Boston Light

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Adult $41·Senior(65+) $36·Student $36·Military $36·Child(4-11y) $30·Infant(under 3) FreeUSD

Historic BuildingCoastOcean ViewPhoto SpotBoatingMust-See

Overview

Boston Light is an extraordinarily monumental maritime beacon standing proudly atop the rugged granite cliffs of Little Brewster Island at the extreme outer entrance of Boston Harbor. Originally illuminated in 1716, this legendary white tower holds the historic record as the absolute first lighthouse station ever constructed in the United States. Destroyed during the Revolutionary War and rebuilt perfectly in 1783, walking its historic grounds provides travelers with a raw, wind-swept experience looking out at the endless Atlantic.

Practical Info

Little Brewster Island, Boston, MA, USA

Suggested DurationAbout 3-4 hours

Best TimeYou must visit during clear summer months (June to August) by booking an authorized Boston Harbor Islands boat tour. As the oldest light station in the United States, viewing the white monolithic tower against a wide ocean sunset from a boat provides unforgettable views.

Getting ThereSituated on Little Brewster Island in the outer harbor, this landmark is only accessible via water. Take the MBTA Subway Blue Line to Aquarium Station and catch a seasonal national park ferry or guided lighthouse cruise departing from Long Wharf.

nps.gov/boha/learn/historyculture/boston-light.htm

Travel Tips

Critical warning: Located on Little Brewster Island, the lighthouse and its entire island grounds are completely closed to the public due to historic storm damage and structural hazards. Land tours and island boarding are strictly banned.

Photo Tips

Photo Spots

To view or photograph this historic lighthouse, travel to the northernmost tip of the Hull peninsula at Windmill Point. Use a 300mm+ telephoto lens during clear sunset hours to capture its silhouette suspended over the harbor water.
The only legal way to view the lighthouse from the sea is via seasonal weekend lighthouse sightseeing cruises out of Boston. The vessel only slows down near the shoals for photos and does not dock at the island facility.

Reviews

Positive

As the site of America's oldest light station, its setting on an outer Boston Harbor island offers immense visual shock and unrivaled maritime history value.
The boat cruise experience out to view the lighthouse is fantastic, showcasing magnificent vistas of the Boston Harbor Islands and soaring seabirds.
The island recreational area is managed jointly by the Coast Guard and NPS; safety security is very strict, and timed entry limits are orderly.
The onboard official guides and volunteers are highly professional and detailed, allowing both adults and kids to absorb the legends of early lighthouse keepers.

Heads up

Since the lighthouse sits on a remote island and internal tower steps are frequently closed for heritage upkeep, visitors can only view it from the boat, cutting value.
Transit convenience is extremely low; driving is impossible, ferry schedules are scarce, and departures heavily rely on weather, cancelling unexpectedly in heavy fog.
The sightseeing ferry tickets are quite expensive, the boat lacks regular F&B options, and the choppy open-ocean ride is pure misery for those prone to seasickness.
During chilly fall and winter months, powerful open-ocean winds make standing on deck unbearable; opening times are heavily seasonal and comfort fluctuates.