10 Historic Lighthouse Getaways You Can Actually Stay In
Ever dreamed of falling asleep to ocean waves and waking up inside a piece of coastal history? Across the U.S. and beyond, a surprising number of historic lighthouses now offer overnight stays. These unique getaways blend maritime charm, rich history, and scenic views, all with the cozy seclusion of a bygone era. Whether you’re seeking remote islands, cliffside cottages, or rustic seaside towers, these 10 historic lighthouse stays promise unforgettable experiences. Here’s where you can book a night and live like a lighthouse keeper.
Race Point Light Station, Massachusetts
Located at the tip of Cape Cod in Provincetown, Race Point Light Station is a beautifully restored 19th-century lighthouse offering overnight stays in both the Keeper’s House and Whistle House. Accessible via a sandy dune road or shuttle, this remote spot offers unmatched seclusion with sweeping views of the Atlantic. Guests can watch the sunset over the water, stargaze without light pollution, and even spot seals along the shore, all while immersed in maritime history.
East Brother Light Station, California
This 1873 lighthouse rests on a rocky island between San Francisco and San Pablo Bays. The East Brother Light Station is a fully operational bed and breakfast where guests enjoy Victorian furnishings, a gourmet four-course dinner, and panoramic coastal views. Accessed by boat, it feels like stepping back in time, yet luxury surrounds you. Enjoy champagne on arrival, cozy up in vintage-styled rooms, and soak in the maritime atmosphere of one of California’s last remaining light stations.
Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine
Perched dramatically along the rocky cliffs of Cape Elizabeth, Portland Head Lighthouse is one of the oldest and most iconic lighthouses in the United States. While you can’t stay in the lighthouse itself, nearby accommodations like the historic Inn by the Sea offer oceanfront luxury just minutes away. Wake up to sweeping Atlantic views, explore Fort Williams Park, and enjoy sunset strolls along the coast. It’s the perfect base for couples seeking maritime charm and Maine’s rugged coastal beauty.
Point Arena Lighthouse, California
Perched on a rugged bluff along California’s Mendocino Coast, Point Arena Lighthouse is one of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast. The restored light station offers unique accommodations in former keeper’s houses, just steps from the dramatic Pacific shoreline. Guests can climb the 115-foot tower for sweeping ocean views, explore nearby coastal trails, or enjoy whale watching in season. With crashing waves and star-filled skies, it’s an unforgettable retreat on the edge of the continent.
Saugerties Lighthouse, New York
Located on the Hudson River, Saugerties Lighthouse dates back to 1869 and blends rustic charm with scenic tranquility. The red-brick structure is only accessible by a half-mile nature trail or private boat, making it feel like a true escape. Inside, two bedrooms, vintage decor, and a working light tower offer guests a cozy riverside stay. Enjoy sweeping views of the Catskills, take in a sunset from the deck, or curl up with a book by the fire. Breakfast is served each morning.
Big Bay Point Lighthouse, Michigan
Overlooking Lake Superior’s dramatic shoreline, Big Bay Point Lighthouse is a red-brick beauty now operating as a bed and breakfast. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1896 landmark offers bright guest rooms, lake views, and access to nature trails. In the morning, guests are treated to a hearty breakfast. Come for the solitude, stay for the lighthouses’ rich history and stunning vistas. It’s one of the few remaining lighthouses in the U.S. where the beacon still shines.
New Dungeness Lighthouse, Washington
At the end of the Dungeness Spit near Sequim, this 1857 lighthouse is still active, and you can stay as a volunteer keeper. Through the Keeper Program, guests commit to a week-long stay, helping maintain the lighthouse and greeting daytime visitors. Accommodations are cozy but basic, with priceless views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s a chance to unplug, reconnect with history, and take in Washington’s coastal beauty in a truly immersive way unlike any hotel stay.
Mission Point Lighthouse, Michigan
Set at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula, this 1870 lighthouse once guided vessels through Grand Traverse Bay. Today, visitors can volunteer as keepers, staying in the restored cottage while overseeing daily operations. Nearby cherry orchards, wineries, and lakeside trails make it an appealing seasonal escape. Climb the tower for incredible views, explore the on-site museum, or relax in the peaceful natural setting. This hands-on experience lets guests step into the shoes of a real lighthouse keeper.
Cove Point Lighthouse, Maryland
This Chesapeake Bay icon, built in 1828, now hosts overnight guests in a beautifully restored keeper’s house split into two units. Sleeping up to 16, the space blends heritage details, like pine flooring and cast iron radiators, with modern comforts including full kitchens, Wi-Fi, and climate control. From May to September, public tours are offered, but guests can enjoy private waterfront views, starry nights, and the quiet magic of Maryland’s oldest operating lighthouse year-round.
Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon
Heceta Head, perched on a cliff in Yachats, Oregon, is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the U.S., and you can spend the night right next to it. The adjacent keeper’s home, dating to 1894, now operates as a cozy B&B with vintage decor, ocean views, and tales of a resident ghost. A seven-course breakfast, hiking trails, and the chance to spot whales from the bluff make this a truly romantic and adventurous retreat on the rugged Pacific coast.
