How to Watch the Lighthouse

A lighthouse is a tower with a bright light at the top, located at an important or dangerous place regarding navigation (travel over water).

They are used for two main purposes: to help mariners navigate and warn them of danger. They are like traffic signs on the sea, and they may have bells or horns to help with identification.

Views

If you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time, consider taking in the view from the top of the tower. The vantage point offers a sweeping view of the entire coastal city. A short hike will take you to the most elevated lookout in the area, with a 360-degree panorama of the teeming harbor and the surrounding mainland. It’s a surprisingly easy hike, and one that will have you oohing and ahhing in no time.

In addition to the views, the lighthouse boasts several of its own perks and amenities. A state-of-the-art fitness center and a snazzy lobby are just the beginning, while free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities round out the list of modern comforts. For the more adventurous, try out the lighthouse on a tour. The experience is a little on the pricey side, but well worth it for those in the know.

The best way to do it is by booking in advance. The most streamlined way to do it is via the online booking portal, or by phone if you prefer. The site also allows for multiple reservations at once, saving you the trouble of waiting in line on busy days. The site’s mobile app will also give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit.

History

America's lighthouses have played an important role in the nation's history, guiding mariners through dangerous waters. But these mighty towers of light are also more than just landmarks of engineering excellence--they are also an essential part of the country's dramatic story, a tale of human ingenuity and perseverance that dates back 300 years.

Throughout their history, lighthouses have been a vital tool for America's economic growth and a source of safety and security for the nation's imperiled mariners. But the lights also serve as a symbol of national pride and inspiration, serving as a reminder that we have always been capable of doing great things.

As a result of our country's evolution, the lighthouse has evolved too. From whale oil and lard to kerosene and finally electricity, the illuminants that powered lighthouses changed drastically, as did the reflectors and lenses used to project the light.

The Fresnel lens became one of the most important innovations in lighting technology, and by 1860 it was commonplace to see it on American lighthouses. Designed by Augustin Jean Fresnel of France, it not only cast a brighter and more intense beam than the previous reflectors, but its design also made light more visible to ships on the high seas, especially in rough weather.

Watch Hill’s fourth order Fresnel lens was removed on August 31, 1986, and a new FA-251 beacon took its place. Today, the lens is preserved in a small museum next to the lighthouse.

Although a keeper's job was relatively simple--keep the lights illuminated nightly and maintain the clockwork system--it was a challenging and demanding position that required a lifelong commitment to service. Keepers had to live and work on the coast for a full eighteen months of the year, sometimes in rough weather.

At the end of each season, a keeper would leave the lighthouse in a small open vessel and head for home. It was a long and dangerous journey, and it was not uncommon for keepers to die on the way back from their duties at the coast.

While many lighthouses are now automated and largely neglected, they still play an important role in our country's history. As a result, we're lucky to have such a great collection of historic lighthouses in our country, each with its own unique story and captivating character.

Tours

If you're looking to add a little adventure and excitement to your visit to the lighthouse, consider taking a tour. These tours are a great way to experience the history of these landmarks while learning about their role in guiding ships at sea.

The storied structures have been guiding ships at sea for centuries and are an important part of Long Island's coastal history. Take time to explore and admire the imposing towers, walk along their piers, and climb up their steps.

A trip to the lighthouse also provides an opportunity to get a closer look at a variety of historic buildings, including the fog signal building and the keeper's house. Using a printed visitor guide and onsite signage, you'll explore these historic buildings at your own pace, while staff stationed within the keeper's house and lighthouse can answer any questions you have about these fascinating historic sites.

Depending on the season, several different tours of these iconic lighthouses are offered across New York State. Check out the calendar for more details and to book tickets.

One of the most popular is the 2-hour Lighthouse Cruise, which combines close-up views of Long Island Light, Graves Light, and Boston Light on an exciting 2 hour cruise through Boston Harbor. You'll hear onboard narration from park staff and volunteers from the United States Coast Guard.

Another option is the Dual Lighthouse Sightseeing Cruise, which includes access to both the Rondout and Esopus Meadows Lighthouses. The boat departs from the Hudson River Maritime Museum and offers passengers an opportunity to see these two historic lighthouses at the same time.

These tours are free, and include admission to the Maritime Museum of New York. Guests may also purchase additional items from the museum shop, such as the "Hudson River Lighthouses" book.

In addition, there are many other tours to choose from in the area. Some, like the Segway tour of New London Harbor Light and Ocean Beach, are an excellent way to spend an afternoon with the kids while exploring this scenic area.

A guided tour of Split Rock Lighthouse is a great option for families, as it provides an opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of this landmark. There are three tours to choose from, and each includes the visitor center, 13-minute movie about the construction of Split Rock Lighthouse, and a self-guided tour around the site.

Fees

Seeing the lighthouse at Pigeon Point is an experience not to be missed. The lighthouse and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife, from whales to seals and birds. The area is also known for its rocky reefs and intertidal zones, which can provide a host of viewing opportunities.

The lighthouse itself is accessible by 92 wooden spiral stairs and an eight-rung metal ladder, which visitors can climb to reach the watch room and lantern room. This activity is physically demanding, so visitors should be in good health and well-hydrated to complete the route.

For those who are not able to climb the stairs, there is an observation deck at the base of the stairs which provides excellent views of the lighthouse and a thriving murre colony. This observation deck is also an ideal spot for bird watching and whale watching.

You should plan to arrive early to avoid the crowds and allow yourself ample time to enjoy the lighthouse and its surrounding areas, which are also home to a ranger station with information about the history of the site. This is an important part of the lighthouse’s mission to promote a better understanding of its role in protecting the coastal area.

Tours are available daily at 10:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. There is a fee for tours of $5 per person.

Climbing the tower costs $8 for adults and $4 for children (ages 8-12) and seniors (62 and over). This fee is designed to recoup expenses associated with managing visitor access to the tower, including safety, quality interpretation and custodial maintenance.

The view from the tower and the Observation Deck is stunning, especially during the summer. You will be able to see sea lions, birds and whales frolicking in the ocean or hauling out on the rocky reefs.

There are several places on the Observation Deck from which you can take photos. You can also visit the Pigeon Point Museum if you want to learn more about the history of the site.

The lighthouse is closed for maintenance between November and March, but the museum remains open. This is a great opportunity to learn about the history of the lighthouse and the keeper who worked here. The museum is also an excellent place to shop for gifts and souvenirs.