Throughout its history, Massachusetts has always been intimately tied to the sea, with merchant vessels, whaling ships, and fishing boats departing from its ports to destinations across the globe.
Playing an essential role in guiding mariners safely through treacherous waters into safe harbors, many lighthouses dot the state’s shores. For much of their history, they were tended by on-site keepers, but nowadays these beacons are automated. Here’s our selection of the 18 most scenic and historic lighthouses to visit across the state.
Boston Harbor Light
Established in 1716, Boston Harbor Light is the oldest light station in the United States and the only one with an official keeper. Situated on Little Brewster Island, the light was partially destroyed by British troops during the American Revolution and rebuilt in 1783. Today its light is visible from up to 27 miles away.
See Boston Harbor Light up close on sightseeing cruises operated by Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, which also pass by Long Island Head Light and Graves Island Light.
Eastern Point Light, Gloucester
Built in 1890 on the foundations of an earlier lighthouse, Eastern Point Light serves as a classic New England beacon with red-roofed white ancillary buildings, situated on a rocky peninsula at the entrance to Gloucester Harbor.
Despite signs reading “Private Road”, visitors are allowed to drive to the parking lot near the lighthouse maintained by Mass Audubon’s Eastern Point Wildlife Refuge.
From here, you can view the lighthouse up close and walk out to the smaller Dog Bar Lighthouse along the long breakwater, which provides sweeping views of Gloucester Harbor and Massachusetts Bay. You’ll spot seabirds and possibly seals or, with a little luck, migrating whales.
Derby Wharf Light Station
This charming little lighthouse (20ft high and 12ft along each side) sits at the end of the half-mile-long Derby Wharf in downtown Salem, part of Salem Maritime National Park, which preserves locations related to the city’s rich seafaring heritage.
Historically one of the most important seaports in the Americas, Salem had declined in importance by the time the light station was established in 1871, but the beacon still plays an important role in guiding vessels into the harbor.
One of only five square lighthouses in Massachusetts, it’s not open to the public, but it’s worth the trek along the wharf to see it and the harbor views up close.
Winter Island (Fort Pickering) Light
Built at the same time as Derby Wharf Lighthouse, Winter Island Light is also known as Fort Pickering Light, situated just offshore at the mouth of Salem Harbor.
Constructed of iron and brick with a concrete base, the lighthouse is easily seen from the rocky shore in Salem’s Winter Island Park. Nearby are the remnants of Fort Pickering, serving a strategic defensive purpose for more than 300 years.
Scituate Lighthouse
One of the oldest surviving original lighthouse structures in the United States, Scituate Lighthouse was built in 1811 on the north side of the entrance to Scituate Harbor. During the War of 1812, two young daughters of the first keeper famously warded off a British attack by loudly playing a fife and drum.
The octagonal granite tower is connected to the weathered gray keeper’s house, now a private residence. Although the lighthouse is only open to the public on a few summer open house days, its picturesque setting is worth visiting at any time.
Race Point Light, Provincetown
A sea of sand and the actual ocean surrounds Race Point Lighthouse, which has helped mariners navigate the treacherous sandbars around Cape Cod’s northern tip since 1816. The current tower and keeper’s house were built in 1876.
The lighthouse is normally open for tours twice a month from June to October, though getting there takes some effort. It’s a two-mile walk across the dunes from the nearest parking lot at Race Point Beach.
Chatham Light
Cape Cod’s second-oldest light station, established in 1808, Chatham Lighthouse sits on a bluff at the southeastern corner of Cape Cod. Originally built as twin wooden towers, the light station has undergone numerous modifications due to storm damage and beach erosion.
Chatham Lighthouse is easily viewed from the street and the beach below, but you’ll need to take a guided tour to visit the property.
Nauset Light, Eastham
If you’ve ever opened a bag of Cape Cod potato chips, you’ll recognize the iconic red-and-white Nauset Light, whose image adorns every package. The light station has had various incarnations since 1838, but the current beacon was originally one of the twin lighthouses erected in Chatham in 1877.
Highland Light, North Truro
Commissioned by George Washington in 1797, Highland Light Station was Cape Cod’s first lighthouse. The current tower, dating from 1857, was relocated 450 feet from the original location due to erosion.
Nobska Light, Falmouth
Nobska Light, located at the southwestern tip of Cape Cod, is one of the most iconic lighthouses in Massachusetts. This picturesque spot has a 40-ft cast-iron tower built in 1876.
Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse, Gloucester
Picturesque Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse sits on a rocky point overlooking a small beach on the west side of Cape Ann. It has been guiding vessels since 1801.
Ned’s Point Light, Mattapoisett
Perfectly situated for both sunrise and sunset, Ned’s Point Lighthouse overlooks Buzzards Bay and is open to the public once a week in July and August.
Edgartown Harbor Light, Martha’s Vineyard
Situated on a sandy spit, Edgartown Harbor Light has guarded this historic port town since 1939 and is typically open to visitors from late May to mid-October.
Cape Poge Lighthouse, Chappaquiddick
Located on a barrier beach, Cape Poge Light Station was established in 1801 to guide ships into Edgartown Harbor and is open to the public year round.
Gay Head Lighthouse, Aquinnah
Dramatically positioned atop a red-clay cliff, Gay Head Lighthouse dates from 1799 and is open year-round for tours in summer.
Sankaty Head Light, Nantucket
Flashing a light visible for 25 miles, Sankaty Head Light is perched on the eroding bluff of Nantucket’s eastern shore and was moved 405 feet from its original site.
Brant Point Lighthouse, Nantucket
Beautiful Brant Point Lighthouse is not only the second-oldest light station in the United States but has been moved and rebuilt nine times.
Great Point Lighthouse (Nantucket Light)
Located at the remote northern tip of Nantucket Island, Great Point Lighthouse is a stunning whitewashed structure reached by a hike or drive across the sand.
