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Lighthouse · Edgartown, Massachusetts
Edgartown Lighthouse
A white iron lighthouse at the entrance to Edgartown Harbor, reached via a sand spit, with views over the harbor and Chappaquiddick Island.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Edgartown Lighthouse
The Edgartown lighthouse stands at the harbor entrance, on a sand spit that formed over time between the village and the tower. The first lighthouse, from 1828, sat on a small islet connected to land by a wooden walkway. Damaged by the 1938 hurricane, it was replaced the following year by a cast-iron tower brought from Ipswich, in northern Massachusetts.
The white tower, about 14 meters tall, is still operational. As sand accumulated, the old islet became a beach, and today you can reach the lighthouse on foot via a short path from North Water Street.
In season, the island museum opens the tower for climbs on certain days. Around the base there is a memorial with stones dedicated to island children who died.
From the surrounding beach, the view covers the harbor, the anchored sailboats and Chappaquiddick Island across the channel, connected to Edgartown by a small ferry that crosses in a few minutes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to an hour.
Best time
Late afternoon, with low light over the harbor. Tower climbs happen only in season on certain days; check before you go.
How to get there
It’s at the end of North Water Street, about 1 km on foot from downtown Edgartown. Visiting the surroundings is free; the tower climb, when open, is paid.
Tip
Walk North Water Street past captains’ houses to the lighthouse. Then take the ferry to Chappaquiddick to see the harbor from the other side.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Edgartown Lighthouse
Can you climb the Edgartown lighthouse?
On certain days in season the island museum opens the tower for paid climbs. Otherwise you can only visit the surroundings.
How do you get to the Edgartown lighthouse?
On foot, via the end of North Water Street, about 1 km from downtown, along a short path over the sand.
What is Chappaquiddick?
An island next to Edgartown, with beaches and nature reserves, reached by a small ferry that crosses the channel in a few minutes.