If you’re looking for ways to change up your walk, consider taking it up—up the steps of a lighthouse, that is! Whether along the coast or lakeside, lighthouses dot the landscape offering unmatched views of our country’s natural beauty. To give you a little inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of fourteen lighthouses from sea to shining sea that you may want to add to your bucket list. Don’t let our list be the only light to guide you, though. Keep a lookout for numerous more with history and stories to keep you stepping up your walks.
Pensacola Lighthouse: Built in 1859, this historic lighthouse in Pensacola, FL features 177 steps and offers breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast. You may even have the best view if the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are running practice flights!
Oak Island Lighthouse: Take a tour to the top of this 131-step lighthouse in Oak Island, NC. The climb is a series of steep ships ladders that provides a challenging climb, but well-worth-it views from the top.
St. Simons Lighthouse: If you’re on St. Simons Island, part of the Golden Isles in Georgia, you’ll want to climb the 129 steps to take in the panoramic views of the coastline, Jekyll Island, and Brunksick.
St. Augustine Lighthouse: Florida is home to many lighthouses including this one on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. Standing 165 feet above sea level, you can climb the 219 steps for fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Matanzas Bay, and the city of St. Augustine.
Cape May Lighthouse: The southernmost lighthouse in New Jersey, Cape May will have you climbing 199 steps to the top for picturesque views of the Delaware Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and the landscape and trails in the state park.
Bodie Island Lighthouse: When visiting the Outer Banks, check out this black-and-white-striped lighthouse in Nags Head, NC, boasting 214 steps to the top and rewarding visitors with beautiful sights of the surrounding marshlands, forests, and Atlantic Ocean.
Currituck Lighthouse: This gorgeous, red brick lighthouse is quite the climb at 220 steps to the top. Located in Corolla, NC, visitors will take in majestic views of the North Carolina coastline.
Summersville Lake Lighthouse: You don’t need to be oceanside to climb this lighthouse. Overlooking Summersville Lake in Mount Nebo, WV, visitors can climb 122 steps to get 360-degree views to take in the lake and the Gauley River National Recreation Area.
Fire Island Lighthouse: This lighthouse, located on Long Island, is the tallest on the island and counts 182 steps to the top where you can view the New York City skyline.
Montauk Point Lighthouse: Staying on Long Island but going to the very tip on the eastern side, this is the first lighthouse in New York State. Constructed in 1796, it has 137 iron steps leading you to the top and you certainly won’t be disappointed by the views as they are just stunning.
Dunkirk Lighthouse: For a splendid view of Lake Erie, climb the 55 steps to the top of this lighthouse in Dunkirk, NY. Top off your visit with a walk around the property including military artifacts and a tour of the restored 1800 lightkeeper’s home.
Point Reyes Lighthouse: To get to this lighthouse in northern California, you’ll have to descend 313 steps from the observation deck, but the views all around are simply spectacular! You might even be able to catch a glimpse of whales, birds or sea lions while on your journey.
Heceta Head Lighthouse: This Oregon lighthouse may only be 58 steps to the top, but you can’t beat the views and history all along the grounds. In fact, if you stay at the renovated duplex that used to house two assistant light keepers, you may sense the scent of flowers as it is alleged to be haunted by a woman named Rue.
New Dungeness Light Station: Located in Sequim, WA, 74 steps take you to the top of the lighthouse offering a panoramic view of the Spit and Refuge and Strait of Juan de Fuca, as well as Canada. But to get there, you’ll need to be prepared for a 5-mile hike through sand and rocks!
And when you’re done with your climb, take a walk around the grounds as the view looking up is almost as great as the view looking down.
More lighthouses to consider:
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (Buxton, NC)
Jupiter Lighthouse (Jupiter, FL)
Tybee Island Lighthouse (Tybee Island, GA)
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse (Ponce Inlet, FL)
Cape Lookout Lighthouse (Harkers Island, NC)
Old Baldy Lighthouse (Bald Head Island, NC)
Highland Lighthouse (Truro, MA)
Nauset Light (Eastham, MA)
Big Sable Point Lighthouse (Ludington, MI)
Ocracoke Lighthouse (Ocracoke, NC)
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse (Lubec, ME)
Big Bay Point Light Station (Big Bay, MI)
Cape Henry Lighthouse (Virginia Beach, VA)
Gay Head Lighthouse (Aquinnah, MA)
Rose Island Lighthouse (Newport, RI)
Boston Light (Little Brewster Island, MA)
Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 (Boston, MA)
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