Living in one of the prettiest coastal state of US, Massachusetts; with 47 active lighthouses have you thought about visiting them? This weekend getaway to the coastal towns should be on your bucket list things to do in MA during spring, summer or fall.
The beauty of a lighthouse is it stands tall along the shore; a structural addition to the landscape forming a picturesque sight of the beaches, cliffs and islands.
However, the purpose is to emit light hundreds of nautical miles out; guiding the marine vehicles to navigate the rough waters or provide a warning signal of nearby land forms.
Day 1
Annisquam Lighthouse:
Know More
The Annisquam Lighthouse is a 41 foot tall white and black lantern tower located in Gloucester, MA. It was fully automated in 1974.
How to Reach?
Wingaersheek Beach - Head towards the beach, if you are interested in just a glimpse of the lighthouse and want to enjoy the white sand beach during summer.
Squam Rock Land Trust - The roads to the lighthouse are narrow and surrounded by private residential properties. It took us nearly an hour for a closer look of the lighthouse but the search was totally worth it.
Follow the below instructions for a closer look of the lighthouse or simply click on directions.
Enter the address 35 Walnut St, Gloucester, MA.
Follow the maps till Leonard street and take right onto Walnut street. (DO NOT take the right onto Norwood heights)
You will see a green gate with “Squam Rock Land Trust” (opposite to 35 Walnut St, Gloucester, MA) written on your right with limited parking spots near the gate.
A small hike up the hill through the green pastures and marshy land will lead you to the rocks for a spectacular view of the lighthouse (not wheelchair accessible).
Eastern Point Lighthouse:
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Eastern Point Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse and is a 36 foot tall conical brick tower located in Cape Ann. It is an active lighthouse which was fully automated in 1985 and has an attached 2-story keepers house. The drive to the lighthouse will take you through beautiful homes and private beaches along the coast.
How to Reach?
Click here for directions to the lighthouse (there are signs for private roads but lighthouse visitors are allowed for a $10 entry fees).
To enjoy the best view of the lighthouse walk on the jetty towards the ocean and make sure you wear comfortable shoes for climbing the rocks or to walk along the fence (not wheelchair accessible). One may not be able to walk during high tides.
The jetty is also a popular spot for fishing to the locals. So, if you are a fishing enthusiast then don’t forget to pack your gear.
To capture the lovely lighthouse facing the mighty Atlantic ocean, go around the lighthouse by passing the keepers house.
Fort Pickering (Winter Island) Lighthouse:
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Fort Pickering Light also known as the Winter Island Lighthouse was discontinued by the US coast guard in 1969. It is located inside the Winter Island Park in Salem, MA and is open all year-round.
How to Reach?
In summer there is a parking fee of 15$, except for residents of Salem. Click here for the directions to the park.
Adjacent to the parking lot, you will find a small path that will lead you to gorgeous views of the lighthouse from a height. At the end of the path you will find old and steep steps that will take you closer to the lighthouse.
Ned Point lighthouse:
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Ned’s Lighthouse is a lovely white 39 feet tall stone tower built in 1838. It is currently operational and is used for coastal navigation. It is located on Ned’s Point road in Mattapoisett, MA. Today the lighthouse stands by itself without the keeper’s house. On a clear day it is a perfect location to enjoy the sunset hues.
How to Reach?
Getting to the lighthouse is relatively simple. Click here to get to the directions of the lighthouse. There are ample of free parking spots near the lighthouse.
If you are planning to make this a weekend trip you can stay in the town of Hyannis, we stayed at Americas best value inn. The town is centrally located, connecting all major lighthouses in Cape Cod area. A definite recommendation for the restaurant in this little town would be Tumi, serving delicious peruvian and italian cuisine.
Day 2
Chatham Beach Lighthouse:
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The Chatham Beach lighthouse is located on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Lighthouse beach and the Atlantic Ocean in Chatham, MA. Constructed in 1808, this was the second lighthouse on Cape Cod after the Highland Lighthouse. Initially it was constructed as 40 feet high twin towers, however, one of the towers was moved to Eastham in 1923 and is now called the Nauset Lighthouse.
It offers picturesque views during the dawn or dusk. We enjoyed a serene sunrise along the Chatham beach as the first orange rays lit up the lighthouse.
How to Reach?
Click here to reach the Chatham lighthouse. There are limited parking spots available across the lighthouse and are free only for the first 30 min. This might not be a problem during the sunrise hours.
Stage Harbor Lighthouse:
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Stage Harbor Light is a 48 feet privately owned lighthouse (established in 1880). This lighthouse is now a private residence and has no access to public; yet provides a great sight from the Hardings beach in Chatham, MA.
How to Reach?
One of the best sights of the Stage Harbor Light is from the hardings beach. The 40 min round trip trail starts right near the parking lot at the beach. The trail is partly on the dunes and hence can be challenging without appropriate walking shoes.
Nauset Beach Lighthouse:
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Nauset Beach Lighthouse established in 1923 is a 48 feet high restored lighthouse in Eastham, MA. It was restored using one of the twin towers of the Chatham lighthouse and is characterized by a beautiful red rim on the lighthouse.
How to Reach?
The lighthouse is located across the Nauset Light Beach. For the directions to the lighthouse click here. You can walk across the dedicated parking lot near the beach and will see directions for a quick trail up to the lighthouse.
The beach provides a great location to relax and also serves as a playground for the seals of the Cape. You could spot some seals from the parking area overlooking the beach or you could climb down to the beach to get a closer look of the sea creatures.
Three Sisters Lighthouse:
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The Three Sisters lighthouses are a trio of lighthouses which has travelled a long way before they stand in their current location at Eastham, MA. Along the coast of Nauset, the sailors marveled at these lighthouses as it gave the impression of three beautiful women with white dress and black hats.
How to Reach?
It is located approximately 0.3 miles from the Nauset Lighthouse. You can use the same parking area near the Nauset Light Beach and walk along a trail marked along the Cable Road. You will come across this historic trio of lighthouses at the end of the trail.
Highland Lighthouse:
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Highland Lighthouse is the oldest and tallest brick built light also known as Cape Cod Light. It is the only nautical lighthouse in the cape cod area guiding the fleets in the Atlantic ocean since 1797. It was moved from its original location to 140 meter inland to avoid danger of falling down due to cliff side erosions.
How to reach?
The entry to the lighthouse is a short walk from the parking lot, next to the museum. One of the rare lighthouses in the area where one can access the very top of the light by taking a tour ($6) on selected days between May and October (Tuesdays and Sundays).
Race Point Lighthouse:
Know More
Race Point Lighthouse is a historic, iron plated light; established in 1817 in the Provincetown area of the cape. It is one of the unusual lighthouse which offers accommodations in their keeper’s house or whistle house.
How to reach?
There are three ways to reach the lighthouse.
Opt A: Walk through a 3 mile round trip trail starting at the given location.
Portions of the trail are on marshy land and might be difficult to walk.
As there is no direct access to the lighthouse from this route, we walked until it gets close enough to capture a glimpse of this historic tower standing amidst the grasslands.
Opt B: Walk the sandy Race point beach for about 4 miles round trip starting at the given location.
Opt C: Drive your own vehicle through the semi-paved road starting at the location. The drive requires ORV permit which can be pre-obtained at the National Park Service Ranger station.
Driving through these lighthouses will certainly provide you an experience of discovering unknown lands and coastal towns just minutes away from the hustle of the city.
Print this one pager to take along on your next trip to the MA Lighthouses.
~ Nomadic Traveler ~
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