Ever dreamed of sleeping in a lighthouse, waves crashing below and sunrise pouring through the lantern room windows? In New England, that dream is possible! Scattered along the region’s rugged coastlines are historic lighthouses that now welcome overnight guests — some nestled in remote preserves, others just steps from popular beaches.
In this guide, we’ll highlight five real lighthouses in New England that you can actually rent. From Cape Cod to coastal Maine, these stays blend history, ocean views, and pure adventure.
1. Race Point Light – Provincetown, Massachusetts
Tucked deep within the Cape Cod National Seashore, Race Point Light offers one of the most secluded overnight experiences on the New England coast. Built in 1816 and still guiding ships to this day, the lighthouse is a remote, solar-powered escape with sweeping views of the Atlantic and miles of protected shoreline.
Guests can stay in the historic Keeper’s House, which sleeps up to 10 people, or the more intimate Whistle House, which sleeps 8. Both are lovingly maintained by volunteers from the nonprofit Race Point Lighthouse Keepers and are furnished with a mix of rustic charm and basic modern amenities.
Getting there is part of the adventure — the lighthouse is only accessible via a 45-minute hike over soft sand or by a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a special National Park Service permit. There’s no Wi-Fi or cell service, just sunsets, stargazing, and solitude.
What Makes It Special:
Race Point offers a true off-grid experience in one of Cape Cod’s most stunning and remote natural settings. It’s perfect for anyone looking to unplug and immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the sea.
How to Book:
Visit racepointlighthouse.org for availability, rates, and booking details. Stays are seasonal and fill up quickly — especially summer weekends.
2. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse – Bristol, Maine
Perched on a dramatic outcrop of granite ledge, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is one of Maine’s most iconic landmarks — so much so that it was featured on the state’s U.S. quarter. The view alone is worth the trip, but for a lucky few, it’s also possible to spend the night in the historic Keeper’s House overlooking the Atlantic.
The white clapboard house, originally built in 1857, is now available for weekly rentals during the summer through the Friends of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Inside, the home is cozy and coastal, with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a front porch ideal for soaking in sunrises and sea breezes.
Unlike more remote lighthouse stays, Pemaquid Point is easily accessible by car and sits in a quiet, postcard-perfect village. It’s an ideal retreat for writers, artists, and anyone looking to enjoy coastal Maine with a touch of history.
What Makes It Special:
Pemaquid combines classic Maine scenery with comfort and convenience. It’s a rare chance to stay inside an active lighthouse property without having to sacrifice modern amenities or accessibility.
How to Book:
Weekly summer rentals can be booked through L. Dewey Chase Rentals. Availability is limited and highly competitive, so early planning is recommended.
3. Wings Neck Lighthouse – Pocasset, Massachusetts
Once a working U.S. Coast Guard light station, Wings Neck Lighthouse has been transformed into a private waterfront vacation home — and it’s one of the few places in the country where you can actually stay inside the lighthouse tower itself.
Located at the tip of Wings Neck Point on Cape Cod, the property includes a three-bedroom house and the original brick lighthouse tower, all surrounded by a wraparound deck and sweeping views of Buzzards Bay. The home sleeps up to 8 guests and includes modern amenities like a full kitchen, updated bathrooms, and even a spiral staircase leading to the lantern room.
With a private beach, a dock for boating, and total shoreline privacy, it’s a perfect mix of coastal luxury and maritime heritage. Guests can climb the tower, watch the sun rise over the bay, and enjoy the peace and quiet of a true New England retreat.
What Makes It Special:
This is one of the few rental properties where you don’t just stay next to a lighthouse — you stay in one. Add a private beach and panoramic views, and it’s easy to see why it books up fast.
How to Book:
Wings Neck Lighthouse is available as a vacation rental directly from the owners on their website. Weekly rentals are available from spring through fall.
4. Nauset Light Keeper’s House – Eastham, Massachusetts
Best known for its red-and-white striped tower — and for its cameo on Cape Cod Potato Chips bags — Nauset Light is one of the Cape’s most beloved landmarks. But few visitors know that the original Keeper’s House next door is available for overnight stays through the National Park Service.
The house, built in the 1870s and lovingly restored, accommodates up to six guests and offers a simple, rustic experience within walking distance of one of the most beautiful beaches in New England. Inside, you’ll find three bedrooms, a cozy living room, a full kitchen, and a screened porch perfect for salty breezes and quiet evenings.
It’s located within the Cape Cod National Seashore and just a short walk to Coast Guard Beach — frequently ranked among the best beaches in the country. While the lighthouse itself is not open for overnight stays, guests at the Keeper’s House have front-row access to it and its sweeping Atlantic views.
What Makes It Special:
This is one of the only opportunities to stay overnight in a historic keeper’s house operated by the National Park Service. The location — next to a Cape Cod icon and steps from a world-class beach — makes it unforgettable.
How to Book:
The Nauset Light Keeper’s House is managed by the Nauset Light Preservation Society. Visit their website for seasonal availability and reservations.
5. Rose Island Light – Newport, Rhode Island
Just a mile offshore from bustling Newport, Rose Island Light feels like a world away. Built in 1870 and beautifully restored, this historic lighthouse offers guests the rare chance to live like a 19th-century keeper — complete with kerosene lanterns, water cisterns, and solar power.
The island itself is a 17-acre nature preserve, and the lighthouse sits on its western edge overlooking Narragansett Bay in southern Rhode Island. Guests can choose between nightly rentals of individual rooms or opt for the immersive “Lighthouse Keeper” experience, staying for up to a week while helping with light maintenance and educational tours.
Accommodations are rustic but comfortable, with sweeping views, seabirds overhead, and no cars, crowds, or distractions. It’s ideal for anyone craving solitude and a deeper connection with the history of maritime New England.
What Makes It Special:
Rose Island Light isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a step back in time. Whether you’re relaxing on the deck or winding the fog bell mechanism, every moment offers a glimpse into the life of a lighthouse keeper.
How to Book:
Visit roseisland.org to explore stay options, check availability, and learn more about the keeper program.
Ready to Stay in a Lighthouse?
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the views, or just the idea of falling asleep to the sound of waves against the rocks, staying in a lighthouse is a New England experience like no other. From the remote sands of Race Point to the postcard charm of Pemaquid Point and the keeper-for-a-week program on Rose Island, each of these five lighthouses offers something unique — and unforgettable.
Lighthouse rentals are limited, seasonal, and often booked months in advance, so early planning is key. Many of these stays also support nonprofit organizations working to preserve the structures and their maritime heritage, meaning your getaway helps keep the light shining for future generations.
Ready to book your stay? Pick your favorite, follow the links above, and prepare for a truly one-of-a-kind coastal escape.
