For old-world maritime glamour, there’s really nothing that can beat a beautiful lighthouse. Knowing that these towers on the shore did their best to cast light over a dark ocean, warning ships of rocks ahead, feels mysterious and compelling. Back before even telegraphs existed, the sole way to communicate with a ship at night to warn it of danger was the beam that radiated from the lighthouse lantern. When you read lighthouse descriptions, you’ll often hear mention of a Fresnel lens, an 1822 invention of Augustin Fresnel. This lens used glass panels with an etched bullseye refracting light horizontally and vertically, making for a dramatically stronger beam of light.
You can visit each of the lighthouses on this list, which eliminates some forites like the Nubble Lighthouse in Maine or the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in North Carolina, which is closed until 2026. You’ll climb an often harrowing circular staircase in the tower to get to the light source—and an incredible panorama of water and land below. Many will offer special events on International Lighthouse Day, August 17, so check their calendar listings. Some of the coolest lighthouses listed here are still on active duty protecting ships—and you might even be able to spend the night and tend the light.