Rising from Boston Harbor’s Spectacle Island, this historic pair of range lights was constructed in 1897 to guide vessels safely through the harbor’s tricky channels. The lights worked in tandem—mariners aligned the front and rear towers to navigate the correct course. Decommissioned and no longer active, these weathered structures stand as reminders of Boston’s rich maritime heritage.

The lights are not open to the public for climbing, though Spectacle Island itself welcomes visitors via ferry from downtown Boston. The island offers hiking trails with excellent views of the harbor and city skyline. For photography, visit during golden hour or capture dramatic shots with Boston’s skyline as backdrop. Nearby, explore other Boston Harbor Islands including Georges Island and its historic Fort Warren.

Explore Nearby

• Fort Revere Park — State Park in Massachusetts
• Nantasket Beach Reservation — State Park in Massachusetts
• Meteor Lakes Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Old Kings Highway (Route 6A) — Scenic Byway in Massachusetts
• Swamp Meadow Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina