Standing at the entrance to Boston Harbor, Deer Island Light has guided mariners since 1890. This distinctive cast-iron sparkplug-style lighthouse replaced an earlier wooden structure and served as a critical navigational aid for vessels entering one of America’s busiest ports. Decommissioned and no longer active, the lighthouse sits on a stone foundation that becomes partially submerged at high tide.

The lighthouse is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, but photographers can capture striking images from Deer Island’s public trails. Golden hour and stormy skies create dramatic backdrops. The best views come during low tide when the foundation is fully visible.

Nearby, explore Deer Island’s 2.6-mile HarborWalk or visit historic Fort Warren on Georges Island.

Explore Nearby

• Castle Island — State Park in Massachusetts
• Winthrop Shore 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