If you love lighthouses, ocean views, and road trips with a bit of history, Long Island offers the ultimate adventure.
Scattered along the coast, these lighthouses hold wild stories of shipwrecks, ghost tales, secret military operations, and amazing comeback stories.
Some are easily accessible with museums and spiral staircases to climb, while others require a bit more effort to see up close.
From famous landmarks to hidden gems, this road trip is the perfect mix of maritime history, coastal beauty, and a few unexpected surprises.
1. Execution Rocks Lighthouse
Execution Rocks Lighthouse sits on a tiny rocky island in the middle of the Long Island Sound, just off the coast of Sands Point.
Its eerie name comes from legends of British soldiers executing prisoners on the rocks during the Revolutionary War—though there’s no real proof of that.
The lighthouse was built in 1849, and its 60-foot-tall stone tower still stands strong, guiding boats through the tricky waters between New York and Connecticut.
You can’t just walk up and visit, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can book a boat tour or spend the night in the lighthouse keeper’s quarters for a unique experience.
2. Huntington Harbor Lighthouse
A little farther east, Huntington Harbor Lighthouse stands in the middle of the bay, like a mini castle rising from the water.
Built in 1912 to replace an older lighthouse nearby, this squat, square-shaped beauty has been guiding boats into the harbor for over a century.
Unlike the spooky isolation of Execution Rocks, this one feels more like a storybook landmark, and it’s even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
You can hop on a seasonal boat tour to explore inside, climb to the top for killer views of the harbor, and hear its history from the volunteers who keep it shining.
3. Eatons Neck Lighthouse
Keep heading east, and you’ll find Eatons Neck Lighthouse, one of Long Island’s oldest and most important beacons.
Built in 1798, this 73-foot lighthouse has been standing guard at the tip of Eaton’s Neck for over two centuries, helping sailors navigate the tricky waters near Northport.
Unlike Huntington Harbor Lighthouse, which sits in the middle of the bay, Eaton’s Neck is perched on solid land inside a U.S. Coast Guard station, so public access is limited.
But if you plan ahead, you can book a special tour for a rare chance to step inside this piece of maritime history.
4. Old Field Point Lighthouse
Next up is Old Field Point Lighthouse, a hidden gem sitting at the northern tip of Old Field, between the entrances of Stony Brook and Port Jefferson Harbor.
First lit in 1869, this lighthouse looks more like a charming stone house with a tower on top, giving it a cozy feel.
Unlike Eaton’s Neck, which is tucked inside a Coast Guard station, Old Field is actually owned by the local village.
While you can’t climb the tower, its scenic waterfront location makes it a great spot for a quick photo or a peaceful moment before hitting the road again.
5. Fire Island Lighthouse
Leaving the North Shore behind, Fire Island Lighthouse stands tall on the southern coast, just east of Robert Moses State Park.
At 168 feet, it’s the tallest lighthouse on Long Island, and its iconic black-and-white stripes make it one of the most recognizable, drawing visitors from all over.
Fully open to the public, Fire Island lets you climb 182 steps to the top for incredible panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Great South Bay.
With a museum, nature trails, and a gorgeous beach nearby, this stop is more than just a quick photo op—it’s a full-on adventure.
6. Montauk Point Lighthouse
Montauk Point Lighthouse stands tall at the easternmost tip of the island and is one of Long Island’s most iconic landmarks.
Commissioned by George Washington in 1792, this is the oldest lighthouse in New York State, offering sweeping ocean views.
This lighthouse is located along a series of rugged cliffs that will make you feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world!
You can climb the 137 iron steps to the top, explore the museum inside the keeper’s house, and stand at the overlook where waves crash against the shore.
(Please note that the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum closes over winter and reopens in March.)
7. Cedar Island Lighthouse
If you’re up for more, Cedar Island Lighthouse in Cedar Point County Park in East Hampton is another fantastic stop.
Built in 1868 to guide whaling ships, this stone lighthouse was decommissioned in the 1930s and now stands as a weathered relic of Long Island’s maritime past.
Cedar Island Lighthouse is actually permanently off-limits to the public, but you can hike through the preserve to admire the outside of it.
Its crumbling charm, secluded setting, and views of the Gardiners Bay make it a quiet yet captivating stop along your road trip.
8. Long Beach Bar Lighthouse
For one last lighthouse with a little extra personality, Long Beach Bar Lighthouse—better known as “Bug Light”—sits on Orient Harbor’s entrance.
Established in 1871, this red-roofed lighthouse was destroyed by arson in 1963 but was completely rebuilt in 1990—a truly rare lighthouse comeback story.
Unlike Cedar Island’s abandoned feel, Bug Light is full of life—you can hop on a boat tour from Greenport, step inside, and even hear stories from the dedicated volunteers.
With its stilted foundation rising from the water and 360-degree views of the bay, it’s the perfect final stop to end your lighthouse road trip on a high note.
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