It’s like traveling back in time when you spend the night in a lighthouse, where stories reverberate through the lantern room and waves roar below. Some lighthouses in the US have been preserved as distinctive lodgings in addition to being beacons. The U.S. Lighthouse Society claims that a large number of these tales involve shipwrecks, hauntings, and valiant keepers who formerly protected the coastline. These hidden lighthouse inns allow visitors to experience history with the added mystery of the sea, whether it be through haunted stories or maritime folklore.
1. East Brother Light Station, California
Built in 1874, East Brother Light Station now operates as a bed-and-breakfast on a small island in San Francisco Bay. According to the National Park Service, the lighthouse once guided ships into the Golden Gate during booming maritime trade. Guests today hear stories of keepers braving fierce storms to maintain the light. Its remote location means visitors must arrive by boat, adding to the adventure. With Victorian-era charm and views of the Bay Area, East Brother combines history, seclusion, and the legends of California’s coast.
2. Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island
Rose Island Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1870 and is situated on Narragansett Bay, gives visitors the opportunity to live like a 19th-century keeper. According to Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation records, its rooms retain period furnishings, and visitors often help with light-keeping duties. Legends speak of ghostly footsteps heard in the tower, believed to be past keepers who never left their post. Surrounded by water and accessible only by boat, the stay immerses guests in maritime tradition while blending solitude, history, and the whispers of Rhode Island folklore.
3. Big Bay Point Lighthouse, Michigan
Big Bay Point Lighthouse, built in 1896 on Lake Superior, has been converted into a lakeside inn. Records from Michigan Historic Preservation indicate that it was once used to direct freighters through hazardous waters. Its most enduring legend tells of a keeper who vanished under mysterious circumstances, with some guests claiming they sense his presence in the halls. Today, visitors enjoy rustic lodging, lake views, and a glimpse into Michigan’s maritime past. It’s a unique overnight lighthouse stay because of the combination of spooky folklore and breathtaking natural beauty.
4. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Maine
Built in 1827, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse stands on Maine’s rugged coast and offers overnight accommodations for travelers seeking seaside history. According to Maine’s Bureau of Parks and Lands, it was one of the first lighthouses built under President John Quincy Adams. Local legend speaks of shipwrecked sailors’ spirits roaming the rocky shore, fueling ghost tales for generations. Guests staying nearby can climb the tower, hear stories from local guides, and watch waves crash below. Its combination of maritime legend and dramatic scenery makes it unforgettable.
5. East End Lighthouse, Delaware
The East End Breakwater Lighthouse, completed in 1885, sits off Lewes and allows overnight stays through preservation programs. According to the Delaware Historical Society, it guided ships through the Delaware Bay during heavy traffic. Legends suggest keepers endured eerie sounds echoing through the iron walls, believed by some to be spirits of sailors lost at sea. Guests today can experience the isolation firsthand, sleeping in restored quarters surrounded by water. It offers both a rare lodging adventure and stories of Delaware’s haunted coastal past.
6. Little River Lighthouse, Maine
Little River Lighthouse, dating to 1847, stands on an island near Cutler and now welcomes overnight guests. The American Lighthouse Foundation notes it was restored by volunteers, who uncovered journals detailing storms and shipwreck rescues. Legends linger of ghostly lights offshore, thought to be souls of sailors. Guests reach the lighthouse by boat, staying in the keeper’s quarters with sweeping Atlantic views. Authentic lighthouse life and eerie maritime folklore are combined during this stay to provide visitors with a tranquil haven and an introduction to Maine’s maritime past.
7. Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon
Heceta Head Lighthouse is a famous bed and breakfast that was constructed in 1894 and is located on the Oregon coast. According to the Oregon State Parks Department, it remains one of the strongest lights on the Pacific Coast. Local legend speaks of the “Gray Lady,” a ghostly figure believed to be a past keeper’s wife who still roams the house. In addition to enjoying the coastal trails and hearing local stories, guests can sleep in the restored keeper’s home. It’s memorable because of the way history and eerie elements are combined.
8. Saugerties Lighthouse, New York
Constructed in 1869, Saugerties Lighthouse overlooks the Hudson River and now serves as a historic inn. According to the New York State Historic Trust, it once guided barges during the height of river commerce. Guests hear legends of steamboat accidents and mysterious fogs linked to the lighthouse’s past. Visitors access it by a scenic half-mile trail, adding a sense of seclusion. Staying in its antique-furnished rooms allows guests to immerse themselves in 19th-century history while enjoying the romantic, folklore-rich setting of New York’s riverfront.
9. Two Harbors Lighthouse, Minnesota
Built in 1892 on Lake Superior, Two Harbors Lighthouse is Minnesota’s oldest still-operating light and offers lodging in its keeper’s quarters. According to Lake County Historical Society records, it played a critical role in shipping iron ore during the state’s industrial boom. Legends describe phantom ships appearing in Superior’s fog, linked by locals to tragic wrecks. Guests staying overnight can tour the light, hear maritime tales, and sleep in rooms furnished in period style. The setting brings both Minnesota history and folklore to life.
10. East Point Lighthouse, New Jersey
New Jersey’s East Point Lighthouse, established in 1849, remains active and now offers occasional overnight experiences. According to the New Jersey Historic Trust, it guided vessels along the Delaware Bay through treacherous tides. Locals share legends of ghostly lanterns spotted offshore, believed to belong to lost fishermen. Guests staying nearby can tour the grounds, enjoy bay views, and hear stories preserved by keepers and residents. The lighthouse offers not only a rare lodging experience but also enduring folklore rooted in the state’s maritime past.
11. Keeper’s House at Point Betsie, Michigan
Point Betsie Lighthouse, built in 1858, offers unique overnight stays in the restored keeper’s house. Records from Benzie County Historical indicate that it served as a guide for ships navigating the perilous Manitou Passage. Legends include tales of phantom sailors calling out during storms, their cries echoing across the dunes. Guests enjoy a balance of comfort and history, with access to the light tower and Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Staying here offers both luxury and lore, making it one of the most atmospheric lighthouse stays in the Midwest.
12. West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, Maine
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1808 and provides overnight programs, is located at the easternmost point of the continental United States. According to the U.S. Coast Guard archives, it guided ships into the Bay of Fundy, notorious for fog and rough seas. Local legends claim ghostly figures have been seen near the cliffs, thought to be lost sailors. Guests staying in nearby accommodations experience lighthouse life firsthand, with sunrises over the Atlantic and maritime folklore that adds mystery to Maine’s most famous red-striped beacon.