Standing sentinel at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor since 1878, this 48-foot cast-iron lighthouse guides vessels through one of New England’s most historic waterways. Located in New Castle, New Hampshire, the light remains an active aid to navigation, its green beam visible for miles across the Atlantic.

The tower replaced earlier lighthouses dating to 1771, making this site one of America’s oldest light stations. While the lighthouse is not open to public climbing, visitors enjoy excellent views from Fort Constitution Historic Site, which surrounds the tower.

Best Photography: Golden hour offers stunning shots with the Piscataqua River as backdrop.

Nearby Attractions: Fort Constitution, Wentworth-by-the-Sea, and downtown Portsmouth’s colonial architecture and waterfront dining.

Explore Nearby

• Fort Constitution State Historic Site — State Park in New Hampshire
• Fort McClary State Historic Site — State Park in Maine
• Kancamagus Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine
• White Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire