Standing at the entrance to New Bedford Harbor, Palmer Island Light has guided mariners since 1849. This historic Massachusetts lighthouse marks the channel between Palmer Island and the mainland, serving as a vital navigational aid for the once-thriving whaling port.

The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, its light continuing to warn vessels of the rocky shoreline. While the island and tower are not open to public access, the lighthouse offers excellent photography opportunities from the water or New Bedford’s waterfront. Golden hour and foggy mornings create particularly dramatic shots.

Visitors to the area can explore the nearby New Bedford Whaling Museum, stroll the cobblestone streets of the historic district, or take a harbor cruise for closer views of this enduring beacon.

Explore Nearby

• Fort Phoenix State Reservation — State Park in Massachusetts
• Nasketucket Bay State 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