Built as beacons to guide sailors to safe harbor, the allure of lighthouses still draws us in. Even though lighthouses were primarily intended to show sailors what to avoid, we now seem to be drawn to them. Dozens of these graceful structures remain in Maryland. Begin your lighthouse tour with these beautiful historic beacons and enjoy the surrounding nature and vistas of the Chesapeake region.
1 Cove Point Lighthouse
Not only can you tour this lighthouse, but you can also rent one of the two renovated rental units in the keeper’s quarters that include all the modern amenities and beach access. Stay at this unique historic lighthouse and spend your day playing on the bay.
More about Cove Point Lighthouse
Type:
History & Heritage
Location:
3500 Lighthouse Blvd
Lusby, MD 20657
410-326-2042
Photo By: Calvert County Department of Economic Development
2 Drum Point Lighthouse
Visitors to the Calvert Marine Museum can climb inside this 46-foot-tall structure and and see the preserved innkeeper’s quarters. The museum also offers boat tours of neighboring lighthouses.
More about Drum Point Lighthouse
Type:
History & Heritage
Location:
14200 Solomons Island Rd
Solomons, MD 20688
410-326-2042
3 Choptank River Lighthouse
This is a replica of a historic lighthouse located in Cambridge, that once guided mariners along the Choptank River. The lighthouse features a mini-museum and visitor information. From May-October, the lighthouse is open daily, 9am-6pm. 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-April), the lighthouse is open by appointment (call 410-463-2653).
More about Choptank River Lighthouse
Type:
Lighthouses
Location:
100 High St
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 463-2653
4 Fort Washington Lighthouse
This 1870 lighthouse is on the grounds of Fort Washington Park outside Washington, D.C., and is still used as a navigational aid today. Visit the historic lighthouse and fort, then enjoy a picnic or a day fishing.
More about Fort Washington Park
Type:
Attraction
Location:
13551 Fort Washington Rd
Fort Washington, MD 20744
301-763-4600
5 Concord Point Lighthouse
A National Register historic site, this Havre de Grace beacon is made of Port Deposit granite has withstood the tests of time, and is the oldest lighthouse in Maryland still open for public visits.
More about Concord Point Lighthouse and Keeper's House Museum
Type:
History & Heritage
Location:
Lafayette and Concord St
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
410-939-3213
6 Hooper Strait Lighthouse
Originally built in 1879, today this lighthouse is located on the grounds of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. Visitors can climb inside the hands-on exhibits or participate in the museum’s Lighthouse Overnight Program, which allows guests to live the life of a lighthouse keeper.
More about Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Type:
Attraction
Location:
213 N. Talbot St
St. Michaels, MD 21663
410-745-2916
7 Piney Point Lighthouse
The oldest on the Potomac River, climb this 1836 lighthouse for great panoramic views, then walk along the beach or bring your kayak for a day on the water.
More about Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park
Type:
Attraction
Location:
44720 Lighthouse Rd
Piney Point, MD 20674
301-994-1471
8 Turkey Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse sits atop a 100-foot bluff and offers stunning views of the crown of the Chesapeake Bay. Still an active navigation beacon, Turkey Point is in beautiful Elk Neck State Park.
More about Turkey Point Lighthouse
Type:
Attraction
Location:
4395 Turkey Point Rd
North East, MD 21901
410-287-5333
9 Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
The last of the classic Chesapeake screwpile lighthouses still in its original location, Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse is perhaps the most recognizable and beloved landmarks on the bay. Accessible only by boat and staffed by volunteer docents, Thomas Point is on the National Register Historic Places.
More about Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
Type:
Attraction
Location:
Mouth of the South River
Annapolis, MD 21403
Photo By: Historic Ships in Baltimore
10 Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
Located in the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, this lighthouse is part of Historic Ships in Baltimore. Fascinating exhibits provide a great window into history.
More about Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
Type:
Attraction
Location:
Pier 5, Inner Harbor
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-539-1797
