Rockport, Massachusetts

Standing sentinel at the northern entrance to Rockport Harbor since 1896, Straitsmouth Island Light guides vessels through the rocky waters of Cape Ann. This white cylindrical tower replaced an earlier 1835 structure and remains an active aid to navigation maintained by the Coast Guard.

While the lighthouse is not open to public access—situated on a small island managed as a wildlife sanctuary—it offers excellent photography opportunities from the mainland. The best shots come during golden hour from Granite Pier or Long Beach, with autumn providing dramatic skies and fewer crowds.

Nearby, explore Rockport’s charming Bearskin Neck shops, the iconic Motif No. 1 fishing shack, and Halibut Point State Park’s stunning granite quarry views.

Explore Nearby

• Halibut Point State Park — State Park in Massachusetts
• Sandy Point 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