Lighthouses have stood as steadfast guardians along coastlines for centuries, guiding countless ships safely through treacherous waters.
These iconic structures not only serve a vital navigational purpose but also captivate with their unique architecture and dramatic settings.
From the rugged cliffs of the Isle of Skye to the sun-soaked shores of Florida, lighthouses continue to inspire awe and admiration.
Despite advances in technology like GPS and radar, which have made many lighthouses obsolete, about 670 remain across the United States alone, each with its own story and charm.
Their distinctive shapes and colors make them standout landmarks and popular subjects for photographers and travelers alike.
1. Makapuu Point Lighthouse
Standing on Oahu’s eastern tip, Makapuu Point Lighthouse offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean.
Built in 1909, it sits 600 feet above Makapuʻu Beach atop dramatic volcanic cliffs. The lighthouse, although only 14 meters tall, beams its light far due to its high elevation.
Visitors can hike the two-mile Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail, enjoying the white tower’s striking contrast against the blue ocean below.
This iconic landmark remains crucial for guiding ships from the US West Coast to Honolulu, blending natural beauty with maritime history.
2. Formentor Lighthouse
Formentor Lighthouse stands at the northernmost tip of Majorca, perched atop cliffs 210 meters above the sea. Its towering position offers breathtaking views over the steep drops and surrounding Mediterranean waters.
Built to guide vessels around the island’s rugged coast, it’s one of Majorca’s most photographed landmarks.
The lighthouse combines strategic importance with striking scenery, making it a must-see for travelers exploring the Balearic Islands.
Its dramatic cliffside setting ensures the light remains visible far out to sea, maintaining its vital role in maritime navigation.
3. Bodie Island Lighthouse
Standing 156 feet tall with 214 spiral steps, Bodie Island Lighthouse in North Carolina offers visitors stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Pamlico Sound, and Bodie Island. Its original first-order Fresnel lens emits a powerful 160,000 candlepower beam visible up to 19 miles.
Open for climbing from the third Friday in April to Columbus Day, the lighthouse is easily accessible near Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills.
Visitors can purchase $10 tickets, climb every 30 minutes, and explore the lightkeeper’s historic home-turned-visitor center.
4. West Quoddy Head
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, located in Lubec, Maine, marks the easternmost point in the continental US, making it the first to greet the sunrise. Built in 1808 and rebuilt in 1858, its 49-foot tower features a 55-foot French Fresnel lens.
Automated since 1988, the lighthouse is maintained by the US Coast Guard. Visitors can explore the nearby center, open Memorial Day to mid-October, showcasing interactive exhibits and local art.
While tours run mostly in summer, Quoddy Head State Park offers year-round trails and stunning ocean views.
5. South Stack Lighthouse
Standing on a tiny island off the coast of Anglesey, Wales, South Stack Lighthouse guides ships through the treacherous waters of the Irish Sea.
Built in 1809, its distinct white tower contrasts sharply with the rugged cliffs and crashing waves below.
Visitors descend a steep flight of 400 steps to reach the lighthouse, enjoying panoramic views of the wild coastline and seabird colonies.
Automated since 1983, South Stack remains a vital maritime beacon and a favored spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.
6. Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Big Sable Point Lighthouse stands 112 feet tall on a golden Lake Michigan beach within Ludington State Park.
Commissioned in 1867, its iconic black-and-white stripes were added in 1905 to protect the original brick tower from fierce winds.
Visitors can explore the light by taking an 18-mile hike from the park’s visitor center or by joining occasional free shuttle Bus Days.
The lighthouse remains a popular tour destination, offering sweeping views of the lake and surrounding dunes.
7. Farolim de Felgueiras
Located at the mouth of the Douro River in Porto, Farolim de Felgueiras stands as a charming coastal beacon. It guards the meeting point of the stormy Atlantic Ocean and the river, making it crucial for maritime safety.
Visitors enjoy romantic seaside walks when waters are calm, but during January and February storms, it’s best to keep a safe distance.
The lighthouse’s striking setting and historical value make Foz do Douro a must-visit destination in Northern Portugal.
8. Cape Neddick Light
Located in York, Maine, Cape Neddick Light, also known as Nubble Lighthouse, stands as a picturesque beacon on a small rocky island just offshore.
Built in 1879, it remains an operational lighthouse managed by the US Coast Guard. Visitors can admire its classic white tower with a black lantern from the mainland’s Sohier Park, as access to the island is restricted.
The lighthouse’s scenic coastal setting and iconic design make it one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses and a must-see on any New England itinerary.
9. Beachy Head Lighthouse
Standing tall beneath the dramatic white chalk cliffs of East Sussex, England, Beachy Head Lighthouse serves as a vital guide for vessels navigating the treacherous English Channel.
Built in 1902, the lighthouse rises 43 meters above the sea, its bright white tower contrasting sharply with the rugged coastline.
Visitors can admire the lighthouse from the cliffs above, where walking paths offer stunning panoramic views.
Though no longer open for public tours, Beachy Head remains an iconic maritime beacon symbolizing safety and endurance along one of Britain’s most perilous coastal stretches.
10. Cape Palliser Lighthouse
Located at New Zealand’s southernmost point of the North Island, Cape Palliser Lighthouse stands 120 meters above the rocky shore, offering commanding views of Cook Strait.
Built in 1897, its white tower features a distinctive red lantern room that guides ships through one of the region’s most hazardous waters.
Visitors can climb over 250 steep steps to reach the top, rewarded with panoramic ocean vistas and close encounters with the local fur seal colony, making it a must-see for travelers and lighthouse enthusiasts alike.
Alicia Richards