Wander
Journey Along
The Massachusetts Lighthouse Trail.
Since the 1700s, lighthouses have captured our imagination with tales of seafaring and adventure. Massachusetts is home to the first lighthouse site in the US. Over 45 lighthouses still grace our coastlines, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches. Today, you can marvel at these picturesque beauties along our scenic coast on the Massachusetts Lighthouse Trail. From Cape Ann in North of Boston to Cape Cod and the Islands, travelers can explore coastal communities, the maritime history of the Commonwealth, and discover these breathtaking gems of beauty. To help you plan your journey, here are some of our most notable and accessible lighthouses in the Bay State.
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Greater Boston & South of Boston
Boston Light
LITTLE BREWSTER ISLAND, MA
The oldest continually used lighthouse site in the United States, it casts a light beam 27 miles into the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit websiteBoston Light Little Brewster Island, MA
Borden Flats Light
FALL RIVER, MA
A sparkplug lighthome on the Taunton River, it’s one of only two off-shore lighthouses in the world that offer a Keepers’ Program, where you can stay overnight – just like a lighthouse keeper!
Visit websiteOld Scituate Light
100 LIGHTHOUSE RD, SCITUATE, MA 02066
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.”
Visit websiteBoston Harbor Lighthouse Tour
Tours leave from the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. This two-hour Boston Harbor cruise gives you a closer look at three iconic lighthouses: Long Island Light, Graves Light, and Boston Light.
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Cape Cod & The Islands: Martha's Vineyard
Starting in Woods Hole, you can catch the 45-minute ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard, located seven miles off the coast of Massachusetts in the Atlantic Ocean. There, there are three lighthouses to visit, spread over two islands.
Starting in Aquinnah, the western-most point of the island, you’ll see Gay Head Light, which is open to the public seasonally and just a short walk from a parking lot. Built in 1799, it’s the oldest lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard.
In Edgartown, on the eastern side, walk the path down to Lighthouse Beach for a closer look at the working Edgartown Harbor Light, which marks the entrance to Edgartown Harbor and Katama Bay. If it’s open, you can climb the staircase up to the lantern room. From Edgartown, take the quick ferry ride to Chappaquiddick Island, where you’ll find Cape Poge Lighthouse on the northeast tip of the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge. Its light, which sits 63 feet high, can be seen from nine miles out in the sea.
Where to Eat, Play & Stay
Attractions
Edgartown Harbor Light, Edgartown, MA
Dining & Lodging
Lookout Tavern
8 SEAVIEW AVE, OAK BLUFFS, MA 02557
Located on a bluff overlooking the water, here’s where you’ll find some of the best lobster rolls on the island — along with the best sushi.
Visit websiteHarbor View Hotel
131 NORTH WATER ST, EDGARTOWN, MA 02539
This recently renovated resort, a Martha’s Vineyard icon since 1891, also has an upscale restaurant on site offering island-to-table dining.
Visit websiteOrange Peel Bakery
22 STATE RD, AQUINNAH, MA 02535
Sample from-scratch pastries, breads, and desserts at Native-owned micro bakery – or stop by for a hearty Sunday dinner.
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Cape Cod & The Islands: Nantucket
Leaving from Oak Bluffs, it’s just a one-hour ferry ride from Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket, so it makes for an easy day or overnight trip. There are three lighthouses to explore there: Sankaty Head, in the village of Siasconset, is an easy drive or bike ride from the ferry terminal, while Great Point Light, officially Nantucket Light, requires much more effort. Sitting at the northernmost point of the island within the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Reserve, it can only be reached in a four-wheel drive vehicle (that has a beach permit sticker). 26-foot-tall Brant Point Lighthouse, located off Easton St. on the north side of the island, is the second-oldest lighthouse in the U.S.
Where to Eat, Play & Stay
Attractions
Brant Point Lighthouse, Nantucket, MA
Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
158 POLPIS RD, NANTUCKET, MA 02554
This museum is dedicated to telling the history of shipwrecks off Nantucket as well as the brave men and women who have risked their lives to save shipwrecked mariners.
Visit websiteNantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, Nantucket, MA
Dining & Lodging
The Club Car Restaurant
1 MAIN ST, NANTUCKET, MA 02554
Housed in a train from the original Nantucket railroad, it’s a favorite spot for creative cocktails, fresh fusion food, and live music.
Visit websiteLife House Hotel
10 CLIFF RD, NANTUCKET, MA 02554
Perched on one of Nantucket’s highest points, this historic hotel is less than a mile from the Brant Point Lighthouse.
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Cape Cod & The Islands: Cape Cod
Back on the Cape, stop in Falmouth to see the operational Nobska Lighthouse, which has been shining its light on Buzzards Bay, Nantucket Sound, and Vineyard Sound since 1829. Then travel about an hour east to Chatham, which sits at the “elbow” of the Cape. Chatham Light is actually one of the few lighthouses in the U.S. that’s still operational 24 hours a day. It was originally part of a pair that was built in 1808; however, after rotating lenses were introduced, two lighthouses weren’t needed on the spot. Its twin was moved and became Nauset Light, which you can find 30 minutes north in Eastham.
From Eastham, drive another 30 minutes to Provincetown, where Wood End Light sits at the entrance to Provincetown Harbor. Built in 1872, today it’s unmanned but sounds a horn to alert for fog. Provincetown’s other lighthouse, Race Point Light, is one of the most remote lighthouses on the Cape. So you’ll need to make the four-mile walk round trip along Race Point Beach, or get a permit for your four- wheel drive vehicle. Be sure to check the schedule if you want a lighthouse tour when you get there.
Where to Eat, Play & Stay
Attractions
Highland Lighthouse
27 HIGHLAND LIGHT RD, NORTH TRURO, MA 02652
The first lighthouse on Cape Cod, it was commissioned by George Washington and established in 1797.
Visit websiteHighland Lighthouse, Truro, MA Photo by: Paul Scharff
Nauset Light, Eastham, MA Photo by: Paul Scharff
Race Point Light
RACE POINT BEACH, END OF RACE POINT RD, PROVINCETOWN, MA 02657
If you’re looking for a secluded getaway, the lighthouse offers two options for accommodations: the Keeper’s House and the Whistle House.
Visit websiteAtlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) Shark Centers
235 ORLEANS RD, NORTH CHATHAM, MA 02650 16 MACMILLAN PIER, PROVINCETOWN, MA 02657
AWSC, which provides the most comprehensive publicly available information on white sharks in the Northwest Atlantic, gives center visitors of all ages an in-depth look at the ocean’s most magnificent and misunderstood species.
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Nobska Light, Falmouth, MA
Dining & Lodging
The Lobster Pot
321 COMMERCIAL ST, PROVINCETOWN, MA 02657
With a neon lobster sign that lights up Provincetown at night, this has been a go-to spot for seafood and traditional Portuguese fare since 1979.
Visit websiteAutoCamp Cape Cod
836 PALMER AVE, FALMOUTH, MA 02540
Stay close to the beach in a luxury canvas tent, a 31-foot Airstream trailer, or a sleek cabin – and your dog can join you!
Visit websiteLand’s End Inn
22 COMMERCIAL ST, PROVINCETOWN, MA 02657
Set on a hilltop overlooking Provincetown Harbor, this luxury bed and breakfast sets itself apart with eclectic decor, lavish gardens, and a daily wine and cheese hour — it’s also dog friendly.
Visit websiteCape Cod National Seashore
Encompasses nearly 44,000 acres of protected coastline and its diverse ecosystem of dunes, forests, marshes, and ponds.
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North of Boston
Start or end your journey on the Massachusetts Lighthouse Trail in North of Boston, where you can easily spend a few days traversing the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, a 90-mile roadway that links 14 coastal communities from Lynn to Salisbury. In Marblehead, you can see Marblehead Light — its skeletal structure makes it one of the most unique lighthouses in New England. Nearby in Salem, there’s 20-foot-tall Derby Wharf Light, which has been guiding ships into Salem Harbor since 1871, and Fort Pickering Lighthouse on Winter Island, which also was built in 1871 but is no longer operational.
From Salem, head 30 minutes up to Straitsmouth Light, which marks the entrance to Rockport Harbor. Built in 1896, you can spot it from Bearskin Neck in Rockport. You can tour the next one on the list, Eastern Point Lighthouse, which marks the entrance to Gloucester Harbor. Built in 1832, its lighthouse station was briefly home to artist Winslow Homer. Standing right in Gloucester Harbor is Ten Pound Island Lighthouse. It’s only accessible by kayak, paddleboard, or boat, but you can see it from Pavilion Beach and Stage Fort Park. Also be on the lookout for the 45-feet-tall Annisquam Light, which is closed to the public but can be seen from Wingaersheek Beach, and the 124-foot tall Thacher Island Twin Lights, which sit about a mile out to sea on Thacher Island and can be seen from Good Harbor Beach.
Where to Eat, Play & Stay
Attractions
Annisquam Light
GLOUCESTER, MA
Visible from Wingaersheek Beach ATLANTIC STREET OFF RTE. 133 AND CONCORD STREET
Visit websiteAnnisquam Light, Gloucester, MA
Cape Ann Museum
27 PLEASANT ST, GLOUCESTER, MA 01930
See a rare First Order Fresnel lens on display! This one was built in Paris in 1860, installed in Thacher Island’s South tower the following year, and shined for over 120 years.
Visit websiteEssex Coastal Scenic Byway
RUNS FROM 200-236 STATE HIGHWAY 1A, LYNN, MA 01901, TO 2-14 CABLE AVENUE, SALISBURY, MA 01952
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Eastern Point Lighthouse, Gloucester, MA
Fort Pickering Lighthouse
WINTER ISLAND PARK, 50 WINTER ISLAND RD, SALEM, MA 01970
Fort Pickering Lighthouse has illuminated Salem Harbor, Massachusetts’ second-deepest harbor, since 1871.
Visit websiteThe Newburyport Lighthouse
61 1/2 WATER ST, NEWBURYPORT, MA 01950
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience at the top of this 53-foot-tall brick lighthouse, which overlooks downtown Newburyport and the Merrimack River. Proceeds benefit The Lighthouse Preservation Society
Visit websiteStraitsmouth Light
MARMION WAY, ROCKPORT, MA 01966
Visible from Bearskin Neck 87 BEARSKIN NECK, ROCKPORT, MA 01966
Marblehead Light, Marblehead, MA Photo by: Derrick Mills
Plum Island Lighthouse
HARBOR ST, NEWBURYPORT, MA 01950
This 35-foot-tall lighthouse has been guiding ships into the mouth of the Merrimack River and Newburyport Harbor since 1898.
Visit websitePlum Island Lighthouse, Newburyport, MA
Ten Pound Island Lighthouse
GLOUCESTER, MA
Visible from Pavillion Beach STACY BLVD, GLOUCESTER, MA Visible from Stage Fort Park 24 HOUGH AVE, GLOUCESTER, MA 01930
Visit websiteThacher Island Twin Lights
ROCKPORT, MA
Visible from Good Harbor Beach 99 THATCHER RD, GLOUCESTER, MA 01930
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Cape Ann Harbor Tour
66 HARBOR LOOP GLOUCESTER, MA 01930
Set sail on the King Eider for a 2-1/2 hour narrated tour of Cape Ann’s scenic coastline and up-close views of six lighthouses.
Visit websiteCape Ann Marina, Gloucester, MA
Maritime Heritage Charters
MARITIME GLOUCESTER, 23 HARBOR LOOP, GLOUCESTER, MA 01930
Climb aboard the 58-foot Schooner Ardelle for a scenic, two-hour cruise around Gloucester Harbor.
Visit websiteMaritime Heritage Charters, Gloucester, MA
Dining & Lodging
Maddie’s Sail Loft
15 STATE ST, MARBLEHEAD, MA 01945
This cozy bar and restaurant has been a popular spot for seafood and sandwiches since 1946.
Visit websiteSalty’s Lobster, Dogs & More
2 DOCK SQUARE REAR, ROCKPORT, MA 01966
Fill up on summer favorites like hot dogs and lobster rolls at this casual, family-friendly spot.
Visit websiteHawthorne Hotel and The Tavern
18 WASHINGTON SQUARE W, SALEM, MA 01970
This historic Salem hotel, where the cast of Bewitched once stayed during filming, has a classic tavern on site that is known for serving the city’s best burgers.
Visit websiteBeauport Hotel Gloucester
55 COMMERCIAL ST, GLOUCESTER, MA 01930
This luxury, beach-front resort, which offers sweeping views of Gloucester Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, is a destination all on its own.
Visit websiteRegional Driving Distances
If you’re traveling by car, we’ve made it easy to see your approximate driving distance and time.
| Western MA Springfield | Central MA Worcester | South of Boston Plymouth | Greater Boston Boston | North of Boston Salem | Cape/Islands Hyannis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYC | 3 hr (145 miles) | 3 hr 30 min (180 miles) | 4 hr 30 min (235 miles) | 4 hr (220 miles) | 4 hr 45 min (235 miles) | 4 hr 45 min (235 miles) |
| Albany | 1 hr 30 min(90 miles) | 2 hr (130 miles) | 3 hr 15 min(200 miles) | 2 hr 45 min(170 miles) | 3 hr 30 min (190 miles) | 3 hr 30 min(230 miles) |
| Hartford | 30 min (30 miles) | 1 hr (65 miles) | 2 hr (135 miles) | 1 hr 45 min(100 miles) | 2 hr (120 miles) | 2 hr 30 min (160 miles) |
| Providence | 1 hr 30 min (85 miles) | 1 hr (40 miles) | 1 hr (55 miles) | 1 hr (50 miles) | 1 hr 30 min (75 miles) | 1 hr 30 min (75 miles) |
| Burlington | 3 hr 15 min (210 miles) | 3 hr 45 min (240 miles) | 4 hr 35 min (255 miles) | 3 hr 30 min (220 miles) | 3 hr 30 min (220 miles) | 5 hr (285 miles) |
| Portland | 3 hr (190 miles) | 2 hr 15 min (140 miles) | 3 hr (150 miles) | 1 hr 45 min (110 miles) | 1 hr 30 min (100 miles) | 3 hr 30 min (180 miles) |
| Boston | 1 hr 20 min (90 miles) | 1 hr (50 miles) | 55 min (40 miles) | - - | 45 min (25 miles) | 1 hr 30 min (70 miles) |