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Lighthouses in Erie County, New York

5 lighthouses in Erie County. Every location page has sunrise and sunset azimuths, a monthly golden hour table, Milky Way windows and nearby spots.

Top lighthouses

Buffalo Main LightLighthouse
Buffalo Main LightErie County
Buffalo Harbor South Entrance LightLighthouse
Buffalo Harbor South Entrance LightErie County
South Buffalo North Side LightLighthouse
South Buffalo North Side LightErie County
Buffalo North Breakwater East End LightLighthouse
Buffalo North Breakwater East End LightErie County
Lighthouse
Buffalo Harbor North and South entrance LightsErie County

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.