The Art of Lighthouse Hunting: A Beginner's Guide
So you've decided to become a lighthouse hunter. Excellent choice. It's a hobby that combines beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and the undeniable satisfaction of checking towers off a list. Welcome to one of the most rewarding - and occasionally windswept - pursuits you'll ever undertake.
Whether you're planning your first lighthouse visit or looking to level up your beacon-chasing game, we've gathered some wisdom from years of coastal adventures. Consider this your field guide to lighthouse hunting.
Timing Is Everything
Here's something nobody tells you: lighthouses look dramatically different depending on when you visit. The same tower that looks postcard-perfect at golden hour can appear somewhat underwhelming under the harsh light of noon. Our advice? Plan for the edges of the day.
Sunrise
Soft light, empty parking lots, and the smug satisfaction of being more dedicated than everyone else
Sunset
Warm golden tones and the chance to see the light switch on - a moment that never stops feeling magical
Misty Days
A lighthouse emerging from fog isn't disappointing weather - that's atmosphere
Research Before You Go
Not all lighthouses are created equal in terms of accessibility. Before you drive three hours to see a tower, do yourself a favor and check:
Many lighthouses have seasonal hours or require advance booking
Some towers welcome visitors, others are strictly look-but-don't-enter
Coastal roads can be narrow, and parking can range from "dedicated lot" to "good luck"
That stunning clifftop lighthouse might require a serious hike
A little preparation prevents a lot of disappointment. Trust us on this one.
Essential Gear
You don't need much to enjoy lighthouse hunting, but a few items make the experience significantly better:
Layers
Coastal weather is notoriously fickle. It can be sunny in town and sideways rain at the lighthouse. Bring more layers than you think you need.
Comfortable Shoes
You'll likely be walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and possibly scrambling over rocks. Leave the flip-flops at home.
Binoculars
For lighthouses you can only admire from a distance, good binoculars are worth their weight in gold. Also useful for spotting wildlife.
A Camera
Your phone might struggle in low light or dramatic weather. If you're serious about capturing these beauties, consider manual controls.
Respect the Space
Here's where we get slightly serious. Many lighthouses are still active aids to navigation. Others are historic sites maintained by dedicated volunteers. Some are private residences. All of them deserve your respect.
⚠️ Please remember
- Stay on marked paths
- Don't climb on structures unless explicitly invited
- Consider contributing to donation boxes - maintenance is expensive
- Never use flash photography near the actual light
Keep a Record
Part of the joy of lighthouse hunting is building your personal collection of visited beacons. Whether you maintain a spreadsheet (we won't judge), a journal (very romantic), or just tick them off here on our index (shameless plug), keeping track adds another layer of satisfaction to the pursuit.
Note the date, the weather, any interesting observations. Years from now, you'll be glad you did.
Start Somewhere
The best lighthouse to visit first is the one closest to you. Seriously. Don't wait for the perfect trip to some famous beacon on the other side of the country. Find your nearest lighthouse, check the conditions, and go. The hobby begins with that first visit.
Once you've caught the bug - and you will catch the bug - there'll be plenty of time to plan pilgrimages to the famous lights of Maine, the rugged towers of Scotland, or the colorful beacons of the Caribbean. But it all starts with one tower, one visit, one moment of standing where countless keepers stood and looking out at the same sea.
Happy hunting. May your skies be dramatic and your parking spots plentiful.
Find your first lighthouse
Use our index to discover lighthouses near you and start your collection.
Browse LighthousesSee you at the light,
The Lighthouse Index Team