Lighthouses are defining features of coastlines and serve as both practical aids to navigation and striking examples of coastal architecture. If you appreciate lighthouse history and photography, you might enjoy the essay by Eric Jay Dolin that appeared in our May issue; it includes a set of evocative images of New England lighthouses by photographer Matthew Cohen.
Below is a curated selection of notable lighthouses you can see along the shores of Long Island Sound. The list identifies each structure, credits the photographers where noted, and gives the location or coordinates so you can find them on a map.
- 1. Stepping Stones Light – NOAA Photo Library, Nassau County, New York — 40°49′27.6″N 73°46′29.1″W
- 2. Great Captain Island Light – Robert Brewster, Greenwich, CT — 40.982479°N 73.623006°W
- 3. Greens Ledge Light – Radu Gheorghe for the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk, CT — 41°2′30″N 73°26′38.2″W
- 4. Sheffield Island Light – Radu Gheorghe for the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk, CT — 41°2′55.61″N 73°25′8.93″W
- 5. Peck Ledge Light – Radu Gheorghe for the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, Long Island Sound, CT — 41°04′38.4″N 73°22′11.38″W
- 6. Penfield Reef Light – Radu Gheorghe for the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, Fairfield, CT — 41°7′1.58″N 73°13′19.26″W
- 7. Stratford Point Light – Radu Gheorghe for the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, Stratford, CT — 41°09′07.19″N 73°06′11.78″W
- 8. Five Mile Point Light – Charles Barneby, New Haven, CT — 41°14′56″N 72°54′14″W
- 9. Falkners Island Light – USCG, Guilford, CT — 41°12′43″N 72°39′12″W
- 10. Avery Point Light – Mike Hotaling, Groton, CT — 41.315260°N 72.063563°W
- 11. Stonington Harbor Light – Kenneth C. Zirkel, Stonington, CT — 41°19′42.6″N 71°54′20″W
- 12. Orient Point – Mark Hatcher, Southold, NY — 41°8′43″N 72°17′19″W
- 13. Plum Island Light – Kristina Smith, Plum Island, NY — 41°10′25.20″N 72°12′41.47″W
These lights represent a cross-section of lighthouse types found around Long Island Sound, from offshore screwpile and caisson structures to classic stone and brick towers set on headlands and islands. Many were built to mark shoals, reefs, and narrow channels, offering mariners reliable visual cues in fog and darkness. Beyond their navigational function, lighthouses are often beloved subjects for photographers, artists, and coastal visitors because of their elegant lines, historic character, and the dramatic coastal settings that frame them.
Photography credits listed with each entry point to a variety of contemporary images taken by staff photographers, museum contributors, or coast guard archives. These images capture the lighthouses in different weather and light conditions, revealing how light, shadow, and the surrounding seascape shape each structure’s visual impact. Whether photographed at sunrise, in calm water, or against a stormy sky, the lighthouses around Long Island Sound convey a strong sense of place and maritime tradition.
For sailors, kayakers, and coastal hikers, knowing the approximate locations and coordinates of these lights can help with route planning and on-the-water orientation. A map of the region showing these sites provides useful context for anyone looking to visit or photograph multiple lights in a single day. Many lighthouses are visible from public shorelines, marinas, or authorized boat tours; access to interiors or privately managed islands may be limited, so verify visiting options and preserve sites by following posted rules and local guidance.
Preservation and stewardship are important themes for coastal communities that host lighthouses. Local historical societies, maritime museums, and volunteer groups frequently work to maintain these structures and share their stories. Photographs and essays—like the feature mentioned above—help raise awareness and appreciation for the architectural detail and maritime heritage embodied by these coastal beacons.
Whether you are planning a photography excursion, a boating trip, or simply a scenic drive along the Sound, this selection offers a starting point to explore the lighthouses that punctuate the Long Island Sound shoreline. Use the coordinates and place names here to locate each light on a map, and enjoy the varied styles and settings that make this region’s lighthouses such compelling and enduring landmarks.