Lighthouse Adventures in New England: Celebrating National Lighthouse Day
Lighthouse Adventures in New England: Celebrating National Lighthouse Day
On August 7th, we celebrate National Lighthouse Day, commemorating the 1789 act of Congress that established support for lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and public piers. For centuries, lighthouses have symbolized safety and guidance, standing tall along our coasts to help mariners navigate safely through fog, storms, and darkness. In New England we are lucky to be home to an abundance of coastline filled with unique lighthouses.
New England is home to nearly 200 lighthouses, each with its own history and charm. At Northbridge, many of our communities are located along New England’s scenic coastline, offering residents and families the opportunity to explore, visit, and appreciate these iconic landmarks.
Lighthouses Near Northbridge Communities
Whether you’re a lighthouse enthusiast or simply love a coastal view, here are some lighthouses near our Northbridge communities:
Brunswick, Maine – home to Avita of Brunswick and Sunnybrook
Doubling Point Light – Arrowsic, ME
Squirrel Point Light – Arrowsic, ME
Perkins Island Light – Georgetown, ME
Pond Island Light – Phippsburg, ME
Seguin Light – Phippsburg, ME
Portland, Maine – home to The Landing at Cape Elizabeth, Stroudwater Lodge, and Avita of Stroudwater
Portland Head Light – Cape Elizabeth, ME
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse – South Portland, ME
Bug Light Park (Portland Breakwater Light) – South Portland, ME
Southern Maine – home to The Landing at Saco Bay and Avita of Wells
Goat Island Lighthouse – Kennebunkport, ME
Wood Island Light – Biddeford, ME
Nubble Light (Cape Neddick Light Station) – York, ME
Boon Island Light – York, ME
Whaleback Light (Observation Point) – Kittery, ME
Northern Massachusetts – home to The Mariner Marblehead and Avita of Newburyport
Plum Island Lighthouse – Newburyport, MA
Ten Pound Island Lighthouse – Gloucester, MA
Bakers Island Light Station – Salem, MA
Marblehead Lighthouse – Marblehead, MA – Fun Fact: This is the only cast-iron skeletal lighthouse tower in New England!
South of Boston – home to Laurelwood at The Pinehills, Stafford Hill, and Laurentide at Mashpee Commons
Boston Light – Hull, MA
Deer Island Light – Boston, MA
Race Point Lighthouse – Provincetown, MA
Nobska Lighthouse – Falmouth, MA
Old Scituate Lighthouse – Scituate, MA
Nauset Lighthouse – Eastham, MA
South Coast Massachusetts – home to Autumn Glen at Dartmouth
Neds Point Lighthouse – Mattapoisett, MA
Borden Flats Lighthouse – Fall River, MA
Butler Flats Lighthouse – New Bedford, MA
These are just a few highlights from the many lighthouses that dot the New England coastline. Like much of our region, these structures are steeped in rich history. Here’s a deeper dive into a few special ones:
Featured Lighthouses & Their Stories
Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, ME
Located in Fort Williams Park, which offers hiking, picnic areas, and historic structures.
The lighthouse is open to the public once a year during Maine Open Lighthouse Day – this year on September 13, 2025.
The Town of Cape Elizabeth maintains the property, while the U.S. Coast Guard operates the light and fog signal.
Nubble Light, York, ME
Officially the Cape Neddick Light Station, affectionately known as Nubble Light.
The last lighthouse in North America to be automated, in 1987.
Home to over 30 lighthouse keepers from 1879–1987.
Though the grounds are not open to the public, the site remains a favorite for scenic views and photographs.
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Portsmouth, NH
Located on the Piscataqua River, New Hampshire’s only deep-water port.
First established in 1771, making it the first light station north of Boston in the American colonies.
Maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard and cared for by the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, part of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
Emits a fixed green light and offers seasonal tours.
Race Point Lighthouse, Provincetown, MA
The third lighthouse on Cape Cod, located near shifting sands and strong currents known as “the Race.”
Offers tours, beach access, and even overnight stays in the keeper’s house.
Open for tours on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of June through September.
Old Scituate Lighthouse, Scituate, MA
The 11th lighthouse built in the United States.
Played a notable role in the War of 1812. Sisters Rebecca and Abigail Bates used a fife and drum to scare off an approaching British warship—earning them the nickname “The American Army of Two.”
Today, it is managed by the Scituate Historical Society.
Plan Your Coastal Adventure
No matter where you find yourself on National Lighthouse Day, New England’s iconic beacons offer something for everyone, from rich history to breathtaking views. Whether you’re along Maine’s rugged coastline, exploring the North Shore’s maritime charm, or enjoying the sandy stretches south of Boston, there’s a lighthouse nearby waiting to be discovered.
Interested in learning more about a Northbridge community near you? Click here to find your nearest location. While we can’t promise it will be along the coast, we can promise exceptional care, engaging programs, and fresh, local dining, all hallmarks of the Northbridge experience.
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