Coastal Sites: Lighthouses in Connecticut

As boaters, it’s always fun to sail by coastal sites like lighthouses. Whether sailing from a private boat slip rental or cruising in a cuddy cabin or yacht around Long Island Sound, you’ll find a variety of lighthouses on the Connecticut coast. From Mystic to New Haven, Norwalk and Stamford, let’s discover some of them.

New Haven Harbor Lighthouse

Photo: Wikimedia/Public Domain

The New Haven Harbor Lighthouse, also known as the Five Mile Point Light, is located at the entrance to New Haven Harbor. This stone tower has been guiding ships since 1847. It’s about 80 feet tall. Although it's no longer in active use, it stands as a reminder of Connecticut's maritime heritage and is a popular subject for photographers and artists. 

Penfield Reef Lighthouse

Photo: Wikimedia/Halletx/CC by SA 4.0

At the south end of Black Rock Harbor, the Penfield Reef Lighthouse, sits on a submerged reef (Penfield Reef) off the coast of Fairfield. Built in 1874, this octagon tower is about 35 feet tall and built of wood and granite. Despite its remote location, it has played a vital role in safeguarding vessels navigating Long Island Sound from private boat docks for rent.

Sheffield Island Lighthouse

Photo: Wikimedia/Polaron/CC by SA 3.0

Sheffield Island Lighthouse, in Norwalk, was built in 1868. Situated on a rocky outcrop on Sheffield Island near the Norwalk River, this historic lighthouse has weathered the passage of time. Constructed in the distinctive Second Empire architectural style, the lighthouse boasts a striking white tower crowned with a vibrant red lantern room. Originally lit by a fourth-order Fresnel lens, the lighthouse's illumination could be seen for miles.

Stonington Harbor Lighthouse

Photo: Wikimedia/Kenneth C. Zirkel/CC by SA 3.0

If you’re looking for more coastal sites to visit from private boat slips for rent, add Stonington Harbor Lighthouse to your list. In Mystic, it sits at the entrance to Stonington Harbor. Built in 1840, its iconic white tower rises 30 feet, guiding ships safely through treacherous waters. Its significance transcends its physical presence; it symbolizes resilience, having weathered storms and witnessed the ebb and flow of maritime commerce over centuries.   

Stratford Shoal Lighthouse 

Photo: Wikimedia/Robert Brewster/Public Domain

Located in the middle of Long Island Sound, between Connecticut and Long Island, the Stratford Shoal Lighthouse (Middle Ground) is an excellent site to add to your lighthouse viewing list. It’s sometimes referred to as a New York lighthouse due to its proximity. Constructed in 1877, the lighthouse is 62 feet tall. 

It was built as a response to the increasing maritime traffic in the region, navigating vessels through the treacherous waters of the Sound. Its skeletal frame rises proudly from the water. It’s topped with a classic lantern room housing the light that guides sailors safely home. Initially fueled by kerosene, the light has evolved with time, now powered by modern technology while still preserving its timeless allure.

Stratford Point Lighthouse

Photo: Wikimedia/Jeremy D'Entremont/Public Domain

Situated on a point in Stratford, the Stratford Point Lighthouse overlooks the Housatonic River where it flows into Long Island Sound. Built in 1822, its iconic 35-foot-tall red and white tower has guided sailors safely through treacherous waters. The lighthouse, with its classic New England design, is a symbol of resilience and maritime heritage. It’s a wonderful site to visit from private boat dock rentals.

Stamford Harbor Ledge Lighthouse

Best seen by boat, the 60-foot-tall Stamford Harbor Ledge Lighthouse is a great site to check out from private boat lifts for rent near Stamford. It’s not open to the public but makes an excellent photo op from a distance. 

Constructed in 1882, the lighthouse is a classic example of late 19th-century lighthouse design. The cylindrical iron tower rises proudly from a granite base. It’s topped with a lantern room housing a powerful Fresnel lens that casts its light across the surrounding waters. In 1955, the original kerosene lamp was replaced with an automated beacon, ensuring that its light would shine brightly without the need for constant human intervention.

Add a few of these Connecticut lighthouses to your next trip to the Constitution State. Happy boating!