
Many of America’s lighthouses are now defunct—but that doesn’t mean they’re permanently shuttered.
Videos by TravelAwaits
In fact, you can stay inside dozens of lighthouse Airbnbs across the United States, which have been carefully repurposed into comfortable rentals. They tend to offer expansive sea (or lake) views, plenty of privacy, and a dash of intrigue.
Even if you’re not typically interested in the history or inner workings of lighthouses, they offer a glimpse into the past. Some lighthouse Airbnbs even have museums on-site, while others offer tours of the lantern room, giving you an up-close look at the inner workings of these storied structures.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway on the water or a fresh and exciting rental experience, there’s an Airbnb lighthouse for you, from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest. Here’s where to find them.
[This article is part of TravelAwaits new Airbnb and Vrbo recommendation series. We dig into listings to identify the crème de la crème of Guest Favorites, Superhost listings, and hidden gems to make finding the perfect rental for your next trip a breeze.]
Best lighthouse Airbnbs in the United States: at a glance
- Best lighthouse for group trips: Beachfront Lighthouse
- Best cozy lake lighthouse: Lighthouse at Hunkerdown Hollow
- Most luxurious lighthouse: Hammarstrom House
- Most picturesque lighthouse rental: Bristol Ferry Lighthouse
- Best historic lighthouse on the Great Lakes: 1850s Eagle River Lighthouse
- Best operational lighthouse: Historic Selkirk Lighthouse
- Most classic New England lighthouse rental: Wings Neck Lighthouse
- Best lighthouse-keeper rental: Cove Point Lighthouse Keeper’s House
- Most remote lighthouse: Sitka Lighthouse
9 classic lighthouse Airbnb rentals across the United States
Beachfront Lighthouse (Bolivar Peninsula, Texas)

- Overview: This is a private beachfront lighthouse getaway with five bedrooms that can sleep up to 14 guests, providing non-stop Gulf downtime.
- The lighthouse factor: The uppermost chamber of this lighthouse has been converted into a small bedroom, letting you sleep up near the clouds with an impressive view of Crystal Beach and the Gulf in every direction.
- Other cool amenities: You’ve got a private beachfront all to yourself without any neighbors crowding you in. You can enjoy 360-degree views of Crystal Beach, giving you an expansive Gulf getaway with enough room for the whole (extended) family. There’s also a hot tub, fire pit, and a covered patio with beach views.
Lighthouse at Hunkerdown Hollow (Sevierville, Tennessee)

- Overview: This is a cozy one-bedroom lighthouse on a private island in Douglas Lake, located near Sevierville at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. (It’s on the grounds of the host’s farms, but has a private feel.)
- The lighthouse factor: The lighthouse has been carefully restored, including the top level. It offers 360-degree views of the Douglas Lake Reservoir, along with the surrounding woodlands.
- Other cool amenities: Douglas Lake Reservoir is a hotspot for anglers and birders. It’s considered a Bassmaster Top 100 Fishing Lake and welcomes around 200 species of birds, some of which are seasonal. The hosts also offer efoil surfing lessons, in case you’re feeling adventurous.
Hammarstrom House (Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin)

- Overview: This Master Craftsman home offers three unbeatable perks: bespoke wood features throughout, immersion in Wisconsin’s Door County near Green Bay, and a crow’s nest with views that you’ll remember for years to come.
- The lighthouse factor: This home has a two-level lighthouse at its crest, including a large room with panoramic views of Green Bay and the forest, along with a smaller hawk’s nest that feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
- Other cool amenities: The design and architecture of this home are droolworthy. There’s also a wood-burning fireplace for cozy winter stays, a wraparound deck with a grill and dining area, a fire pit, outdoor gear like kayaks and paddleboards, ladder golf, and a game shed.
Bristol Ferry Lighthouse (Bristol, Rhode Island)

- Overview: This once-active lighthouse comes with an attached keeper’s home, giving you a historically accurate experience of what it would be like to be a lighthouse keeper… except you’ve got modern amenities at your disposal.
- The lighthouse factor: This rental is attached to a four-floor lighthouse that was once used to keep the ships passing through Narragansett Bay safe. Now, you can enjoy views from the now-defunct lantern room, which offers cozy seats and commanding views of the bay and its passing vessels. (Top room is accessible only by ladder.)
- Other cool amenities: If you enjoy history, you’ll enjoy the vintage feel of this unit. There’s also a large, fenced yard with lounge chairs and some lawn games, like cornhole.
1850s Eagle River Lighthouse (Eagle River, Michigan)

- Overview: Perched on Lake Superior on Michigan’s sought-after Keweenaw Peninsula, this three-bedroom lighthouse offers a glimpse into the past and a quiet retreat in nature.
- The lighthouse factor: This lighthouse was first built in1855 before later being decommissioned in 1909. Since then, it has been carefully restored to maintain its historic features, from its wood trim to its cobbled walls. The lantern room is not accessible to guests.
- Other cool amenities: Despite its history, this lighthouse has modern features, including a full kitchen, state-of-the-art sunroom, and wraparound deck. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want a memorable rental to stay at for your Keweenaw adventures.
Historic Selkirk Lighthouse (Pulaski, New York)

(This lighthouse operates two Airbnbs. If this Airbnb is booked up, click on the host and check out the other rental unit—it might be available.)
- Overview: This historic lighthouse is almost two hundred years old—and it’s still operational. Though it has two bedrooms, you can sleep up to eight inside, making it a great pick for families who want a special stay that they’ll remember for years.
- The lighthouse factor: Originally built in 1838, Selkirk Lighthouse still operates to guide ships and vessels into Salmon River Harbor. There’s also a Marina Store and Gift Shop where you can shop for themed souvenirs.
- Other cool amenities: The lighthouse’s living quarters have been beautifully maintained to retain their historic charm. The hosts are also available to give tours that explain how the lighthouse operates and how it has played a role in Pulaski’s history.
Wings Neck Lighthouse (Pocasset, Massachusetts)

- Overview: This three-bedroom rental once functioned as the lighthouse-keeper’s home, which is attached to the lighthouse. You’ve got 360-degree views of the Atlantic, along with one of the most peaceful alcoves in Cape Cod to call home for a few days.
- The lighthouse factor: This lighthouse was completed in 1849 to help guide increasing traffic between Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod’s Wareham and Sandwich ports. It operated as a Coast Guard lighthouse until the property was sold in 1947. You can visit the lantern room.
- Other cool amenities: Given its location on Cape Cod, you can expect a classic beach cottage vibe from this rental.
Cove Point Lighthouse Keeper’s House (Lusby, Maryland)

(You can book half this rental if you don’t need space for so many people—just click on the host’s page, and you’ll see an alternate profile for this rental.)
- Overview: This large six-bedroom home sits next to Cove Point Lighthouse right on Chesapeake Bay, giving you waterfront views and beach access.
- The lighthouse factor: This lighthouse has been operational since 1828, making it Maryland’s oldest continually operated lighthouse. The keeper’s house expanded in 1925 into the duplex you see now. There’s also a small brick building where the Coast Guard set up their radio transmitter and diesel generator back in 1950.
- Other cool amenities: Your stay includes tickets to the Calvert Marine Museum, which proceeds go towards.
Sitka Lighthouse (Sitka, Alaska)

- Overview: Located on a small, private one-acre island, this gorgeous lighthouse has been refitted with luxury features. It’s only accessible by vessel via Sitka, Alaska—don’t worry, transportation comes included with your stay.
- The lighthouse factor: This lighthouse is registered with the Coast Guard and has been since it was completed in 1983 by a local veterinarian and builder. Though still operational, it has since been converted into a luxury stay.
- Other cool amenities: You can enjoy a glass sunroom with stunning forest views, outdoor decks with a BBQ, and an outdoor hot tub. The interior also includes high-end linens and a full kitchen.
[Just a heads-up: We may earn an affiliate commission when you make a purchase from a link in our articles.]

