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Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for sand, sun and fun! And while it’s the beach completely tubular on a warm summer day, there’s something else about the water your kids will enjoy: a visit to a local lighthouse!
You can get up close to a local lighthouse, or view some from afar on an exciting boat ride or guided tour. The New York metropolitan area is home to many lighthouses – more than 35 – all of which have guided ships and vessels into New York Harbor and the surrounding waterways for centuries. As cool as they are to look at, our local lighthouses all resonate with a deep history that goes beyond their unique architecture and beautiful engineering. This applies to lighthouses in NYC and around the world.
“They were crucial to building the world’s economy because they served to ensure the safe passage of sailors and their cargo,” said Linda Dianto, executive director of the National Lighthouse Museumlocated at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, Saint George. “Lighthouses are icons in our country, many of which are located in some of the most beautiful locations along our waterways. The history of the lighthouse must be preserved for generations to come.”
Although many lighthouses no longer exist, many are still in use. Browse this list of 10 historic lighthouses in NYC and nearby that families can visit or view from a ferry or tour boat, and prepare for a summer of learning and family fun!
Lighthouses in NYC and nearby
The statue of Liberty
WHERE IS IT? freedom island
HOW TO GET THERE: Book a boat trip on Statue City Cruises or call 877-523-9849.
Let’s start with the most famous lighthouse of them all: the Statue of Liberty. This beautiful monument was a gift of friendship from the French people to the United States. Made of copper, it was inaugurated on October 28, 1886 and declared a National Monument in 1924. Today you can visit the statue’s base, which has 215 steps, or about 10 stories, to the top. A visit to Liberty Island is a classic NYC way to spend a summer day with the family!
Titanic Memorial Lighthouse
WHERE IS IT? South Street Seaport Historic Seaport District; Fulton and Pearl streets
HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get there is with the Staten Island Ferry. It is a 15-minute walk from Whitehall Ferry Terminal.
This beautiful lighthouse is a memorial to the passengers, officers and crew of the RMS Titanic who died when the ship sank on April 15, 1912 after colliding with an iceberg en route to New York City. Placed on the roof of the Seamen’s Church Institute, it was officially dedicated in 1913. Although it served as a memorial, it also had a practical use. The distinctive green light could be seen by ships up to 10 miles away. When the Seamen’s Church Institute moved, the old building, along with the lighthouse, was about to be demolished. Fortunately, it was donated to the Seaport Museum and built in its current location in May 1976. Today, people can stop by to reflect on the tragedy of the Titanic and reflect on the more than 1,500 people who lost their lives that fateful day.
Robbins Reef Lighthouse
WHERE IS IT? Located between the North Shore of Staten Island and the Statue of Liberty.
HOW TO GET THERE: Although the lighthouse is not open to visitors, you can see it during the Staten Island Ferry ride.
Staten Island’s Noble Maritime Collection owns this adorable “spark plug” lighthouse that you can see from the Staten Island Ferry. Kate Walker was the lighthouse keeper here for 33 years. The museum is working on restoring the lighthouse and hopes to one day open it to visitors. In the meantime, at the museum, located in Snug Harbor, you can view a beautiful exhibit dedicated to the Robbins Reef Lighthouse and discover its fascinating history!
The little red lighthouse
WHERE IS IT? Fort Washington Park, Manhattan. Under the George Washington Bridge
HOW TO GET THERE: Head to Fort Washington Park along Manhattan’s West Side. Access is via the Hudson River Greenway, a waterfront walking and biking path.
This adorable lighthouse was built in 1921 as a navigational aid for ships on the Hudson River. When the George Washington Bridge opened in 1931, the bridge’s brighter lights made the lighthouse unnecessary. The U.S. Coast Guard planned to auction the lighthouse, but an outpouring of support saved it. The heartwarming children’s book, The little red lighthouse and the big gray bridge, tells the story of how there is still a place in the world for an old lighthouse, and it resonates with an inspiring message of perseverance for readers of all ages. Today, The Little Red Lighthouse is owned by the NYC Parks Dept. and it is a great place to visit. Although backcountry tours are limited, there is still plenty to do in Fort Washington Park for an afternoon of fun.
Fort Wadsworth Lighthouse
WHERE IS IT? Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island
HOW TO GET THERE: Directions can be found here.
Visitors to the Fort Wadsworth Lighthouse enjoy great views of New York Harbor. It was built in 1903 and sits atop Fort Wadsworth’s Battery Weed (another interesting structure). Similar to the story of the Little Red Lighthouse, the Fort Wadsworth Light became obsolete after the Verrazano Narrows Bridge opened in 1965. Years passed and it was abandoned. A restoration led by Staten Island resident Joe Esposito ultimately saved the lighthouse. Today the lighthouse is not open to the public, but visitors can admire its beauty from the outside.
Staten Island Rear Range Lighthouse
WHERE IS IT? Lighthouse Hill, Staten Island
This 30 meter high tower is located on Richmond Hill, at a point 45 meters above sea level. It is a beautiful part of Staten Island’s history. Although it is not normally open to visitors, it is still great to know that this beautiful lighthouse on Staten Island exists.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
WHERE IS IT? Fort Hancock, NJ
HOW TO GET THERE: You can drive or take NJ Transit. Sea stripe also offers visitors a high-speed ferry to Sandy Hook from Manhattan.
This National Historic Landmark is owned by the National Park Service. The New Jersey Lighthouse Society is a partner. The lighthouse is one of the many things you can visit in Sandy Hook. After touring the lighthouse, families can enjoy a picnic on the beach, take a walk around Fort Hancock, and enjoy many other recreational activities in the area.
Fire Island Lighthouse
WHERE IS IT? Robert Moses Causeway, Suffolk County, NY
HOW TO GET THERE: You can take a ferry from Bay Shore to Kismet. You can also drive to Robert Moses State Park.
The Fire Island Lighthouse is owned by the National Park Service and, at 165 feet, is the tallest lighthouse on Long Island. It’s so high that you can even see the New York skyline in the distance! The lighthouse is open daily and guided tours are usually available.
Montauk Point Lighthouse
WHERE IS IT? 2000 Montauk Hwy., Suffolk County, NY
HOW TO GET THERE: aaccessible by car via Long Island Expressway; Long Island Railroad; and Hampton Jitney.
Plan a summer weekend of fun at Montauk Point, located on the east side of Long Island. Not only will you see the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse, a beloved icon of Long Island, but you can also enjoy many other family-friendly activities. Explore Montauk State Park, stay at one of the many waterfront hotels, eat at fine seafood restaurants and do more in this popular New York vacation destination.
The Lighthouse Hunt on Great Staten Island
WHERE IS IT? Two starting points to choose from: Conference House Park, 298 Satterlee St; National Lighthouse Museum, 200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point
HOW TO GET THERE: This is a car, bicycle or motorcycle tour.
Want to see a whole bunch of lighthouses on one trip? Participate in the Great Staten Island Lighthouse Hunt, hosted by the National Lighthouse Museum! Follow a map and see lighthouses right from your car!
This article has been updated as of 2022.
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