Iconic harbors and historic skylines
From the historic Boston Harbor, home to one of the oldest lightstation sites in America, to the Taunton Rivier, featuring a sparkplug light where guests can stay overnight, the Greater Boston and South of Boston regions have many iconic lights for visitors to explore. Take a guided cruise through the Boston Harbor Islands, book a hotel with lighthouse views, and discover your next favorite meal at a restaurant overlooking a light. Between lighthouse stops, take a break at one of the south shore’s scenic beaches, learn about early settlers at Plymouth, and explore the rich history of the whaling industry in New Bedford.
Here are a few places to get information to plan a full day in the area:
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Boston Light
The oldest continually used lightstation site in the United States, Boston Light casts a beam 27 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse is situated on Little Brewster Island which is now part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area administered by the National Park Service.
For safety reasons, the lighthouse is not accessible to the public. In the summer, Boston Harbor Islands operate lighthouse cruises to get an up-close view.
View Boston Light
Address: Little Brewster Island, Boston
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Graves Light
Commissioned by an act of Congress in 1905, Graves Light is the tallest lighthouse in Boston Harbor. The Graves, for which the light is named, is an island surrounded by rocky outcrops, very dangerous for ships, especially as a new major shipping lane opened up in the 1900s.
The Graves Light is privately owned and not open to the public. In the summer, Boston Harbor Islands operate lighthouse cruises to get an up-close view.
View the Graves Light
Address: Graves Ledge, Hull
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Long Island Light
First installed in 1794, Long Island Light has gone through several rebuilds and structural changes over the years. The National Park Service acquired the lighthouse in 2011 and it is now a solar-powered automated light.
Long Island Light is not open to the public. In the summer, Boston Harbor Islands operate lighthouse cruises to get an up-close view.
View Long Island Light
Address: Harbor Islands – Long Island, Quincy
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Boston Harbor Lighthouse Cruise
This two-hour Boston Harbor cruise gives you a closer look at three iconic lighthouses: Long Island Light, Graves Light, and Boston Light. Boston Harbor Island Park staff provide onboard narration as you take in the lighthouse, island, and city views.
Tours leave from the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Cruises run seasonally – to see available dates and reserve tickets in advance please visit the website.
Take a Boston Harbor Lighthouse Cruise
Address: 191W Atlantic Ave, Boston
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Scituate Lighthouse
Legend has it that Abigail and Rebecca Bates, daughters of the lighthouse keeper, fended off British troops anchored in Scituate Harbor in the War of 1812, becoming known as the “Lighthouse Army of Two.”
The Lighthouse is open to the public on select dates. Please see the website for details. Note: The Lightkeeper’s cottage is a private residence – visitors are asked to be respectful of the home.
Visit the Scituate Lighthouse
Address: 100 Lighthouse Rd, Scituate
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Borden Flats Light
A sparkplug lighthome on the Taunton River, it’s one of only two off-shore lighthouses in the world that offer a Keeper’s Program, where you can stay overnight – just like a lighthouse keeper.
Overnight reservations book out quickly each year. Please visit the website for availability.
Stay in the Borden Flats Light
Address: Fall River/Somerset
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New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
This 34-acre park tells stories of the maritime history of New Bedford. Through guided tours, exhibits, Junior Ranger programs, and 13 historic sites, visitors are invited to explore the deep connection between the city and the sea.
To learn more about program offerings, please visit the website
Visit New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Address: 33 William St, New Bedford
Plan Your Stay
Located on Boston’s historic Long Wharf, guests enjoy easy access to the New England Aquarium, Faneuil Hall, and the North End. Fun Tip: If you’re flying into Boston schedule a water taxi from Logan Airport!
Address: 296 State St, Boston
With ocean front views, including the Scituate Light, this hotels pairs classic New England charm with modern amenities.
Address: 7 Beaver Dam Rd, Scituate
Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel provides easy access to the New Bedford National Historic Park and the Ferry Terminal, where visitors can depart for Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket.
Address: 222 Union St, New Bedford
Plan Your Dining
Enjoy spectacular harbor views and fresh seafood at this 2025 James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award winning restaurant. (Open seasonally)
Offering delicious eats and panoramic views of Scituate Harbor.
Address: 23 Mill Wharf Plaza, Scituate
Enjoy upscale Mexican cuisine and stunning golden hour harbor views at Morgan’s Cantina located at Borden Light Mariana.
Address: 1 Ferry St, Fall River