You Can Spend the Night Inside These 13 Lighthouses

At the Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast in Yachats, Oregon, travelers can extend their visit by booking an overnight stay in one of the original Light Keeper’s home’s six cozy, vintage-decorated rooms. This historic property dates back to 1894 (the lighthouse operated into the 1960s) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s perched on a cliff boasting a stunning view of the beach and the ocean below, and the lighthouse is said to be one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. Included in the stay, visitors will even enjoy a seven-course breakfast, and those seeking an exceptionally “spirited” stay will be happy to hear there are rumors the grounds are haunted. 

After journeying 17 miles outside of the city through roadways lined with scenic cherry orchards and vineyards, travelers will revel at the historic Mission Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1870 when its primary function was guiding ships through Grand Traverse Bay’s unpredictable waters. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy sweeping sights from the observation deck and stop into the keeper’s house, which features a museum showcasing a collection of historical artifacts. Those who want to fully immerse themselves in the lighthouse keeper experience can apply for the Mission Point’s Lighthouse Keeper Program and act as a real-life lighthouse keeper for a week (and contribute to preserving this valuable site). Participants will give their time and volunteer to oversee day-to-day operational tasks on-site in exchange for the chance to stay in the keeper’s quarters.

For more than a century, the 1873 Lighthouse of Haig Point has stood tall on the landscape of Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, acting as a landmark across the Calibogue Sound from Hilton Head Island. The lighthouse operated until the 1930s, guiding ships around treacherous waters. Even though there have always been ongoing rumors the property is haunted, those brave enough to test the supernatural firsthand can spend a night on-site at this resorted property. Four people at a time can enjoy these accommodations sitting right on the shores. Admire the lighthouse’s imposing 40-foot tower, cozy fireplace, and clawfoot bathtub. Spend time on the porch, which is dotted with rocking chairs and boasts stunning water views (be sure to look out for the local dolphins!).

Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay boasts numerous historic lighthouses to explore, but there’s one special spot where the keeper’s house is still active and open for guests to rent. Cove Point Lighthouse, which dates back to 1828, has been fully renovated into two rental units that sleep up to 16 guests and preserve its heritage within the original pine flooring, deep window sills, and cast iron heaters while upgrading its amenities to modern times including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and full bathrooms. Even though the keeper’s duties officially ended in 1986 when the post became automated, today, the grounds and Visitors Center is open to the public from May through September on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In Saugerties, New York, on the Esopus Creek, the Hudson Valley, travelers can spend a night in a boat-accessible, picturesque, converted red brick Saugerties Lighthouse which dates back to 1869. The historical light tower is still functioning today and at the top of the tower, guests can see awesome views of the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains. Visitors can stay at the on-site Bed & Breakfast (daily breakfast is included with an overnight stay) and appreciate the rustic, authentic atmosphere and 20th-century decor in the house’s parlor, kitchen, keepers’ quarters, and two bedrooms. It feels like a quaint retreat to gain peace and quiet outside the city.

In Sitka, Alaska, visitors can spend a night at the recently remodeled and secluded Sitka Lighthouse and enjoy an exceptionally unique experience just a quick, five-minute water taxi ride from Sitka’s Crescent Harbor. The lighthouse dates back to 1983 and has since been officially registered with the Coast Guard, acting as a beacon for guiding ships. Guests can explore the land of the one-acre private island or use the boat included with each stay to travel into town and beyond the island. The property features wrap-around decks showcasing the panoramic views of Sitka Sound, which means the chance to spot some unique wildlife. Outside, visitors can enjoy the hot tub, fire pit, and barbecue area. Inside, there’s a chef’s kitchen, one and a half bathrooms, and two bedrooms.

There are numerous lighthouses to visit and even spend a night on-site in Maine, but the charming Little River Lighthouse, which dates back to 1988 and sits on its own 15-acre island and has been completely revamped to feel like a historic but modern getaway. The property is tucked away from the chaos of city life, overlooking the Bay of Fundy from its perch, making for a secluded and relaxing stay. Those who visit should be sure to retrace the lighthouse keeper’s steps by climbing to the top of the lighthouse and admiring the views. The property is open to overnight guests from June 1 to September 30.

In Marquette, Michigan, travelers can book a night at the Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast for a special experience in one of America’s few surviving resident lighthouses. The secluded lighthouse on the National Register of Historic Places has become automated since its heyday but still helps mariners who rely on its flashing light avoid the coast’s rocky coastline. Those who spend the night in one of the guest rooms can revel in the nostalgia of a simpler time while enjoying the views from the property’s perch on the cliff overlooking Lake Superior. Guests can even look forward to a tasty hot meal in the morning included as part of their overnight experience.

Near Sequim, Washington, at the end of the Dungeness Spit, the New Dungeness Lighthouse dates back to 1857, looking over the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Those who want to spend a night at this spectacular, remote location can sign up to volunteer for their Lighthouse Keepers Program, which gives guests a chance to stay for a week and work as a volunteer lighthouse keeper giving tours, managing the upkeep of the property, and taking care of other miscellaneous tasks around the lighthouse. It’s the ultimate opportunity to become immersed in the region’s history, become educated on a lighthouse keeper’s duties, and enjoy unparalleled opportunities to encounter wildlife while making a difference in the community.

The 148-year-old East Brother Light Station is just 30 minutes from downtown San Francisco but feels like traveling into a different era as it’s one of California’s last remaining Victorian-style lighthouses. The building sits atop a tiny island in the waters separating San Francisco from the San Pablo Bays, boasting stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the coast. The property seems like a living history museum and features five warm and welcoming luxurious rooms for a night. An overnight stay even includes champagne and hors d’oeuvres upon arrival, a four-course dinner with wine, and a full gourmet breakfast using seasonal ingredients made from scratch. It’s an elegant way to reconnect with the past while getting pampered.

Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast in the charming town of Two Harbors offers guests awesome views of Lake Superior from its perch on Agate Bay and multiple cozy accommodations to spend the night. It’s Minnesota’s oldest, continuously operating lighthouse on the North Shore, and today inspires visitors to connect with nature since it’s a modern “Wi-Fi Free Zone” lakeside retreat. But guests don’t have to worry about being bored even though there’s no internet—the board games and books offer plenty of fun entertainment sans screens and make for a more relaxing, old-fashioned getaway. Guests can choose between the three-room Keeper’s Quarters suite or the Skiff House, a traditional cottage with a private jacuzzi. There’s even a complimentary plated breakfast in the dining room in the morning.

In Cape Cod, the first lighthouse that often comes to mind is Race Point Light Station in Provincetown on the northernmost tip of Cape Cod (where travelers can also spend the night). But for those who don’t want to drive too far up the peninsula, there’s also Wings Neck Lighthouse in Pocasset, Massachusetts which is much closer to the eastern end of The Cape. Here, travelers can spend a night at the charmingly rustic but updated and renovated three-bedroom keeper’s house of this former U.S. Coast Guard Lighthouse, which features awesome views of the Atlantic from its perch jutting out into Buzzards Bay. Another unique thing about this property is that it faces West, which means guests enjoy the rare chance to catch a sunset over the water. 

The peaceful, 115-foot seaside Pigeon Point Light Station sits about 50 miles south of San Francisco and dates way back to 1872. It’s one of the tallest lighthouses in America. Today, visitors can experience the chance to spend the night in one of the four houses that were originally used by the lighthouse keepers, which have since been turned into the HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel. Guests can book a shared dormitory-style room or a private room and even inquire about full vacation-rental-style accommodations. The property is a dark sky preserve (meaning excellent stargazing!), and there are miles upon miles of hiking trails on-site and opportunities to become fully immersed in nature while visiting.