10 Most Beautiful Lighthouses
in New England

New England’s seafaring heritage is reflected in nearly 200 historic and working lighthouses stretching from Maine to Long Island. A luxury yacht charter in New England offers an exceptional way to experience these iconic coastal landmarks from the water.

From dramatic Atlantic headlands to picturesque harbor entrances, these lighthouses provide a glimpse into the region’s maritime history and some of its most memorable coastal scenery. Explore 10 of the most beautiful lighthouses in New England on your private yacht charter.

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, ME

One of New England’s most iconic lighthouses, Portland Head Light was built in 1791 on the rocky shoreline of Fort Williams Park. Rising just over 80 feet above Casco Bay, it offers sweeping coastal views and a striking perspective from a New England yacht charter.

Explore the lighthouse and former Keepers’ Quarters, home to maritime artifacts, photographs, and local history. Ashore, Fort Williams Park’s Cliff Walk provides panoramic views of the lighthouse and surrounding coast, particularly beautiful in autumn.

Scituate Light, Scituate, MA

Just 25 miles from Boston, Scituate Light combines coastal beauty with maritime history. Built in 1811, the lighthouse and original Keeper’s Quarters form one of the oldest complete lighthouse complexes in the United States. Meticulously restored since the 1990s, it is particularly striking at sunset from the boulder jetty.

Gay Head Light, Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Perched above the dramatic Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head Light is one of three operating lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard. Open seasonally for tours, it is an ideal stop for hiking, coastal views and a walk down to the beach below. Its location also makes it a memorable destination on a New England yacht charter.

Southeast Light, Block Island, RI

Overlooking the 150-foot Mohegan Bluffs, Southeast Light is a distinctive Gothic Revival landmark on Block Island. Threatened by coastal erosion, the lighthouse was relocated 300 feet inland in the early 1990s through a local preservation effort. Below the bluffs, Mohegan Bluffs Beach is another standout destination, reached by a 140-step staircase.

Nauset Light, Eastham, MA

One of Cape Cod’s most recognizable landmarks, Nauset Light is the distinctive red-and-white lighthouse featured on Cape Cod Potato Chips packaging. Built in 1887, it stood in its original location for more than a century before coastal erosion prompted its relocation approximately 350 feet inland in the 1990s. Self-guided tours are available during select open houses throughout the year, making Nauset Light a must-see stop on a Cape Cod yacht charter.

Eastern Point Lighthouse, Gloucester, MA

Set along Cape Ann’s rocky coastline within a wildlife sanctuary, Eastern Point Lighthouse combines maritime history with striking natural scenery. Established in 1832 and now operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, the property includes the historic 1879 Keeper’s Quarters, oil house, garage and fog signal building. The lighthouse also appeared in George Clooney’s The Perfect Storm.

Great Point Light, Nantucket, MA

Also known as Nantucket Light, Great Point Light stands at the island’s northernmost point within the dunes and beachgrass of Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. The original 1817 stone tower was destroyed by a storm in 1984; the current tower, built in 1986, faithfully recreates its design.

Reaching Great Point can be challenging by land, making an ATV tour through the dunes the best option. By yacht, the surrounding coastline provides an exceptional perspective.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Acadia National Park, ME

Perched on a granite cliff above Bass Harbor, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse embodies the classic Maine coastline: rocky shores, pine forests, and expansive skies. Built in 1858, the historic brick lighthouse marks the entrance to Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island and is a popular stop on New England yacht charters.

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Portsmouth, NH

Standing at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is New Hampshire’s only mainland lighthouse. It occupies the site of a Revolutionary War fort and is among the country’s few lighthouses built before the Civil War. Its storied history has even attracted the paranormal investigators of Ghost Hunters.

Petit Manan Light, Petit Manan Island, ME

A short sail from Bar Harbor, Petit Manan Light rises 119 feet above its rocky island setting, making it one of Maine’s tallest and most striking lighthouses. The 19th-century keeper’s quarters and other historic buildings remain on site.

The lighthouse is not open for public tours, so a private yacht charter is one of the best ways to experience it from the water.