10 Maryland Lighthouses to Tour
Maryland lighthouses give visitors a glimpse back into history and a realization of the power and freedom of the sea. Maryland’s coastline is dotted with historic lighthouses that not only serve as navigational aids but also as beautiful landmarks steeped in maritime history. Touring these lighthouses offers a unique glimpse into the past while enjoying stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Many of the lighthouses are located within parks where you can walk and explore the area surrounding the lighthouse. You will need reservations to visit two of the lighthouses which are only accessible by boat. And you can stay overnight at one Lighthouse Keeper’s house. Here’s a guide to some of the must-visit lighthouses in Maryland.
Maryland Lighthouses to Tour
Blackistone Island Lighthouse in St. Clements Island State Park
38370 Point Breeze Rd., Coltons Point
Cost: Call the museum for hours of operation and information about current admission fees: 301-769-2222. The museum is accessible only by boat via the St Clement’s Island Museum water taxi, which operates daily from April to October.
Located in the Potomac River off the shore of Colton’s Point in St. Mary’s County, this 62-acre park contains a memorial cross dedicated to the memory of the first Marylanders in 1634 who settled the 4th British Colony on St. Clements Island. There are hiking trails, fishing, a sandy beach, and a picnic pavilion.
Choptank River Lighthouse photochoptankRiverLighthouse (H & V)
Long Wharf Park, High and Water Streets, Cambridge
Cost: free
This is a replica of a historic lighthouse that once guided mariners along the Choptank River. The lighthouse features a mini-museum and visitor information. From May through October, the lighthouse is open daily, 9:30am to 5:30pm. for free, self-guided tours. Volunteers serving as “lighthouse keepers” will be on duty Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to answer any questions. In the off-season (November through April), the lighthouse is open by appointment (call 410-463-2653).
Concord Point Lighthouse
Corner of Concord & Lafayette Streets, Havre de Grace
Free
Concord Point Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse in Maryland that is still standing, and it is the symbol of Havre de Grace. Built in 1827, the lighthouse served as a beacon for sailors in the Upper Chesapeake Bay until being decommissioned in 1975. Located at the point where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay, the light was an active aid to navigation for 148 years. Today, the fully restored Lighthouse and Keeper’s House are both open to the public on weekends from April to October. In addition, volunteer keepers conduct educational tours throughout the year. The site offers a spectacular view of the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. The lighthouse park also sits within a designated historic district and a river promenade, allowing visitors to explore other nearby historic sites and points of interest.
Cove Point Lighthouse
Cove Point Park, Lusby, MD
3500 Lighthouse Boulevard, Lusby
Free
The Cove Point Lighthouse is still a fully functioning site and a vacation rental. Stay in the 1828 Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters, which has been renovated and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Cove Point Lighthouse site is open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., May through September. A docent will be on the grounds, and the public will be allowed to tour the grounds and the bell house during this time. The public will not have access to the rental unit(s). At varying dates throughout the summer, museum program groups may arrive on-site for programs outside public hours.
Reservations for vacation rentals should be made directly through Airbnb.
Drum Point Lighthouse
14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons
Free with museum admission fee.
The Drum Point Lighthouse is open year-round, weather permitting, except when the museum is closed on certain holidays. Drum Point Lighthouse was moved to the Calvert Marine Museum in 1975. This screw-pile, cottage-type light is only one of three remaining. It is beautifully restored, complete with furnishings of the early twentieth century. It has become the waterfront’s main attraction and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
Chesapeake Bay, near Annapolis, MD (accessible by boat)
Cost: Varies (boat rental or tour fees) $98
Visiting Hours: Seasonal; check with local tour operators. Limited openings available.
This iconic lighthouse, built in 1875, is a National Historic Landmark and is one of the few remaining screw-pile lighthouses in the United States. Boat tours are available during the summer months, allowing visitors to appreciate the unique architecture and historical significance of the lighthouse. You will be guided by one of the experienced lighthouse docents and learn the history of the light, the life of a keeper in the early days and the role of the modern-day Coast Guard.
Tours depart from Annapolis, Maryland. The specific dock is located at waters edge behind the Annapolis Maritime Museum located at 723 2nd St Annapolis
Tour Calendar for 2025 https://uslhs.org/travel/cruises/thomas-point-shoal-lighthouse/tour-calendar
Hooper Strait Lighthouse (photo HooperStrait)
213 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels
Cost: $10
The Hooper Strait Lighthouse, now standing on Navy Point and the centerpiece of the 18-acre campus of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM), was originally built in 1879 to light the way for boats passing through the shallow, dangerous shoals of Hooper Strait, a thoroughfare for boats bound from the Chesapeake Bay across Tangier Sound to Deal Island or places along the Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers. As a “screwpile” lighthouse, it is built on special iron pilings which were tipped with a screw that could be turned into the muddy bottom for a depth of 10 feet or more. CBMM’s lighthouse is the second lighthouse constructed at Hooper Strait – the first one was destroyed by ice in 1877. CBMM offers a variety of guided tours. These hour-long interactive tours are are offered most weekends and holiday Mondays from January to March.
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park
44720 Lighthouse Road, Piney Point
Admission is $7 for adults, $3.50 for children (ages 6-18), military, seniors, & students, and free for children ages 5 and under.
Climb the oldest lighthouse on the Potomac, built in 1836, explore historic vessels and maritime heritage at the museum, and discover the U1105 Historic Shipwreck Dive Preserve. Take a leisurely walk along the beach, kayak in the waters, and enjoy 6 acres of parkland, a pier, and additional amenities. The museum showcases the region’s history and features an exhibit on the WWII U-1105 Black Panther German submarine, which rests just offshore in the state’s inaugural Historic Shipwreck Dive Preserve.
Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
Pier 5, east of the Inner Harbor in Baltimore
A ticket to visit the interior includes access to historic ships: children free, adults $21.95
The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse contains an extensive exhibit of artifacts and information on lighthouses around the Chesapeake region. Built in 1856, it is one of the oldest Chesapeake lighthouses still in existence.
Turkey Point Lighthouse in Elk Neck State Park
4395 Turkey Point Road, North East
Free but donations appreciated
Grounds are open year round 8AM until sunset. Indoor tours are run by volunteers May 1st and run thru the end of October. The Turkey Point Light is a historic lighthouse at the head of the Chesapeake Bay. Although only a 35-foot tower, the 100-foot height of the bluffs on which it stands makes it the third highest light off the water in the bay. It is also known for the large number of women who served as lightkeeper.
The Lighthouse is open to climbers on weekends from 10AM to 2PM (weather permitting). The gift shop is open from 10AM to 2PM. There is no charge to view the Chesapeake Bay from the lantern room. The staircase in the lighthouse is open to climbers who can reach the metal handrail. Limited parking, arrive early on weekends.
Closed
Point Lookout Lighthouse
Point Lookout State Park, Scotland, MD
Temporarily closed for maintenance
Maryland’s lighthouses are not just functional structures; they are symbols of the state’s rich maritime heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic day trip, touring these lighthouses offers a delightful experience. Be sure to check the individual websites for the latest information on visiting hours and any special events. Happy lighthouse touring!
Maryland’s lighthouses are not just functional structures; they are symbols of the state’s rich maritime heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic day trip, touring these lighthouses offers a delightful experience. Be sure to check the individual websites for the latest information on visiting hours and any special events. Happy lighthouse touring!
