Standing sentinel at the entrance to Boston Harbor since 1901, Long Island Head Light guides mariners through one of America’s most historic waterways. This 52-foot white cylindrical tower replaced an earlier 1819 lighthouse and remains an active aid to navigation today.

The lighthouse occupies Long Island, part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. While the tower itself is not open to public climbing, visitors can view it from harbor cruises and nearby islands. The best photography conditions occur during golden hour, when warm light illuminates the white tower against the harbor backdrop.

Nearby attractions include Georges Island (Fort Warren), Spectacle Island’s beaches, and the Boston Harbor Islands ferry system offering island-hopping adventures throughout the summer season.

Explore Nearby

• Castle Island — State Park in Massachusetts
• Fort Revere Park — 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