recommended Visit Time:
Allow 2–3 hours to tour the lighthouse, explore the Civil War Museum, walk the beaches where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay, visit Fort Lincoln, and enjoy the scenic trails. History enthusiasts could easily spend a half-day here.

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Seguin Island Lighthouse

Accessible only by boat, Seguin Island feels isolated enough before you even hear its ghost stories. Legend tells of a lonely lighthouse keeper who asked his wife to play the piano during long winters. Eventually, she knew only one song by heart. Driven mad by hearing it repeatedly, he allegedly destroyed the piano—and tragedy followed. Whether true or not, the island’s remote beauty makes it one of Maine’s most memorable lighthouse adventures.

📍 Visitor Information

Address:
Seguin Island Lighthouse is located on Seguin Island, approximately 2.5 miles offshore from Popham Beach in Georgetown, ME 04548. Since the lighthouse is on an island, there is no street address. Visitors must arrive by charter boat, ferry service, or private boat.

Hours:
The island is generally open from June through early fall. Tours and boat transportation are seasonal and vary by charter operator, so visitors should check the Friends of Seguin Island Light Station website before planning their trip.

Tours Available:

• Guided tours of the lighthouse tower
• Keeper’s House Museum
• Historic tramway
• Gift shop
• Five hiking trails around the island
• Overnight accommodations and camping are available for members of the Friends of Seguin Island Light Station (advance reservations required).

Can You Climb the Lighthouse?
Yes! Visitors can climb the historic granite lighthouse and see its rare First-Order Fresnel lens, the only one of its kind still operating in Maine. The top also offers spectacular panoramic views of the Maine coastline and Atlantic Ocean.

Accessibility:
Accessibility is limited. Visitors must first take a boat to the island and then walk uphill on uneven terrain to reach the lighthouse. The lighthouse itself requires climbing a spiral staircase, and the island’s hiking trails are rustic and unpaved. It is not wheelchair accessible.

Parking:
There is no parking on Seguin Island. Parking is available at the marina or departure point used by your chosen charter or ferry service (such as Fort Popham or Popham Beach). Parking policies vary by operator.

Recommended Visit Time:
Plan on spending 3–5 hours, depending on your boat transportation schedule. Most visitors spend several hours touring the lighthouse and museum, hiking one or more of the island’s five scenic trails, enjoying a picnic, and watching for seals, seabirds, porpoises, and even whales before returning to the mainland.

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Hours:
The lighthouse grounds are open year-round as part of Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. Guided lighthouse programs are typically offered:

• March–October: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
• November–February: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM (weather and staff permitting)

Hours may vary seasonally, so it’s best to check the official website before visiting.

Tours Available:

• Staff-guided tours of the lighthouse grounds
• Guided access to the ground floor of the lighthouse
• Heceta Head Interpretive Center (located in the historic Keeper’s House)
• Gift shop
• Overnight stays at the historic Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast (reservation required)
• Hiking trails connecting to the Oregon Coast Trail

Can You Climb the Lighthouse?
No. Visitors may enter the ground floor of the lighthouse during guided programs, but the spiral staircase and upper levels—including the lantern room—are closed to the public for preservation and safety. A nearby viewpoint provides an excellent look at the historic Fresnel lens.

Accessibility:
The lighthouse is reached by a ½-mile uphill trail from the parking area. The trail is paved but moderately steep in places. The ground floor is accessible during guided tours, but the upper levels are not. Visitors with mobility limitations should be aware of the uphill walk.

Parking:
Day-use parking is available at Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. Parking fees apply (currently $10 for Oregon vehicles and $12 for out-of-state vehicles, subject to change). Restrooms are available in the parking area.

Recommended Visit Time:
Allow 2–3 hours to fully enjoy your visit. This gives you time to walk the scenic trail to the lighthouse, explore the Interpretive Center, browse the gift shop, photograph the dramatic coastline and Cape Creek Bridge, hike nearby trails, or relax on the beach below. Guests staying at the Bed & Breakfast may wish to spend even longer enjoying the grounds.

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Hours:

• Grounds: Open year-round during park hours.
• Lighthouse & Museum Tours: June through September on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Tours are limited in size and reservations are recommended. Hours may vary, so check the official website before visiting.

Tours Available:

• Guided lighthouse tours (approximately one hour)
• Climb to the top of the lighthouse
• Museum exhibits in the restored keeper’s house
• Learn about the history of the lighthouse, Great Lakes shipwrecks, and the original Second-Order Fresnel lens
• Self-guided exploration of the grounds and nearby beach outside of tour hours

Can You Climb the Lighthouse?
Yes! Visitors on the guided tour can climb 141 steps to the top of the 113-foot lighthouse for panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Evanston, and the Chicago skyline. The lighthouse still houses the only operational Second-Order Fresnel lens remaining on the Great Lakes.

Accessibility:
The museum in the keeper’s house is accessible to many visitors, but the lighthouse tower is not wheelchair accessible. Climbing to the top requires navigating 141 narrow stairs, and there is no elevator.

Parking:
Limited free parking is available near the lighthouse. Additional parking is available on nearby side streets and at the Evanston Art Center lot just north of the lighthouse. During construction or busy summer weekends, visitors may need to use nearby street parking.

Recommended Visit Time:
Plan to spend 1½–2 hours to enjoy the guided tour, climb the lighthouse, explore the museum exhibits, stroll the beautifully landscaped grounds, and walk to adjacent Lighthouse Beach for views of Lake Michigan. If you’re interested in photography or a beach walk, allow additional time.

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Hours:
The lighthouse is not open for daily public visitation. Interior tours are offered seasonally (generally June through September) through the New London Maritime Society. Tour dates and times vary each summer, so advance reservations are highly recommended.

Tours Available:

• Guided boat tours to the lighthouse
• Guided interior tours of the lighthouse
• Historical exhibits throughout the keeper’s quarters
• Educational programs about the lighthouse’s history and architecture
• Special sunset and harbor cruises may include views of the lighthouse (availability varies by season).

Can You Climb the Lighthouse?
Yes! During guided tours, visitors can climb through the lighthouse to the lantern room while learning about its history and the famous ghost known as “Ernie.” The climb includes multiple flights of stairs and rewards visitors with spectacular views of New London Harbor and Long Island Sound.

Accessibility:
Accessibility is limited. The experience begins with a 15-minute boat ride to the lighthouse, followed by climbing several flights of stairs inside the historic structure. There is no elevator, and the lighthouse is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors should be comfortable boarding a boat and climbing stairs.

Parking:
Public parking is available near the New London Maritime Society and downtown waterfront, where most lighthouse tours depart. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby public parking lots.

Recommended Visit Time:
Plan on spending 2–3 hours. Most tours include the boat ride to and from the lighthouse, approximately one hour exploring inside, and time to enjoy the waterfront area of downtown New London before or after your tour.

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Hours:

• Bed & Breakfast Season: Typically May through early November.
• Lighthouse Tours: Offered June through September by appointment (or on select scheduled days during the summer season). Because the lighthouse is privately owned, tour availability varies. Check the official website before visiting.

Tours Available:

• Guided lighthouse tours (approximately 25 minutes)
• Tour of the historic keeper’s house
• Access to the lantern level
• Overnight stays at the historic Bed & Breakfast (reservation required)
• Hiking trails and scenic overlooks on the property for overnight guests

Can You Climb the Lighthouse?
Yes! Visitors on a guided tour can climb to the lantern room and enjoy breathtaking views from approximately 120 feet above Lake Superior. Overnight guests also have access to many areas of the historic lighthouse.

Accessibility:
Accessibility is limited. The lighthouse is a historic structure with stairs and no elevator. Visitors must walk a short distance from the parking area, and climbing to the lantern room requires navigating multiple flights of stairs. The tours are generally recommended for visitors 10 years of age and older.

Parking:
Free parking is available just outside the entrance gate for registered tour guests and Bed & Breakfast guests. Because the property is privately owned, visitors are not permitted on the grounds unless they have a tour reservation or overnight reservation.

Recommended Visit Time:
Plan to spend 1–2 hours if you’re taking a guided tour. If you’re staying overnight, allow plenty of time to explore the grounds, hike nearby trails, relax along the Lake Superior shoreline, and enjoy the peaceful setting.

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Point Sur Lighthouse

Towering above the rugged California coastline, Point Sur is already dramatic before adding in its ghost stories. Visitors have reported hearing phantom foghorns, seeing mysterious lights, and feeling unexplained cold spots during tours. Its breathtaking location alone makes it worth visiting.

📍 Visitor Information

Address:
Point Sur State Historic Park
Highway 1, approximately 19 miles south of Carmel
Big Sur, CA 93920

Hours:
Point Sur Lighthouse is only open during docent-led guided tours. Tours are typically offered year-round:

• Wednesdays: 1:00 PM
• Saturdays: 10:00 AM
• Sundays: 10:00 AM

Special moonlight tours and private group tours are offered on select dates throughout the year. Tour schedules occasionally change, so check the official website before visiting.

Tours Available:

• Guided walking tours of the historic light station
• Lighthouse tower tour
• Keeper’s quarters and historic buildings
• Cold War Naval Facility tours (select Saturdays)
• Special Moonlight Tours (seasonal)
• Private group tours by advance reservation

Can You Climb the Lighthouse?
Yes! During the guided tour, visitors climb the lighthouse tower and can step onto the exterior catwalk surrounding the lantern room for incredible panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Big Sur coastline.

Accessibility:
Accessibility is limited. Reaching the lighthouse requires a 1.5-mile round-trip walk with approximately 360 feet of elevation gain, including two stairways. The tour lasts about 3 hours and is not considered wheelchair accessible. There is no elevator. Visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes and be comfortable walking uphill on uneven terrain.

Parking:
Free parking is available along Highway 1 near the entrance gate. Visitors should arrive 30–45 minutes before their scheduled tour. Once the gate opens, docents direct vehicles into the parking area inside the park. Tours are first-come, first-served, and parking is limited.

Recommended Visit Time:
Plan on spending 3–4 hours. The guided tour itself lasts about three hours and includes the walk to the lighthouse, exploration of the historic buildings, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery and learn about the area’s maritime history.

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Hours:

• Lighthouse grounds: Open year-round.
• Museum of the Sea Visitor Center: Typically open daily from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally).
• Important: The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is currently closed for climbing due to a major restoration project that is ongoing in 2026. Visitors can still enjoy the grounds, museum, and surrounding area. Museum of the Sea

Tours Available:

• Self-guided exploration of the lighthouse grounds
• Self-guided exhibits at the Museum of the Sea
• Ranger-led programs (seasonal)
• Virtual lighthouse climb experience while restoration is underway
• No interior lighthouse tours are available until restoration is complete.

Can You Climb the Lighthouse?
Not at this time. The lighthouse is temporarily closed for climbing during a major restoration project at the time of writing this in June of 2026. When it reopens, visitors will once again be able to climb 257 steps to the observation balcony of the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States.

Accessibility:
The lighthouse grounds, visitor center, and Museum of the Sea are generally accessible. However, when the lighthouse is open, climbing requires ascending 257 narrow steps with no elevator. During the restoration project, visitors can still enjoy the accessible exhibits and grounds.

Parking:
Free parking is available adjacent to the lighthouse, visitor center, and museum. Additional parking is available throughout Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Recommended Visit Time:
Plan on spending 2–3 hours exploring the lighthouse grounds, visiting the Museum of the Sea, learning about the famous 1999 relocation of the lighthouse, browsing the gift shop, and walking nearby beach and nature trails. Even while the tower is closed, it’s one of the most iconic stops on the Outer Banks.

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Hours:
The lighthouse is open seasonally:

• May 1 – Memorial Day: Friday–Monday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
• Memorial Day – Labor Day: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Labor Day – Late September: Friday–Monday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Last tower climb is typically 20 minutes before closing. Hours are weather permitting and subject to change.

Tours Available:

• Self-guided exploration of the lighthouse grounds
• Self-guided tower climbs (available every 20 minutes during operating hours)
• Guided 40-minute house and grounds tours on select days
• Self-guided audio tour featuring all three Erie lighthouses
• Group tours available by reservation

Can You Climb the Lighthouse?
Yes! Visitors can climb 69 steps to the observation deck for panoramic views of Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park. Children must be at least 44 inches tall to climb.

Accessibility:
The grounds are relatively easy to access via a short walk from the parking area. However, the lighthouse tower is not wheelchair accessible and has 69 stairs with no elevator. Visitors who do not wish to climb can still enjoy the museum, gift shop, and surrounding grounds.

Parking:
Free parking is available directly across from the lighthouse within Presque Isle State Park. During the busy summer season, parking lots can fill quickly, so arriving early is recommended.

Recommended Visit Time:
Plan to spend 1½–2 hours exploring the lighthouse, climbing the tower, browsing the gift shop, and walking the nearby Lake Erie shoreline. If you also plan to visit the beaches, bike trails, or nature areas within Presque Isle State Park, it’s easy to spend half a day or more in the park.

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Execution Rocks Lighthouse

Its unsettling name comes from local legends that prisoners were once chained to the rocks and left for the rising tide. While historians debate the story, reports of mysterious lights and ghostly figures have kept the lighthouse’s haunted reputation alive. Boat tours occasionally pass the lighthouse, offering a closer look at this fascinating landmark.

📍 Visitor Information

Address:
Execution Rocks Lighthouse is located on a small island in Long Island Sound, between New Rochelle, New York and Sands Point, New York. Since it is offshore, there is no street address. Most tours depart from marinas in New Rochelle, NY.

Hours:
Execution Rocks Lighthouse is not open for daily public visitation. Limited guided boat tours are offered seasonally (typically May through October) through organizations that partner with the lighthouse’s preservation group. Tour schedules vary from year to year, so reservations are recommended.

Tours Available:

• Guided boat tours to the lighthouse (seasonal)
• Guided interior tours led by volunteers
• Lighthouse history and restoration tours
• Special photography and fundraising tours offered on select dates
• No self-guided tours are available.

Can You Climb the Lighthouse?
Yes! During guided tours, visitors can climb the historic granite lighthouse tower for sweeping views of Long Island Sound. Access is only available as part of an organized tour and requires climbing multiple flights of narrow stairs.

Accessibility:
Accessibility is very limited. Visitors must:

• Board a boat to reach the island.
• Climb onto the lighthouse dock.
• Navigate uneven surfaces.
• Climb several flights of stairs inside the tower.

There is no elevator, and the lighthouse is not wheelchair accessible.

Parking:
Parking depends on your tour departure location. Most boat tours depart from marinas in New Rochelle, where public parking is typically available nearby. Be sure to review your tour operator’s parking instructions before your visit.

Recommended Visit Time:
Plan on spending 2½–4 hours, depending on your tour. This usually includes the boat ride to and from the lighthouse, a guided tour of the keeper’s quarters and tower, and time to enjoy the spectacular views of Long Island Sound.

Travel Tip: Because this lighthouse sits offshore and tours are offered only on select dates with limited group sizes, it’s a good idea to reserve your spot well in advance—especially during the summer months.

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Hours:
Boston Light is an active U.S. Coast Guard lighthouse and is not open for daily public visitation. The island is generally closed to the public, but visitors can experience the lighthouse through seasonal narrated Lighthouse Cruises that operate during the summer months. Cruise schedules vary each year, so check the official operator’s website before planning your visit.

Tours Available:

• Narrated Boston Harbor Lighthouse Cruise (approximately 2 hours)
• Close-up views of Boston Light, Graves Light, and Long Island Light
• Onboard narration by National Park Service staff and U.S. Coast Guard volunteers
• Limited special tours to Little Brewster Island may occasionally be offered, but they are not regularly available.

Can You Climb the Lighthouse?
Generally, no. Unlike many of the other haunted lighthouses on this list, visitors typically view Boston Light from the water during a narrated cruise. Public access to Little Brewster Island and the lighthouse tower is very limited because it remains an active Coast Guard facility.

Accessibility:
The narrated lighthouse cruise is generally accessible, but accessibility depends on the tour operator and vessel. Since most visitors remain aboard the boat, this is one of the more accessible ways to experience a historic lighthouse. Little Brewster Island itself is not open for general public access. Visitors should contact the cruise operator in advance for specific accessibility accommodations.

Parking:
Parking is available at or near the departure point for the Boston Harbor Lighthouse Cruise. Most cruises depart from the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center, located at 191W Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, where nearby public parking garages and paid lots are available. Public transportation is also a convenient option.

Recommended Visit Time:
Allow 2½–3 hours, including check-in, boarding, and the approximately 2-hour narrated lighthouse cruise. If you’re exploring Boston’s waterfront before or after your cruise, you may want to make it a half-day excursion.

Travel Tip: Boston Light is America’s first lighthouse, first lit in 1716, making it one of the country’s most historically significant maritime landmarks. Even though most visitors can’t go inside the tower, the narrated harbor cruise offers spectacular views and fascinating stories about the lighthouse’s role in protecting ships entering Boston Harbor for more than 300 years.

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Tips for Visiting Haunted Lighthouses

Whether you’re chasing ghost stories, breathtaking coastal views, or a bit of both, a little planning can make your lighthouse adventure even more memorable.

• Visit Early or Stay Late: The best lighting for both photography and sightseeing is usually during golden hour—the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. Midday sunlight can create harsh shadows, while early morning and evening light adds warmth and drama to your photos.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Many historic lighthouses require climbing dozens—or even hundreds—of stairs. Others involve hiking over uneven trails, rocky coastlines, or sandy beaches. Comfortable walking shoes are almost always a good idea.
• Check the Weather: Lighthouses are often located on exposed coastlines where weather can change quickly. Fog, wind, and rain can create an incredibly spooky atmosphere, but they can also limit visibility or even cause tours to be canceled.
• Reserve Tours in Advance: Some of the lighthouses on this list only offer guided tours on select days or require reservations. If visiting is a priority during your trip, book ahead whenever possible.

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How to Take Great Photos at a Lighthouse

Lighthouses are stunning subjects—but because they’re so tall, they can be surprisingly difficult to photograph. Here are a few ways to capture photos you’ll actually want to frame. These help you tell the story of your visit.

• Step Back: One of the biggest mistakes people make is standing too close to the lighthouse. Walk farther away than you think you need to. This allows you to fit the entire lighthouse into the frame while also showcasing the surrounding landscape.
• Include Yourself for Scale: Instead of standing directly in front of the lighthouse, have someone photograph you walking toward it or standing off to one side. The lighthouse will look even more impressive when viewers can see its true size.
• Look for Natural Frames: Trees, rocky cliffs, fences, flowers, beach grass, and archways can all help frame your photo and create more visual interest.
• Photograph From Multiple Angles: Don’t stop after taking one picture from the parking lot. Walk around the lighthouse if possible. You may discover dramatic cliffs, shoreline views, gardens, or overlooks that completely change the perspective.
• Capture the Details: Don’t forget to photograph the little things:
  • The lantern room
  • Historic keeper’s quarters
  • Brick or stonework
  • Old doors and windows
  • Fog bells
  • Lighthouse signs
  • Spiral staircases
  • Fresnel lenses (where photography is permitted)
• Use Leading Lines: Boardwalks, staircases, fences, piers, and walking paths naturally draw the viewer’s eye toward the lighthouse, making your photos feel more dynamic.
• Wait for People to Move: If you’re visiting during the summer, chances are there will be plenty of other visitors. Be patient. Waiting just a minute or two for a clear shot can make all the difference.
• Don’t Skip Foggy Days: It may seem counterintuitive, but fog often creates the most dramatic lighthouse photos. The mist adds mystery and perfectly complements the haunted legends associated with many historic lighthouses.

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Ready to Explore?

Whether you’re fascinated by ghost stories, maritime history, or simply love discovering beautiful places along America’s coastlines, haunted lighthouses offer a unique blend of history, mystery, and unforgettable scenery. Some visitors leave with incredible photographs. Others leave with fascinating stories. And who knows…you might even leave with an unexplained experience of your own.

Have you visited one of these haunted lighthouses? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!