Standing at the entrance to the New Basin Canal in New Orleans, Port Pontchartrain Light has guided mariners since 1839. Originally built to mark the canal’s passage to Lake Pontchartrain, the lighthouse served as a critical navigation aid for commercial traffic flowing into the city. Decommissioned and no longer active, the structure remains a quiet testament to New Orleans’ maritime heritage.

The lighthouse is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, but it photographs beautifully from the nearby lakefront. Golden hour and late afternoon provide the best light against the lake backdrop. Visitors can explore the surrounding Lakeshore Drive area, West End Park, and the New Canal Lighthouse Museum just a short distance away.

Explore Nearby

• Bayou Segnette State Park — State Park in Louisiana
• Saint Edward State Park — State Park in Washington
• Wetlands Cultural Byway — Scenic Byway in Louisiana
• Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Louisiana
• De Soto National Forest — National Forest in Mississippi