Scattered along America’s rugged coastlines, haunted lighthouses stand as eerie sentinels of maritime history, blending tales of shipwrecks, keeper tragedies, and supernatural phenomena that captivate ghost hunters and history buffs alike. From the fog-shrouded cliffs of Maine to the stormy shores of the Great Lakes, these iconic beacons, built between the 18th and 19th centuries, harbor restless spirits—drowned sailors, grieving widows, and playful children—whose apparitions, whispers, and poltergeist antics have been documented by paranormal investigators and featured in shows like “Ghost Hunters.” Whether you’re drawn to the chilling lore of Point Lookout or the spectral charm of St. Augustine, these 25 haunted lighthouses offer a thrilling mix of history, mystery, and guided tours for an unforgettable adventure.
1) Point Lookout Lighthouse, Scotland, Maryland
Nestled at the southern tip of Maryland’s western shore where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay, Point Lookout Lighthouse was constructed in 1830 as a vital beacon for mariners navigating these treacherous waters, and it served actively until its decommissioning in 1965. During the Civil War, the site housed a notorious Confederate prison camp where over 4,000 prisoners perished from disease and harsh conditions, embedding a dark chapter in its history that includes hospital facilities and a tragic legacy of suffering. Paranormal enthusiasts dub it America’s most haunted lighthouse, with reported apparitions including spectral Union and Confederate soldiers marching in formation, a little girl named Jackie who playfully interacts with visitors, a hostile entity lurking in the basement causing physical disturbances, the spirit of a dead lighthouse keeper named Ann Davis who whispers and appears in windows, ghostly voices echoing cries and screams from yellow fever victims, and unexplained phenomena like slamming doors, cold spots, orbs, and phantom footsteps documented by investigators and park rangers. Today, the lighthouse draws ghost hunters and history buffs alike, offering guided tours that blend maritime heritage with spine-tingling supernatural tales.
Address: 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687
Website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/pointlookout.aspx
2) St. Augustine Lighthouse, St. Augustine, Florida
Standing tall as Florida’s oldest surviving brick structure, the St. Augustine Lighthouse was first lit in 1874 after its predecessor, a Spanish watchtower from 1737, succumbed to erosion, serving as a crucial aid for ships navigating the treacherous Atlantic coast amid frequent shipwrecks and pirate threats. Its history is marked by tragic events, including the 1873 drowning of three young girls—the Pittee sisters—during construction when their supply cart plunged into the sea, and the fatal fall of a worker, adding layers of sorrow to its maritime legacy. Widely regarded as one of the most haunted lighthouses in America, visitors and investigators report the playful spirits of the Pittee girls, Eliza and Mary, whose laughter and footsteps echo on the spiral stairs; the ghost of head keeper Peter Rasmussen, whose cigar smoke wafts through the air; a shadowy male figure believed to be a former keeper or drowned sailor lurking in the basement; apparitions of a woman in white on the grounds; cold spots, EVPs capturing voices, and poltergeist activity like moving objects, all captured on shows like “Ghost Hunters.” Open for tours year-round, this iconic site combines stunning ocean views with eerie encounters for those brave enough to climb its 219 steps.
Address: 100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Website: https://www.staugustinelighthouse.org
3) Seguin Island Lighthouse, Phippsburg, Maine
Commissioned by President George Washington in 1795 and rebuilt in 1857 with its distinctive 53-foot granite tower, Seguin Island Lighthouse stands as Maine’s second-oldest beacon, guiding vessels through the foggy Kennebec River mouth amid a history of isolation, shipwrecks, and harsh winters that tested its keepers’ resilience. The site’s dark past includes a tragic 1850s incident where a keeper, driven mad by loneliness, murdered his wife with an axe after she obsessively played the same piano tune, then took his own life, leaving behind a legacy of despair. Hauntings abound with the “Old Captain” or first keeper’s spirit manifesting as apparitions and footsteps; the ghostly wife, whose piano music echoes on stormy nights and whose screams pierce the air; a young girl buried on the island who appears as a playful entity; a former keeper’s specter rearranging furniture and slamming doors; and poltergeist activity like moving axes, all reported by caretakers and visitors who describe an eerie, unwelcoming presence. Accessible by boat tours in summer, this remote lighthouse offers a chilling blend of history and the supernatural for adventurous explorers.
Address: Seguin Island, Phippsburg, ME 04562 (accessible by boat)
Website: https://www.seguinisland.org
4) Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, Gulliver, Michigan
Built in 1895 on Lake Michigan’s northern shore to aid lumber ships navigating the hazardous Seul Choix Bay, this Victorian-style lighthouse operated until 1972, preserving a slice of Upper Peninsula maritime history tied to French explorers and Native American heritage. Its most infamous keeper, Captain Joseph Townsend, died in 1910 in an upstairs bedroom, reportedly from grief or illness, marking a pivotal, tragic event. Considered one of Michigan’s most haunted sites, the lighthouse is plagued by Townsend’s ghost, who rearranges furniture, laughs heartily, and leaves cigar smoke scents; a spectral woman in black mourning attire gliding through rooms; apparitions of drowned sailors from nearby wrecks; poltergeist activity like moving silverware and slamming doors; cold spots, EVPs, and shadowy figures captured by paranormal teams, with hundreds of documented encounters earning it a spot on “Scariest Places on Earth.” Now a museum with guided tours, it attracts ghost hunters seeking authentic supernatural thrills alongside historical insights.
Address: 6725 County Rd 428, Gulliver, MI 49840
Website: https://www.greatlakelighthouse.com
5) Heceta Head Lighthouse, Yachats, Oregon
Erected in 1894 as Oregon’s tallest lighthouse at 56 feet, Heceta Head Lighthouse has illuminated the rugged Pacific coast for over a century, named after Spanish explorer Bruno de Heceta and serving as a critical navigational aid amid frequent storms and shipwrecks. Its history includes the tragic death of a keeper’s wife or daughter in the late 1800s, possibly from suicide or accident, contributing to its isolated, melancholic aura. Famously haunted by “Rue,” the Grey Lady—a benevolent spirit believed to be the wife of keeper Frank DeRoy or Andrew Hald, who tidies rooms, rearranges items, and appears in a gray dress in windows or attics; visitors report scratching sounds, cold spots, and helpful interventions like unlocking doors, all amid a reputation as one of the West Coast’s most active paranormal sites. Operating as a bed and breakfast, it invites overnight stays for those eager to experience its ghostly hospitality and stunning views.
Address: 92072 Hwy 101 South, Yachats, OR 97498
Website: https://hecetalighthouse.com
6) Battery Point Lighthouse, Crescent City, California
Constructed in 1856 as one of California’s earliest lighthouses, Battery Point Lighthouse has withstood earthquakes, tsunamis—including the devastating 1964 wave that ravaged Crescent City—and served as a guardian for gold rush-era ships along the rugged Redwood Coast until automation in 1953. Keepers like Theophilis Magruder and John Jeffrey endured isolation and pay cuts, with the site evolving from a functional beacon to a museum preserving Native American and maritime artifacts. Haunted by at least three spirits, including a playful 10-year-old girl from a shipwreck or tsunami victim whose laughter echoes; an adult male keeper, possibly Jeffrey, who rocks chairs and climbs stairs; a female entity in period attire appearing in mirrors; and poltergeist phenomena like cold spots, EVPs, and moving objects, all investigated by paranormal groups confirming multiple presences. Accessible only at low tide, it offers tidal pool explorations and ghostly lore for intrepid visitors.
Address: 577 H St, Crescent City, CA 95531
Website: https://www.delnortehistory.org/battery-point-lighthouse
7) Point Sur Lighthouse, Big Sur, California
Perched on a volcanic rock outcrop since its 1889 construction, Point Sur Lighthouse has guided ships along California’s perilous Central Coast, enduring isolation, fog, and shipwrecks like the 1935 USS Macon dirigible crash, while serving as a self-sustaining station with families until automation in 1974. Its history reflects the hardships of keepers amid remote living, now preserved as a state historic park. Renowned as one of the most haunted lighthouses on the West Coast, it hosts up to a dozen spirits including drowned sailors from wrecks who whisper and appear as misty figures; former keepers and their families causing footsteps, laughter, and apparitions in Victorian attire; a tall male entity in the tower; poltergeist activity like slamming doors and flickering lights; and EVPs capturing cries, all documented by ghost hunters who describe an active, eerie energy. Moonlight tours amplify the chills, making it a must-visit for paranormal enthusiasts and history lovers.
Address: Point Sur State Historic Park, Hwy 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Website: https://www.pointsur.org
8) Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, Presque Isle, Michigan
Erected in 1840 as one of Lake Huron’s earliest beacons, the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse guided vessels through foggy waters until its decommissioning in 1871, replaced by a taller structure nearby, and now stands as a museum showcasing 19th-century maritime life amid Michigan’s lumber boom era. Tragic tales include a keeper’s wife allegedly driven mad and locked in the tower, dying there, and the 1905 death of caretaker George Parris. Haunted by two primary spirits: the woman’s ghost, whose screams echo on stormy nights; and George Parris, whose apparition, cigar smoke, and light-turning antics persist despite the lamp’s removal, alongside orbs, cold spots, and unexplained mists reported by visitors and investigators. Open seasonally, it beckons with ghostly legends and serene park surroundings.
Address: 5295 E Grand Lake Rd, Presque Isle, MI 49777
Website: https://www.presqueislelighthouses.org
9) Big Bay Point Lighthouse, Big Bay, Michigan
Built in 1896 overlooking Lake Superior, Big Bay Point Lighthouse has illuminated Michigan’s Upper Peninsula coast, aiding iron ore ships until automation, and now functions as a bed and breakfast preserving its Victorian architecture and maritime heritage. Its grim history centers on 1901, when first keeper William Prior hanged himself in grief over his son’s death, inspiring the film “Anatomy of a Murder” filmed nearby. The site is haunted by Prior’s red-haired spirit, who thumps a cane, indents beds, and opens doors; a jilted bride’s apparition wandering the grounds; crewmembers from nearby shipwrecks causing whispers; and poltergeist activity like moving objects, all amid reports of multiple entities from paranormal investigations. Guests often experience these phenomena firsthand, blending luxury stays with supernatural intrigue.
Address: 4674 County Rd KCB, Big Bay, MI 49808
Website: https://www.bigbaylighthouse.com
10) Owl’s Head Lighthouse, Owl’s Head, Maine
Established in 1825 under President John Quincy Adams and rebuilt in 1852, Owl’s Head Lighthouse has safeguarded Penobscot Bay’s lime trade and shipping routes, famous for the 1850 “Frozen Lovers” rescue where a couple survived an icy shipwreck. Its history includes smuggling tales and keeper hardships in this foggy, isolated spot. Topping lists as Maine’s most haunted, it features the benevolent “Old Keeper” spirit who tucks in beds and leaves footprints in snow; “Two-Foot Charlie,” a boy’s ghost from a smuggling murder, causing knocks and apparitions; a lady in white on the grounds; poltergeist activity like rattling doors; and EVPs, all witnessed by caretakers and visitors. State park access and tours make it ideal for history and ghost aficionados.
Address: 186 Lighthouse Rd, Owl’s Head, ME 04854
Website: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/owls_head_light_state_park.shtml
11) Point Pinos Lighthouse, Pacific Grove, California
The West Coast’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse, lit in 1855, Point Pinos guided Monterey Bay ships, with keeper Emily Fish hosting lavish parties until 1914. Now a museum, it’s haunted by Emily’s blue-skirted spirit on stairs, a teenage girl offering flowers, keeper Charles Layton polishing the lens, and joyful whispers with footsteps. Tours showcase its Pacific views and spectral charm.
Address: 80 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Website: https://www.pointpinoslighthouse.org
12) White River Light Station, Whitehall, Michigan
Built in 1875 at Lake Michigan’s entrance, White River Light Station aided lumber shipping, with Captain William Robinson and wife Sarah serving until his 1919 death. Now a museum, it’s haunted by William’s cane-tapping ghost, Sarah’s dusting spirit, and friendly poltergeists causing warm breezes and object movements. Curators report a welcoming paranormal presence for visitors.
Address: 6199 Murray Rd, Whitehall, MI 49461
Website: https://www.splka.org/white-river-light-station
13) Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Oregon
Oregon’s tallest at 93 feet, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, lit in 1873, protected ships from Pacific storms, named for a Native American tribe. A keeper’s daughter’s fatal fall and drownings fuel its hauntings, distinct from Yaquina Bay’s fictional tales. Ghosts include the daughter offering flowers, drowned sailors’ screams, and misty figures with orbs in photos. Tours highlight its Fresnel lens and eerie lore.
Address: 750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR 97365
Website: https://www.blm.gov/visit/yaquina-head-outstanding-natural-area
14) Absecon Lighthouse, Atlantic City, New Jersey
New Jersey’s tallest at 171 feet, Absecon Lighthouse, lit in 1857, curbed Atlantic City shipwrecks until 1933. Drowned keepers and a 1905 Jersey Devil sighting mark its history. Haunted by sailors in oilskins, keepers’ footsteps on 228 steps, the Jersey Devil’s apparition, and shadowy figures with cold winds, it’s a paranormal draw. Climb for views and chills.
Address: 31 S Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Website: https://www.abseconlighthouse.org
15) Boon Island Lighthouse, York, Maine
Maine’s tallest at 133 feet, Boon Island Lighthouse, established in 1811 and rebuilt in 1855, guards the Atlantic amid the 1710 Nottingham Galley wreck’s cannibalism rumors. Keeper suicides and isolation fuel its lore. Haunted by a woman in white (a keeper’s bride), drowned fishermen’s knocks, and shipwreck victims’ apparitions, it’s eerie on stormy nights.
Address: Boon Island, York, ME 03909 (viewable offshore)
Website: https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=626
16) Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Highlands, New Jersey
America’s oldest operating lighthouse, lit in 1764, Sandy Hook survived British occupation and Civil War use, guiding New York Harbor. Unearthed skeletons and Captain Huddy’s execution add intrigue. Haunted by Revolutionary soldiers, a woman from buried remains, shipwreck victims’ whispers, and footsteps with chills, it’s a spectral gem in Gateway National Park.
Address: 84 Mercer Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732
Website: https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/sandy-hook-lighthouse.htm
17) Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton, North Carolina
The tallest brick lighthouse in America at 208 feet, Cape Hatteras, lit in 1870, protects the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” relocated in 1999 due to erosion. Civil War sabotage and shipwrecks mark its past. Haunted by the “Gray Man” warning of hurricanes, a ghostly cat, Carroll A. Deering’s vanished crew, drowned sailors’ cries, and keepers’ apparitions, it’s a coastal legend.
Address: 46379 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920
Website: https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/cape-hatteras-lighthouse.htm
18) Block Island Southeast Lighthouse, Block Island, Rhode Island
A Victorian Gothic beacon lit in 1875, Block Island Southeast Lighthouse warned of reefs until 1990, restored as a historic site. A keeper’s daughter’s death fuels its lore. Haunted by her laughter and piano music, a male keeper’s footsteps, and shadowy figures, it’s a paranormal favorite. Tours reveal its architectural beauty and ghostly tales.
Address: 122 Mohegan Trail, New Shoreham, RI 02807
Website: https://www.blockislandinfo.com/island-lights
19) Old Point Loma Lighthouse, San Diego, California
Built in 1855 atop Point Loma, this lighthouse guided San Diego’s harbor until 1891, replaced due to fog issues, now a Cabrillo National Monument museum. A keeper’s lonely death marks its history. Haunted by his whispering spirit warning of danger, flickering lanterns, and cold gusts, it draws visitors for history and hauntings.
Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Website: https://www.nps.gov/cabr/learn/historyculture/old-point-loma-lighthouse.htm
20) Nubble Lighthouse (Cape Neddick Light), York, Maine
Lit in 1879, Nubble Lighthouse guards Cape Neddick’s rocky coast, a New England icon amid pirate and shipwreck tales. Keeper hardships add to its lore. Haunted by pirate ghosts, a keeper’s widow’s apparition, and shadowy figures in the tower, it’s eerie with phantom lights. Viewable from Sohier Park, it’s a must-see.
Address: 11 Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909
Website: https://www.nubblelight.org
21) Matinicus Rock Lighthouse, Matinicus Isle, Maine
Established in 1827 and rebuilt in 1857, Matinicus Rock Lighthouse, on a remote island, guided ships through stormy Atlantic waters. Smuggling and drownings mark its past. Haunted by smugglers’ knocks, drowned fishermen’s shadows, and apparitions of keeper families, its isolation amplifies the unease. Boat tours offer glimpses of its ghostly aura.
Address: Matinicus Island, ME 04851 (accessible by boat)
Website: https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=773
22) The Pensacola Lighthouse – Florida
The Pensacola Lighthouse, perched on the scenic shores of Pensacola Bay, Florida, is a haunting beacon with a chilling history that captivates visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Built in 1859, this 150-foot-tall structure is renowned not only for its maritime significance but also for its ghostly tales. Legends whisper of spectral keepers, including the tragic figure of a lighthouse keeper’s wife, said to roam the tower and keeper’s quarters, her presence marked by eerie footsteps and flickering lights. Visitors report cold spots, unexplained whispers, and shadowy figures, making it a hotspot for ghost hunters. Open to the public for tours and climbs up its 177 steps, the lighthouse offers breathtaking views and a spine-chilling glimpse into its haunted past, perfect for those seeking history and mystery.
Address: 2081 Radford Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32508 (onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola)
Website: https://www.pensacolalighthouse.org/
23) Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, Marquette, Michigan
Lit in 1853 on Lake Superior, Marquette Harbor Lighthouse guided iron ore ships, with the 1919 Munising wreck adding tragedy. Keeper Elmer Byrnes’s death marks its history. Haunted by Byrnes’s spirit gathering shipwreck victims, drowned sailors’ apparitions, and cries on stormy nights, it’s a Great Lakes haunt. Tours captivate visitors.
Address: 300 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI 49855
Website: https://www.mqtmaritimemuseum.com/lighthouse
24) Cove Point Lighthouse, Lusby, Maryland
Built in 1828 on the Chesapeake Bay, Cove Point Lighthouse, one of Maryland’s oldest, guided ships until automation, now a museum. Keeper hardships shape its past. Haunted by friendly keeper ghosts lighting phantom fires, footsteps, and warm breezes, it’s a welcoming paranormal site. Tours offer history and gentle haunts.
Address: 3500 Lighthouse Blvd, Lusby, MD 20657
Website: https://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/156/Cove-Point-Lighthouse
25) Alcatraz Lighthouse, San Francisco, California
Lit in 1909, Alcatraz Lighthouse served San Francisco Bay near the infamous prison, enduring earthquakes and inmate escapes until automation. The prison’s dark history bleeds into hauntings, with inmate spirits’ whispers, shadowy figures, cold spots, and apparitions wandering the island, blending penal and maritime lore. Tours are a thrilling draw.
Address: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA 94133
Website: https://www.nps.gov/alca/planyourvisit/index.htm