Built in 1855, Castle Pinckney Light stands on a small island in Charleston Harbor, originally serving as a navigational aid for vessels entering one of the South’s most important ports. The lighthouse is notable for its connection to Castle Pinckney, a historic fortification used during the Civil War as a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp. The light was deactivated and is no longer an active aid to navigation. The site is not open to the public, and visitors cannot climb the tower. The best photography opportunities come from harbor boat tours, particularly during golden hour when the Charleston skyline provides a striking backdrop. Nearby attractions include Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point, and downtown Charleston’s historic district.

Explore Nearby

• May Forest State Park — State Park in South Carolina
• Fort Johnson Road — Scenic Byway 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