US Lighthouse Tours at the Most Beautiful Places in America

One of the truly unique features of the US coastline is the appearance of many lighthouses, both east and west coast bound. These structures, previously used to warn sailors of dangerous cliffs or areas to sail through are now a testament to the history of the country in favor of technology, but certainly, they are still a sight to behold and make for some of the most beautiful places in America. During your glamping getaways in the country, choose U.S. lighthouse tours to make them memorable. It’s also a fantastically convenient reason to make the journey to celebrate National Lighthouse Day on 7th August!

Information about lighthouses in the U.S., coastal vacations & more during National Lighthouse Day!

So why do we use these structures? To give you some more information about lighthouses in the U.S., the reason is that trips across the ocean can be treacherous affairs, and throw in the fact that near to these coastline areas, you’re likely to find some pretty dangerous rock formations, usually hidden just beneath the waves. Add a little sprinkle of less than ideal sailing conditions in the form of storms and strong winds, and you can understand why these guys might need a little bit of help when attempting to chart these waters. Lighthouses usually signal the presence of hazardous areas to avoid or provide guidance through difficult areas.

In recent times, electronic navigational technology has taken pole position in favor of these more expensive relics of the past, but National Lighthouse Day seeks to revitalize interest in these amazing destinations for those who are seeking the best coastal vacations and those who are general enthusiasts for lighthouses. Their striking figure and by virtue of their purpose, you’ll usually find them in some of the best natural areas along the shoreline, which makes them a great destination when you want to enjoy hiking in nature.

Visit Maine lighthouses and enjoy amazing East Coast glamping by the sea with some of the best natural areas

One of the best destinations is right here on the northeastern coast of the country in Maine. Lighthouses total over 65 – peppering the overall coastline of over 3,000 miles, which tells you exactly why these structures were needed in the region. Visit Maine and see all manner of different types of lighthouses when you choose East Coast glamping by the sea.

The oldest lighthouse in the state is at Cape Elizabeth at the Portland Head Lighthouse, originally lit for the first time in 1791, over 200 years ago. Steeped in history in an area originally used for spotting incoming ships from Britain, it was also an important site during the Civil War, and having been ordered for construction by George Washington himself, there’s plenty to learn when it comes to the oldest lighthouse in Maine. This beautiful all-white structure is a magnificent sight along the roaring shores here in Cape Elizabeth.

Another remarkable example is the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, built as a result of a problematic piece of land obstructing the main shipping route into the Portland Harbor. It was completed in 1897 and a breakwater was installed in the 1950s to connect it to the mainland, which allows tourists to come and see it up close and provides an excellent view of the harbor area also. This U.S. lighthouse has it all.

Near the town of York, you will find the Boon Island Light off the shore as a large, grey structure shooting into the sky. The history of this dangerous stretch of ocean is interesting enough, but it took until 1811 before a full lighthouse was installed, just 100 years after the crew of the Nottingham Galley washed ashore and resorted to cannibalism to survive their time on this small outcrop of an island. Whilst you can only view this structure at a distance, it’s a striking sight to see. A visit to any of these incredible options will bring amazing Maine beach getaways to you when you make the journey!

West Coast lighthouses await during your California getaways and Oregon glamping trips!

Those looking to the other side of the U.S. for the best West Coast lighthouses won’t be disappointed either. There’s a deluge of 87 lighthouses to be found up and down this stretch of the coast, which is no surprise considering the markedly less complex nature of the coastline here on the West Coast.

So for your very own California getaways, check out the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, near the town of Pescadero, in the north of the state by San Francisco. As the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast and is situated in a picturesque area, making it a great recommendation for those looking to enjoy the best California lighthouse tours and surrounding area. Finished in 1871, it was named after a ship that wrecked in the area.

The last of our suggestions comes from further north in Oregon at the Heceta Head Lighthouse in Florence. With its signature red roof and cozied into the surrounding mountains, it’s truly a sight to behold for the best US lighthouse options when you make the journey to enjoy the best vacations in Oregon glamping sites.

For more info about lighthouses in your area, and other amazing trivia, check out the United States Lighthouse Society page!