Coastal Sites: 2 Lighthouses in Alabama to Add to Your Boating Bucket List

Sandy Allen

Jun 9, 2024 — 2 min read

Lighthouses have played a significant role in Alabama's maritime history, guiding ships safely along its coastlines and waterways. Despite the relatively short coastline compared to other states, Alabama's lighthouses are notable for their historical significance and unique characteristics. They’re fun attractions to visit from marinas and private boat slips for rent.

Mobile Bay Lighthouse

Photo: Wikimedia/Altairisfar/Public Domain

The Mobile Bay Lighthouse, also known as the Middle Bay Lighthouse, is one of the most iconic lighthouses in Alabama. Constructed in 1885, it’s a hexagonal screw-pile lighthouse located in the middle of Mobile Bay. Its distinctive design and strategic location made it a critical navigational aid for vessels entering and leaving the busy port of Mobile and heading to private boat slip rentals or marinas.

The lighthouse features a unique hexagonal structure mounted on iron pilings screwed into the bay's bottom. This design was common in the Gulf Coast region due to the soft and muddy seabed.

The Mobile Bay Lighthouse was automated in 1935 and deactivated in 1967. Restoration efforts in the late 20th century helped preserve the structure, and it's now a popular site for boaters and tourists.

Sand Island Lighthouse

Located near the entrance to Mobile Bay, the Sand Island Lighthouse was first established in 1838. The original structure was destroyed during the Civil War, and the current lighthouse, a conical brick tower standing 131 feet tall, was built in 1873. It once housed a first-order Fresnel lens, which was later removed for preservation.

The lighthouse faced significant erosion and storm damage over the years. Restoration efforts have been ongoing to stabilize the structure and preserve it as a historical landmark for boaters to enjoy from private boat lift rentals.

While there aren’t many lighthouses still standing on the Alabama coast, the ones left are wonderful attractions to check out from private boat docks for rent. Let us know your favorite!

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