Lighthouses

Lighthouses in Mystic, Connecticut, are classic marine sentinels

Mystic, Connecticut is home to charming lighthouses that stand as iconic symbols of New England’s maritime history.

These classic marine sentinels scattered along the scenic coastline offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region’s seafaring past.

Perfect for photographers, history buffs, and coastal explorers, Mystic’s lighthouses provide a serene and memorable experience.

Plan your visit to these treasured landmarks and immerse yourself in the beauty of Connecticut’s coastal charm.

Looking to experience Mystic's lighthouses by sea? Check out our recommendation on the best way to do that here.

8 places to visit

Argia Mystic Cruises

Discover Lighthouses that you can only see from sea

75 Steamboat Wharf Mystic, CT 06355 860-536-0416

Sail through the islands and lighthouses of the Mystic River and Fishers Island Sound as you discover the natural history and beauty of our maritime world. Cruise aboard the traditional sailing ship Argia for a 2 hour day-sail or sunset sail. Many lighthouses in our area can only be seen from the water. Possible sightings on our regular day-sails include: Morgan Point, North Dumpling, Latimer Reef, Race Rock, New London Ledge, New London Harbor, Watch Hill, and Avery Point. History comes alive in sight, sound and smell from the deck of a moving ship. You may bring your own picnic basket, bottle of wine, or beer. US Coast Guard inspected.

May through mid-October, choose a day or sunset cruise aboard ARGIA!

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Cross Sound Lighthouse Cruises

Tours shed a whole new light on the history of, and stories behind, lighthouses

2 Ferry Street New London, CT 06320 860-444-4620

See history in a whole new light when you sign up for one of Cross Sound Cruises’ three lighthouse tours. Two of the tours — the Classic Lighthouse Tour and the Lights & Sights Tour — leave out of New London, CT. The former goes by two Revolutionary-Era forts as well as a variety of lighthouses including Race Rock Light and New London Harbor Light. The second tour heads east to Rhode Island, passing Latimer Reef Light, the oldest cast-iron lighthouse still in service in the First Coast Guard District. The Long Island Lights Tour departs Orient Point, NY, passing by Little Gull, Race Rock and Avery Point lighthouses, as well as many others. The two-hour tours are narrated by experienced guides, who will share history and legends. Snacks and a full bar are available.

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New London Ledge Light

Location: Thames River, entrance to New London Harbor

Groton, CT 860-445-9007

Accessibility: The lighthouse is best seen by boat. Tours are available through Project Oceanology. At the Avery Point campus of the University of Connecticut. The facility: Active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. Maintained by New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation, P.O. Box 855, New London, Connecticut. Lighthouse built in 1909. Light emits three white flashes and one red flash every 30 seconds; fog signal is two blasts every 20 seconds.

New London Harbor Light

Location: West side of the entrance to New London Harbor

New London, CT 860-447-2501

Accessibility: The keeper's house is privately owned and the station is not open to the public. The best views are from the water. The facility: Active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. Owned by New London Maritime Society, 150 Bank Street, New London, CT 06320. Lighthouse built in 1801. Light flashes three seconds white alternating with three seconds darkness.

Stonington Harbor Light

Location: East side of Stonington Harbor

7 Water Street Stonington, CT 860-535-1440

Accessibility: Lighthouse is now a museum. Open daily, May 1 – October 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The facility: Lighthouses built in 1840. Maintained by the Stonington Historical Society at PO Box 103, Stonington. Telephone is 860-535-1440.

Lynde Point Light (Old Saybrook Inner Light)

Location: West side of the mouth of the Connecticut River

Old Saybrook, CT

Accessibility: The lighthouse is not open to the public. It is best seen by boat.
The facility: Active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. Lighthouse built in 1838. Light is fixed white.

Saybrook Breakwater Light (Saybrook Outer Light)

Location: West side of the mouth of the Connecticut River

Near Old Saybrook, CT

Accessibility: The lighthouse is not open to the public and is best viewed by boat.
The facility: Active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. Lighthouse built in 1886. Light flashes green every six seconds; fog signal is one blast every 30 seconds.

Avery Point Light

Location: East side of Thames River, Pine Island Channel

Shennecossett Road Groton, CT

Accessibility: The tower is on the Avery Point Campus of the University of Connecticut and is easily accessible. The tower is not open to the public. Directions: From I-95, take Exit 87, Route 349, the Clarence B. Sharp Highway. Turn right at the second traffic light onto Rainville Avenue. Turn left at the next traffic light onto Benham Road. Continue straight on Benham Road for approximately 1.7 miles to the Avery Point Campus at the University of Connecticut. It's a short walk from the parking area to the lighthouse. The facility: Lighthouse built in 1944. Light flashes green every four seconds.