Old Orchard Shoal Light

Old Orchard Shoal Light

New York

Old Orchard Shoal Light stands in the shallow waters of Lower New York Bay, New York, where it has marked a dangerous shoal since 1893. This sparkplug-style cast-iron caisson lighthouse guided mariners through one of America’s busiest waterways for over a century before being deactivated. Its compact, conical design is typical of offshore lights built in the late 19th century to withstand harsh open-water conditions. The lighthouse is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, but it makes a striking subject for photographers, especially during golden hour with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. Nearby attractions include Great Kills Park on Staten Island and the Sandy Hook peninsula across the bay.

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12 places to explore within 30 miles

10 Lighthouses 1 Scenic Byway 1 State Park