Sand Island Light stands off the coast of Dauphin Island, Alabama, a weathered sentinel rising from the waters of Mobile Bay. Built in 1838, the original tower was replaced by the current brownstone structure in 1873. The lighthouse survived Confederate sabotage during the Civil War and numerous hurricanes, though storms have eroded the island around it to nearly nothing. Today, Sand Island Light is inactive and closed to the public — accessible only by boat, with no climbing permitted. Its isolated, wave-battered setting makes it a striking photography subject, especially at golden hour from the Dauphin Island shoreline or by charter boat. Nearby, visitors can explore the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Fort Gaines, and Dauphin Island’s Gulf-facing beaches.

Explore Nearby

• Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Wisconsin
• Big Bay State Park — State Park in Wisconsin
• Birch Bay State Park — State Park in Washington
• North Shore Road — Scenic Byway in Nevada
• Superior National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota