Lighthouses are a summer staple and symbol of shelter. Each lighthouse has a unique story, with varying architecture and design. Spark travel inspiration with these 12 lighthouses throughout North America.
Built in 1848, this Mississippi landmark was the first cast-iron lighthouse in the South. The Biloxi Lighthouse has stood tall throughout a number of heavy rainfalls and hurricanes and is known as the city’s symbol of resolve and resilience. You can take a guided tour of the lighthouse every morning from 9 to 9:30 a.m., weather permitting.
Image by @ nicolejeanmartz (IG).
This lighthouse is located on the “Nubble,” a small, rocky island just off of Cape Neddick, and has been standing since 1879. This 41-foot tower originally held a 3,000 lb. bell that could be heard by sailors up to six miles away but has since been replaced by a diaphragm horn.
The Cockspur Island Lighthouse is the smallest in Georgia and ceased operation in 1909. Now, the lighthouse serves as a historical landmark and has become a part of the Fort Pulaski National Monument. Currently, tours of the lighthouse are closed to the public, but the landmark can still be seen from a nearby overlook trail.
Over 150 ft. tall, this North Carolinian lighthouse flashes light that can be seen up to 19 miles away every 15 seconds. The Diamond Lady Lighthouse is one of the few lighthouses that operates during the day and displays a unique black-and-white diamond design to allow sailors to differentiate between nearby light towers and show direction.
The Eldred Rock Lighthouse opened during the Alaskan gold rush and is the state’s oldest, original lighthouse. This landmark features a unique octagonal exterior and produces alternating red and white flashes, thanks to the lighthouse’s fourth-order Fresnel lens. Currently, the lighthouse is not open to the public but can be seen by boat tour.
While many associate lighthouses with the sea, these incredible landmarks are also located on many lakes and rivers. Originally a candle-lit lantern hung from a pole at the edge of the Black River, Ohio’s Lorain Lighthouse was constructed in 1917. You can enjoy the lighthouse via a guided sunset wine and dinner boat tour that includes a brief tour of the Lorain Lighthouse as well.
Image by @ northeast_ohio_drone (IG)
Take in 360º views of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound in Montauk, New York. The oldest lighthouse in New York, the Montauk Point Lighthouse was authorized by President George Washington in 1792 with construction completed in 1796. While the lighthouse is no longer in use, the landmark now serves as a unique wedding venue and museum.
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The Point Bonita Lighthouse is located at the entrance to the San Francisco Bay near the Marin Headlands. This lighthouse was the last manned lighthouse in California and is known for the variety of beautiful wildflowers surrounding the grounds of the building. To tour the Point Bonita Lighthouse, visitors first have to hike a partially steep half-mile trail. So, if you want to visit this landmark, remember to pack a pair of hiking boots.
Image by @ mackncheeeesy (IG)
Go back in time at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, located just south of Florida’s Daytona Beach. This lighthouse hosts nearly 200,000 visitors each year and is open seven days a week. As one of the tallest lighthouses in North America, be prepared to climb up dozens of stairs if you choose to tour the tower.
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Located off the coast of Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse is one of Minnesota’s hidden gems. This landmark was constructed in the 1920s to guide sailors on the lake back home and has been open to visitors since. Fun fact: This lighthouse can be seen in the 2013 film The Great Gatsby.
This historic lighthouse can be found in the Chesapeake Bay on the Northeast coast of the U.S. and is one of the most popular lighthouses in Maryland. The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse was built in 1825 and is currently the last remaining unaltered cottage-type lighthouse on its original foundation.
Image by @ carolhortonward (IG)
Head to Lake Michigan to see this beautiful lighthouse, featuring a traditional red and white striped exterior. While this lighthouse was decommissioned in 1935, the White Shoal Lighthouse can still be seen via boat tour.
Image by @ hartscapesphotography (IG)
You won’t want to miss seeing these beautiful landmarks this summer. Book your next trip to Today’s Best Western using Best Western Rewards and begin earning points that never expire, exclusive offers and more.