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Lighthouses in Charleston County, South Carolina

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

Top lighthouses

Morris Island LightLighthouse
Morris Island LightCharleston County
Charleston LightLighthouse
Charleston LightCharleston County
Fort Sumter Range LightsLighthouse
Fort Sumter Range LightsCharleston County
Castle Pinckney LightLighthouse
Castle Pinckney LightCharleston County
Sullivan's Island Range LightsLighthouse
Sullivan's Island Range LightsCharleston County
Lighthouse
Fort Ripley Shoal LightCharleston County
Lighthouse
Bulls Bay LightCharleston County
Old Cape Romain LighthouseLighthouse
Old Cape Romain LighthouseCharleston County
Lighthouse
Cape Romain LighthousesCharleston County
Lighthouse
Fort Sumter Range Rear LightCharleston County
Lighthouse
Sullivan's Island LighthouseCharleston 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.