A lighthouse is a tower, building, or other type of physical structure designed to emit light from a system of lamps and lenses and to serve as a beacon for navigational aid for maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways.
Lighthouse, structure, usually with a tower, built onshore or on the seabed to serve as an aid to maritime coastal navigation, warning mariners of hazards, establishing their position, and guiding them to their destinations.
Enjoy this handy guide featuring 14 of our favorite lighthouses in the U.S. Want even more great lighthouses? Check out this guide showcasing lighthouses from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast. Stay connected with us via email. Sign up today.
Lighthouses are built from wood, stone, brick, reinforced concrete, iron, steel, or aluminum. They are designed to withstand local environmental conditions. For example, tall skeletal lighthouses located in the Caribbean offer less surface area to hurricane-force winds and waves.
What is a lighthouse? A lighthouse is loosely defined as a tower or other structure used to display a light for the guidance of ships to either avoid a dangerous area (shoals, etc.) or to identify a safe harbor.