Nantucket is home to three iconic lighthouses, each with its own history, charm, and scenic surroundings. These historic beacons once guided mariners through the island’s foggy shores and remain cherished landmarks today.
Location: Just outside Nantucket Harbor, near the ferry terminal
Year Established: Originally built in 1746 (current structure dates to 1901)
Brant Point Lighthouse is the most well-known and most photographed lighthouse on the island. It’s the second oldest lighthouse station in the U.S., and though it’s the shortest lighthouse in New England, its charm and location make it iconic. It welcomes visitors arriving by ferry and is a popular spot for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Highlights: Easily accessible, great photo opportunities, rich maritime history.
Location: Siasconset (’Sconset), on the island’s eastern bluff
Year Established: 1850 (relocated in 2007 due to erosion)
Sankaty Head Lighthouse stands tall atop the cliffs near the quaint village of ’Sconset. Known for its red and white bands, this lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. It was one of the first lighthouses in the U.S. to receive a Fresnel lens. The surrounding bluff paths make it a scenic and peaceful spot for walking and photography.
Highlights: Bluff views, historic lens, picturesque walking trails.
Location: Northern tip of Nantucket, accessible via Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge
Year Established: Originally built in 1784 (rebuilt in 1986 after storm damage)
This remote lighthouse sits at the northeastern tip of the island and requires a 4×4 vehicle to reach through the sandy dunes of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Great Point Lighthouse marks the dangerous shoals at the island’s edge and offers a wild, rugged beauty. Along the way, visitors may spot seals, birds, and other wildlife.
Highlights: Off-road adventure, wildlife viewing, peaceful isolation.