If you live in Connecticut then you know we are lucky to have beautiful scenery like lakes and oceans nearby. The lighthouses in Connecticut are well kept and feel like a step back in time – and the tours are unforgettable.
Some run in families that have maintained the grounds for years and created tours and museums out of them as well.
Each one has a little piece of history, and a whole lot of charm, so if you are looking to find a new place to visit and relax for a tour or day in the good weather, then these Connecticut Lighthouses and tours will certainly give you some good ideas.
Many lighthouses may not be open to the public, so sometimes going inside the lighthouse or keepers house may not be an option, but the experience is not diminished when many cruise companies in Connecticut offer boat tours.
Our recommendations are the most beautiful lighthouses and tours that Connecticut has to offer, so we hope you get the chance to check them out!
10 Amazing Connecticut Lighthouses and Tours
1. Argia Mystic Cruises
This lighthouse is only visible from the sea, with the Argia Day Sail. You can book a tour to sail through the islands and lighthouses in the Mystic River and on Fishers Island Sound.
Loaded with original history, and the maritime world’s beauty, the Argia Mystic Cruises have something to offer for everyone.
From May 1st to mid-October, they are open to the public. Bring your own picnic basket, wine, and anything you want to keep for your day at sea.
This is our first recommendation because, through Argia Mystic Cruises, you can book tours to see many lighthouses not open to the public and only viewable by sea.
2. Stratford Shoal Light
While you cannot go into this lighthouse, you can cruise by boat to view it from sea distance.
It is very old-fashioned and offers a piece of the past days where lighthouse keepers shined the light for their loved ones to see while they were away.
Since 1874, the Stratford Shoal Light along the western Long Island Sound has been a sentimental location.
3. Faulkner’s Island Light
For most of the summer, this island is a nesting area. With an annual open house, it has become a good destination for those with their own boats looking to enjoy a summer outing at sea.
It has been around since 1802 and is now owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Faulkner’s Light Brigade maintains the building and the light shines every 10 seconds.
4. Sheffield Island Light
The ferry from Norwalk will take you right to the lighthouse area. The Norwalk Seaport Association has a covered ferry that does tours of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse starting in May and continuing through Labor Day.
The ferry trip rate will also include your tour of the lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in 1868 and remains well maintained.
The U.S. Coast Guard has a 42 passenger vessel that is certified and has been approved for safety.
5. Stonington Harbor Light
On the east side of Stonington Harbor, the lighthouse stands as a museum also open to the public.
From May 1 to October 31, you can tour the museum with admission. Built in 1840, the Stonington Harbor Light is maintained by the Stonington Historical Society. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the facility is open daily.
6. Avery Point Light
The Avery Point Light is on the east side of the Thames River in the Pine Island Channel.
The tower sits by the Avery Point Campus at the University of Connecticut and is easy to access.
While it is not open to the public, the vicinity is accessible and continues for a 2-mile walk in view. The light flashes green and has been since 1944.
7. New London Harbor Light
At the west side of the New London Harbor entrance, the New London Harbor Light has a keeper’s house that is privately owned.
It is not open to the public but the best views are on the water anyways. It has an active U.S. Coast Guard aid for navigation around and is now owned by the New London Maritime Society.
The light has flashed every three seconds since 1801 and alternates with three seconds of dark light.
8. Stamford Harbor Light
This lighthouse is also known as the Chatham Rock Light or Ledge Obstruction Light.
It is not open to the public but can be seen from certain places onshore and by boat, for the best view.
The Active private aid will help with navigation and was built in 1882. The light flashes white every 4 seconds.
9. Penfield Reef Light
The Penfield Reef Light is on the Long Island Sound. It is not open to the public but has a good view from the shore of Bridgeport and Fairfield.
If you have access to a boat, then that is the best view. It was built in 1874 and the U.S. Coast guard aids navigation.
Every six seconds there is a red flashing light and every 15 seconds there is a fog signal blast.
10. Tongue Point Light
This lighthouse is also called the Bridgeport Breakwater Light or Bug Light.
On the West Side of the Bridgeport Harbor Entrance, the lighthouse is accessible by a distance and has good views from the shore.
Built in 1895, the light has continued flashing green every four seconds and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.
We hope our list of Connecticut Lighthouses and tours has something that piques your interest.
Seeing a lighthouse is a very unique experience and a perfect date or day out with your friends.
We are in the thick of our good weather, so it is the perfect time to get out and enjoy these one-of-a-kind lighthouses in Connecticut.