12 Incredible Lighthouses Offering Spectacular Ocean Views 2024

Back in the day, lighthouses played a significant role in warning mariners of perilous rocky coasts and dangerous shallows, ensuring ships docked into and left the harbor safely. Although some of these structures are still used for marine navigation, many have doubled up as tourist attractions, allowing visitors to have sweeping ocean views.

Since lighthouses typically perch on tall cliffs and coastal beaches, they are a perfect spot for Instagrammers or photography enthusiasts who want to take eye-catching ocean photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. Looking to enjoy spectacular ocean views? These lighthouses offer stunning ocean views you want to experience first-hand.

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Point Bonita Lighthouse, San Francisco Bay, USA

Point Bonita is located in Sausalito, California, and stands 124 feet high. This lighthouse was constructed in 1855 to guide ships seamlessly through the Golden Gate Strait. Despite being built more than 150 years ago, it is still active and is operated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Hike the 0.5-mile trail to enjoy its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. If lucky, you may catch more than ocean views; visitors frequently spot sharks, seals, and porpoises.

Consider the guided sunset tours offered by the lighthouse. Just beware: it closes periodically when bad weather happens.

Chania Lighthouse, Chania, Greece

Chania Lighthouse is located in the port city of Chania on the island of Crete, Greece. It has a rich history dating back to the Venetian period in the 16th century. It was initially constructed to guide ships through Chania’s harbor, an important maritime center at the time.

Capture the exterior views of the white lighthouse, which stands 69 feet above sea level. Marvel at the picturesque Venetian walls and ancient buildings surrounding it. Proceed to its observation deck for panoramic views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, the historic harbor area, and the charming Old Town of Chania.

Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine, USA

Standing 80 feet above the ground and 101 feet above the water, Portland Head Lighthouse is one of Maine’s oldest and most visited ones. Its construction started in 1787 and ended in 1791.

Since then, it has remained intact, apart from the whistle house, which was damaged by a storm and rebuilt in 1975. Currently, the lighthouse is automated and mainly maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Tourists frequent the it to enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Tower of Hercules Lighthouse, Spain

Recognized as a National Monument of Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower of Hercules lighthouse has been used since the late 1st Century A.D. Standing at 185 feet, this landmark is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world. Despite receiving a facelift in 1971, its original ancient Roman architectural style was maintained. And, despite its age, it is still used for signaling.

Come prepared to climb 242 steps to reach the highest point. The reward for this calorie-burning exercise would be incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, the city of A Coruna, and its stunning coastline.

Hook Lighthouse, Hook Peninsula, Ireland

If there is one lighthouse history buffs should visit, it is Hook Lighthouse. This medieval marvel is eight centuries old, making it one of the oldest still in use today.

After centuries of operation, it was converted to electrical operation in 1972 and became fully automated in 1996. Today, it helps sailors navigate the rocky coast and is a perfect spot for enjoying scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Leinster Mountains, and Saltee Islands during summer.

Jose Ignacio Lighthouse, Uruguay

Situated in Punta del Este, Uruguay, Jose Ignacio Lighthouse stands at 32.5 meters above the ground. Since its inception in 1877, this tower has become the region’s tourism focal point thanks to its 9-mile light scope.

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Scale this tower’s 120 steps for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Punta del Este seaside city. Come prepared physically because the narrow, winding staircase can be difficult to climb.

Bathurst Lighthouse, Rottnest Island, Australia

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Anyone fascinated by the ocean should never complete their trip to Australia without going up the Bathurst Lighthouse. Located on the northern edge of Rottnest Island, this 98-foot-high tower was built in 1900 to support Wadjemup Lighthouse following the 1899 City of York shipwreck.

It is located on the highest point of Rottnest Island, offering unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean and the sunsets of Pinky Beach. Don’t forget to capture its stunning exterior; your camera will love the weathered white brick exterior that makes the landmark stand out from miles away.

Galle Lighthouse, Sri Lanka

Located in Galle, Sri Lanka, this lighthouse boasts a height of 87 feet. It is one of the oldest light stations in Sri Lanka, and its construction dates back to 1848. Initially, it towered a height of 80 meters and was 328 meters from its current location.

Unfortunately, Galle Lighthouse was damaged by fire in 1934, prompting the construction of the modern-day building, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1939. If you have toured Sri Lanka and loved the spectacular view of the Indian Ocean it offers, then be sure to swing by Galle Lighthouse. The best visiting times are in the evenings; you will love the sunset and sunrise views.

Lindesnes Lighthouse, Norway

The Lindesnes Lighthouse, built in 1656, is one of the oldest in Norway. Initially, it operated using open fire, but it underwent automation upgrades over the years.

On the outside, this 52-foot-tall white lighthouse is an Instagram-worthy landmark, but wait until you go up its observation deck. The apex offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline of southern Norway, the North Sea, and the surrounding rocky landscape. On clear days, ships pass through the nearby Skagerrak strait.

While visiting, you can stop by the museum, which showcases the history of lighthouses, navigation, and maritime life in Norway.

Cape May Lighthouse, New Jersey, USA

The 48-meter-high Cape May Lighthouse, constructed in 1859, is located within Cape May State Park, New Jersey. It is still used for marine navigation to date.

In 1988, this Cape May Lighthouse was opened to the public, allowing tourists and locals to enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. If you are into photography and are interested in enjoying panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, scale this site’s 199 stairs and capture stunning photos from the highest point.

Phare de Gatteville, Normandy, France

Standing at an impressive height of 246 feet, Phare de Gatteville is the second tallest traditional lighthouse, coming second after Ile Vierge. This iconic landmark was built to guide water vessels through the dangerous waters off Normandy’s coast and the Cherbourg harbor’s entrance.

Go to its observation deck to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, the English Channel, and the picturesque Normandy countryside. You may also take a guided tour for deeper insights into this traditional design and its historical significance.

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Nova Scotia, Canada

Visit Peggy’s Cove, one of the world’s most iconic and photographed lighthouses. Built in 1915, it was meant to guide ships through the rocky coastline of St. Margaret’s Bay. It replaced an earlier wooden lighthouse that was destroyed by fire.

Start by taking in the exterior white and red horizontal stripes and the rocky surroundings of this 50-foot-tall lighthouse. Then, go up its staircase for stunning panoramic views of the rugged coastline, the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves, neighboring fishing villages, and the surrounding landscape.