We’re all about scenic escapes this summer, whether it’s taking a little day trip out of the city or spending a weekend trip away somewhere incredible! If you’re looking for something a little more charming and picturesque to plan a trip around, try seeking out the timeless beauty of the region’s beautiful lighthouses.
The coastal landmarks are chalk full of stunning views, rich history, and serene settings…making it the perfect place for any history buff, nature lover, or adventurer. From lighthouses right here in NYC to some just a few hours away, bookmark these breathtaking and historical lighthouses to check off your bucket list this summer.
1. Montauk Point Lighthouse
Travel all the way out to the eastern most part of Long Island to visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse, a world-famous landmark. Commissioned by President George Washington in 1792, the lighthouse proudly still stands at New York State’s oldest and the fourth-oldest working lighthouse in the nation.
It sits beautifully perched on a hill, offering stunning 360° views over the Block Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can tour the lighthouse starting at just $15 and there’s even an accompanying Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum where you can dive into over 200 years of Long Island’s maritime history. Learn more about the Montauk Point Lighthouse here.
Distance from NYC: 3 hours
2. Fire Island Lighthouse
Dating all the way back to 1858, the Fire Island Lighthouse continues to stand as one of the most legacied lighthouses out East. It served as an important maritime landmark for transatlantic ships coming into New York Harbor at the turn of the last century and was a welcoming eye catcher for many European immigrants. Over the years the lighthouse has seen many changes and renovations, with the present day-mark of alternating black and white bands datings all the way back to August 1891.
Visitors can climb up its 182 steps all year round, taking in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Fire Island, and the Great South Bay as well as plenty of events, educational programs, and seasonal activities. Learn more about the Fire Island Lighthouse here.
Distance from NYC: 2 hours 15 minutes
3. Huntington Harbor Lighthouse
The Huntington Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1912, just years after replacing a previous edition which helped ships navigate Lloyd Harbor amongst the sometimes treacherous Long Island Sound. The unique lighthouse sits in the middle of a tiny island, looking almost like a castle made out of concrete rather than a traditional tall, cylindrical lighthouse.
Since it’s on an island, you’ll only be able to visit the lighthouse via a tour which runs on select Sundays throughout the 2024 summer. They also host events too, like the annual music festival “Lighthouse Music Fest,” which raises funds for its preservation. Learn more about Huntington Lighthouse here.
Distance from NYC: 1 hour 30 minutes
4. Hudson-Athens Lighthouse
Head north between the towns of Hudson and Athens to find this marvelous lighthouse, which was built back in 1874. The cute little brick lighthouse on the island was intended to help ships navigate the Middle Ground Flats, a hazardous sandbar in the Hudson River. Now under the watchful eye of The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society, visitors can take a tour (via boat) of the lighthouse on select Saturdays from July – October.
We truly can’t get over its Second Empire style, which includes the picturesque washed bricks, mansard roof, and massive dormer windows. Learn more about the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse here!
Distance from NYC: 2 hours 30 minutes
5. The Little Red Lighthouse
The Little Red Lighthouse is one of the few lighthouses that are actually in the NYC confines! It actually gets its nickname from Hildegarde H. Swift’s 1942 children’s classic, “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge” and you can find it under the George Washington Bridge in Fort Washington Park.
It of course offers views of the river, the George Washington Bridge, and the New Jersey shoreline…and visitors can climb the long, iron staircase to the observation deck and view the bridge and water. It’s a great spot to bring a kid as well, where you can literally read the story of the lighthouse to them at the exact spot. Learn more about it here!
Distance from NYC: 20 minutes
6. Stepping Stone Lighthouse
This Victorian-style lighthouse on the Long Island Sound is very beautiful and dates all the way back to 1877. It’s been a member of the National Register of Historic Places since 2005 (and for good reason) and it continues to operate as an active United States Coast Guard lighthouse today. Since this is the case you unfortunately can’t tour the lighthouse, but you can probably grab a glance of it from a distance.
Distance from NYC: 1 hour 30 minutes
7. Saugerties Lighthouse
Not only is the Saugerties Lighthouse a renowned landmark beacon on the Hudson River, but it’s also a museum and Bed and Breakfast! The jaw-dropping brick lighthouse originated in 1869 as a way to guide river traffic and mark the entrance to the Esopus Creek, and now is a full-blown attraction. Guests can get incredible views of the Hudson River, see the lighthouse keeper’s quarters (with period furnishings and artifacts), and even stay overnight in the historic lighthouse. Learn more about the Saugerties Lighthouse here!
It’s truly the Upstate New York getaway you’ve been dreaming about.
Distance from NYC: 2 hours 30 minutes
8. Execution Rocks Lighthouse
One of the more eery yet fascinating lighthouses on this list, Execution Rocks Lighthouse got its name from colonial times when British authorities executed pirates and other criminals by chaining them to the rocks at low tide, leaving them to drown as the tide rose. Its daunting location amongst jagged rocks and an island make it unique in that it has some story and a creepy history behind it. Although it’s not accessible to tour (unless you drive by via boat), locals will tell you that all sorts of ghost folklore and stories get told about this lighthouse.
Distance from NYC: 2 hours
9. Blackwell Island Lighthouse
Blackwell Island Lighthouse is also known to many as Roosevelt Island Lighthouse since it sits on the northern tip of the island. The 50 foot lighthouse takes form in Gothic Revival style, constructed of eye-catching gray gneiss rocks. In terms of function, it’s been helping guide ships along the East River since 1872, and now you can explore the lighthouse grounds year-round free of charge. Learn more about the Blackwell Island Lighthouse here!
Distance from NYC: 40 minutes
10. Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Last but not least our list is Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. Built in 1764, Sandy Hook Lighthouse has been guiding ships safely into New York Harbor for over 250 years. It played a crucial role during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, serving as a strategic point for both British and American forces…and today it continues to function and even has a visitor center with historical exhibits and guided tours. Learn more about the Sandy Hook Lighthouse here!
Distance from NYC: 1 hour 30 minutes