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Lighthouses to Photograph in the USA

1,237 lighthouses in 35 states, each with computed light, night-sky and weather data for planning. Pick a state, or start with the most documented locations below.

Top lighthouses

Bodie Island LightLighthouse
Bodie Island LightDare County, NC
Bass Harbor Head LightLighthouse
Bass Harbor Head LightHancock County, ME
Cattle Point LightLighthouse
Cattle Point LightSan Juan County, WA
Concord Point LightLighthouse
Concord Point LightHarford County, MD
Cockspur Island LightLighthouse
Cockspur Island LightChatham County, GA
Cape Hatteras LighthouseLighthouse
Cape Hatteras LighthouseDare County, NC
Au Sable LightLighthouse
Au Sable LightAlger County, MI
Aloha TowerLighthouse
Aloha TowerHonolulu County, HI
Montauk Point LightLighthouse
Montauk Point LightSuffolk County, NY
Cape Decision LightLighthouse
Cape Decision LightPrince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, AK
Sandy Hook LightLighthouse
Sandy Hook LightMonmouth County, NJ
Cape St. Elias LightLighthouse
Cape St. Elias LightChugach Census Area, AK
Sentinel Island LightLighthouse
Sentinel Island LightJuneau City and Borough, AK
Guard Island LightLighthouse
Guard Island LightKetchikan Gateway Borough, AK
Portland Head LightLighthouse
Portland Head LightCumberland County, ME
Boston LightLighthouse
Boston LightPlymouth County, MA
Pigeon Point LighthouseLighthouse
Pigeon Point LighthouseSan Mateo County, CA
Cape Spencer LightLighthouse
Cape Spencer LightHoonah-Angoon Census Area, AK
Point Retreat LightLighthouse
Point Retreat LightHoonah-Angoon Census Area, AK
Tree Point LightLighthouse
Tree Point LightPrince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, AK
Pensacola LightLighthouse
Pensacola LightEscambia County, FL
Middle Bay LightLighthouse
Middle Bay LightMobile County, AL
Sand Island LightLighthouse
Sand Island LightMobile County, AL
Mary Island LightLighthouse
Mary Island LightKetchikan Gateway Borough, AK

By state

Map

How to photograph lighthouses

Lighthouses work at both ends of the day: blue hour when the beacon is lit, and golden hour when white towers take on warm tones.

  • During blue hour, use 5–15 second exposures to capture the beam; check whether the light is still active.
  • Shoot from the beach or a jetty to place the tower against open sky and sea.
  • Stormy weather and crashing surf add drama; keep a safe distance from waves on rocks and piers.
  • A telephoto from across a bay compresses the tower against cliffs or the moon.
  • Many lighthouses are on private or Coast Guard property — check public access and opening hours.

Season: Summer brings open towers and tours; autumn and winter offer storms, fewer crowds and lower sun angles.