Charleston Light
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina
Rising 163 feet above Sullivan’s Island, Charleston Light is the last major lighthouse built in the United States. Completed in 1962, its modern triangular design replaced the old Morris Island Lighthouse and marked the end of an era in American lighthouse construction. Unlike traditional brick towers, its stark, angular silhouette is clad in aluminum — making it one of the most distinctive lighthouses on the Atlantic coast.
Charleston Light remains an active navigational aid but is not open to the public for climbing. The best photography opportunities come during golden hour, when warm light contrasts against the tower’s metallic exterior. Nearby, visitors can explore Fort Moultrie, the beaches of Sullivan’s Island, and historic downtown Charleston just minutes away.
Explore Nearby
- Fort Johnson Road — Scenic Byway in South Carolina
- May Forest State Park — State Park in South Carolina
- Mathis Ferry Road — Scenic Byway in South Carolina
- Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site — State Park in South Carolina
- Sumter National Forest — National Forest in South Carolina
