The best lighthouses in America

Portland Head Lighthouse
Portland Head Lighthouse

Lighthouses had always been an extraordinary feature of sailing stories and they’re something that creates an air of mystery when we think about them.

A distant light in a foggy night is the first image that pops into our minds when we think about a lighthouse. Their majestic structures attract visitors from all over the globe who want to appreciate these beautiful architectural creations.

All along the North American coast, there are incredible lighthouses you can visit and learn more about their history.

 

Below you can find a list of the most attractive beacon lights that lead the sailors through the nights.

 

Lighthouse Photo Credit
Lighthouse Photo Credit

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Portland Head Light is the main feature in the city of Portland and the oldest lighthouse in the country. It towers above the rocks with its 80 feet representing one of the most important structures in the area.

Almost two centuries old, Portland Head Light still stands proudly surrounded by the Fort Williams Park.

It played a very important role during the Civil War. Also, it’s one of the rare lighthouses that was never rebuilt, although it has had some major repairs after a severe storm.

 

Portland Headlight Photo Credit
Portland Headlight Photo Credit

Heceta Head Lighthouse, Yachats, Oregon

Heceta Head Lighthouse is the brightest light on Oregon coast. It got its name after a Spanish sailor called Bruno de Heceta who came to explore the coast.

 

It was built in 1894 near a flourishing forest. Before him, Heceta Head was frequently visited by Native American tribes who came to fish in the area.

 

Heceta Head Light Photo Credit
Heceta Head Light Photo Credit

Cape Lookout Lighthouse, North Carolina

Cape Lookout is the second attempt to build a lighthouse on the same site. The first one didn’t survive the extreme weather conditions and hurricanes.

This lighthouse has a lot of character with its diamond pattern tower. The black diamonds are facing north-south toward the shallow waters around the headlands, while the white diamonds face the deeper waters of Onslow Bay to the west.

During the Civil War, it was partly destroyed, but repaired shortly after.

 

Cape Lookout Photo Credit
Cape Lookout Photo Credit

Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California

One of the country’s tallest lighthouses at 115 feet, Pigeon Point is located in Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, 27 miles north of Santa Cruz and 50 miles south of San Francisco.

Inside is renovated and functions as a hotel that you can visit. Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of the most picturesque lighthouses on the Pacific coast and it’s very inviting for visitors who can admire the tower standing proud on the rocks.

 

Pigeon Point Lighthouse Photo Credit
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Photo Credit

Boston Light, Massachusetts 

Settled on the Little Brewster Island offshore Boston, this perfect white lighthouse is the second oldest working lighthouse in the United States. It is 89 feet tall, constructed of stone with a brick lining.

Boston Light is a perfect example of a classical American lighthouse. Its white light is visible from 16 miles. If you are near, visit this small island and its main attraction, the Boston Light.

 

Boston Light Photo Credit
Boston Light Photo Credit

If you want a vacation with a difference or you’re unsure how to spend your vacation, maybe embarking on a lighthouse tour will be a perfect way to give a special touch to your summer holiday.

 

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival