Top lighthouses
LighthouseLake Havasu Marina Lighthouse
LighthouseFire Island Lighthouse
LighthouseVermilion Lighthouse
LighthouseSplit Rock Lighthouse
LighthousePoint Gratoit Lighthouse
LighthouseWind Point Lighthouse
LighthouseRobert H. Manning Lighthouse
LighthouseCape Henry Lighthouse
LighthouseCape Hatteras Lighthouse
LighthouseWest Quoddy Lighthouse
LighthouseEast Quoddy Lighthouse
LighthouseAlpena Lighthouse
LighthouseBuffalo Main Lighthouse
LighthouseWhite Shoal Lighthouse
LighthouseChicago Harbor / Navy Pier Lighthouse
LighthouseCurrituck Beach Lighthouse
LighthousePemaquid Point Lighthouse
LighthouseBerwick Lighthouse
LighthouseBarnegat Lighthouse
LighthouseAlgoma Lighthouse
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.