Robertson’s Road Trips: See the Light: A SouthCoast, Cape Cod & Islands Lighthouse Tour!

Hey there, fellow travelers and beacon enthusiasts!

Your friends at Robertson’s GMC Truck, GMC Dealership, are thrilled to guide you on an unforgettable journey through the most captivating lighthouses of SouthCoast Massachusetts, the magnificent South Shore, Cape Cod, and the enchanting Islands. These towering testaments to maritime history aren’t just stoic sentinels; they’re vibrant landmarks, offering breathtaking views, fascinating stories, and the perfect backdrop for your next adventure. So, grab your binoculars, charge your cameras, and let Robertsons help you “see the light” on this incredible coastal tour!

Click Here to View the Robertson’s GMC  Lighthouse Tour Map

Minot’s Ledge Light (Cohasset/Scituate)

The South Shore: From Boston’s Edge to Pilgrim Shores

Our journey truly begins on the historic South Shore, stretching south from Boston down to Plymouth, where rugged coastlines, charming towns, and vital shipping lanes have long been illuminated by these essential structures.

• Boston Light (Little Brewster Island, Boston Harbor): The granddaddy of them all! Boston Light holds the distinction of being the oldest lighthouse in the United States, first lit in 1716. While its island location typically requires a boat tour (often available through the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park), seeing this iconic beacon, a living piece of American history, is an absolute must. It’s a powerful reminder of how long these lights have guided mariners.
• Minot’s Ledge Light (Cohasset/Scituate): Often called “The Doom Bar Lighthouse” or “Halfway Rock,” Minot’s Ledge Light is a marvel of engineering, standing offshore on a perilous ledge. Its unique 1-4-3 flash sequence (for “I Love You”) is famous among mariners and lighthouse enthusiasts. While you can’t visit this offshore wonder directly, it’s a dramatic sight best viewed from the shores of Cohasset or Scituate, or even better, from a boat tour. Its story of overcoming nature’s fury is truly inspiring.
• Scituate Lighthouse (Scituate): Also known as “Old Scituate Light,” this charming white tower, built in 1810, is famous for the “Lighthouse Army of Two” story, where two brave young girls, Abigail and Rebecca Bates, supposedly scared away British soldiers during the War of 1812. The grounds are easily accessible, offering beautiful views of Scituate Harbor and the breakwater. It’s often open for tours on select dates by the Scituate Historical Society, allowing you to step inside history.
• Duxbury Pier Lighthouse (Duxbury Bay): Affectionately known as “Bug Light” by locals, this distinctive caisson-style lighthouse (meaning it sits on a sturdy, hollow cylinder) marks the main channel into Plymouth Harbor. Built in 1871, its red flashes are a familiar sight. While not open for public tours, it’s a popular subject for boat tours departing from Plymouth or Duxbury, offering fantastic photo opportunities as you cruise by.
• Plymouth Light (Gurnet Light) (Plymouth): Located on the historic Gurnet Point, this lighthouse has a rich and storied past. It lays claim to being home to America’s first set of twin lights (though only one remains today) and its first female lighthouse keeper, Hannah Thomas, in the 1700s. While public access to the light station can be limited due to its remote, private road location, Project Gurnet and Bug Lights, Inc. occasionally holds open houses and offers unique overnight stays in the keeper’s cottage. It’s a truly historic and fascinating site, full of maritime lore.

Ned’s Point Lighthouse

SouthCoast Massachusetts: Where History Meets the Horizon

Continuing our expedition from Plymouth, we delve into the heart of the SouthCoast.

• Ned’s Point Lighthouse (Mattapoisett): A picture of classic New England charm, Ned’s Point Light has been gracing Mattapoisett Harbor since 1838. Its pristine white tower, set against a backdrop of lush green parkland, is perfect for a leisurely stroll and some stunning photos. Keep an eye out for summer dates when the tower is open for climbs – the views are well worth the ascent!
• Palmer’s Island Lighthouse (New Bedford): A true survivor, Palmer’s Island Light stands proudly in New Bedford Harbor. While not regularly open for public tours, its presence is deeply woven into the city’s whaling heritage. You can catch excellent views from the hurricane barrier, or as you take the ferry out to Cuttyhunk Island, imagining the countless vessels it has guided through these waters.

Cape Cod: Iconic Stripes and Sweeping Panoramas

As we journey onto the iconic “arm” of Cape Cod, prepare for some of the most recognizable and historically significant lighthouses in the Commonwealth.

• Highland Light (North Truro): The grand dame of Cape Cod lighthouses, Highland Light (also known as Cape Cod Light) has stood watch over the Atlantic since 1797. Perched dramatically atop towering cliffs, it offers truly awe-inspiring vistas. The grounds are always accessible, and climbing the tower (seasonal hours apply, check before you go!) provides an unparalleled perspective of the crashing waves and endless horizon.
• Nauset Light (Eastham): With its distinctive red and white candy-cane stripes, Nauset Light is a photographer’s dream and a beloved symbol of Cape Cod. Its fascinating history includes a relocation from Chatham due to coastal erosion – a testament to the ever-changing landscape here. The Nauset Light Preservation Society often opens the tower for tours on select days during the warmer months, offering a chance to learn more about its past.
• Chatham Lighthouse (Chatham): Still an active, continuously operating lighthouse, Chatham Light is a striking white sentinel overlooking the famous Chatham Bar. Its story, intertwined with its former twin (now Nauset Light), highlights the dynamic nature of this coastline. While public access to the tower can be limited due to its active status, the views from the surrounding bluff are magnificent and a must-see.
• Race Point Lighthouse (Provincetown): For the adventurous spirit, Race Point Lighthouse offers a truly unique experience. This remote beacon at the very tip of Cape Cod can be reached by a challenging but rewarding walk across the dunes, or with a 4-wheel drive vehicle (permit required). The isolation and natural beauty here are profound, and for an extra special treat, you can even book an overnight stay in the keeper’s house!
• Nobska Point Lighthouse (Woods Hole, Falmouth): Guarding the entrance to Buzzards Bay, Nobska Light provides stunning views of Vineyard Sound and the Elizabeth Islands. The grounds are always open for enjoyment, and periodic tower tours offer a closer look at this important navigational landmark.

Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse

The Islands: Jewel-Box Beacons of Island Charm

Our final leg takes us across the sparkling waters to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, home to charming lighthouses that perfectly complement their unique island characters.

Martha’s Vineyard:

• Gay Head Light (Aquinnah): Sitting proudly atop the vibrant, multi-colored cliffs of Aquinnah, Gay Head Light is a spectacular sight. This historic beacon, first established in 1799, underwent an incredible relocation in 2015 to protect it from the eroding cliffs. Sunset tours here are particularly magical, casting a golden glow over the dramatic landscape.
• Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse (Edgartown): Easily accessible via a picturesque walk across a short footbridge from Lighthouse Beach, the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse is a postcard-perfect scene. Its gleaming white tower against the backdrop of the bustling harbor and distant Chappaquiddick makes for an idyllic setting.
• East Chop Lighthouse (Oak Bluffs): Affectionately known by some as “The Chocolate Lighthouse” (due to its original color), East Chop Light offers expansive views across Vineyard Sound. This cast-iron beauty, now painted white, is maintained by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum and is often open for public visits, especially for glorious sunset viewing.

Sankaty Head Light

Nantucket:

• Brant Point Lighthouse (Nantucket Town): As you arrive by ferry, Brant Point Light is likely your first glimpse of Nantucket. Established in 1746, it’s one of the oldest lighthouses in the country. While you can’t climb inside, its charming, more modest stature and easy accessibility make it a quintessential Nantucket photo opportunity.
• Sankaty Head Light (Siasconset): This bold red-and-white striped lighthouse on Nantucket’s eastern shore is a striking landmark. Built in 1850, it offers impressive views of the vast Atlantic. The grounds are open from dawn to dusk, and the Siasconset Trust, which maintains it, periodically opens the tower for climbs.
• Great Point Lighthouse (Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge): For a truly wild and adventurous lighthouse experience, head to Great Point. Located at the island’s northernmost tip within a pristine wildlife refuge, this lighthouse is best reached via a special 4-wheel drive tour, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife spotting amidst the dunes and ocean.

From the historic South Shore to the rugged beauty of the SouthCoast, the classic charm of Cape Cod, and the unique allure of the Islands, these lighthouses offer a timeless connection to our maritime heritage. They stand as enduring symbols of guidance, resilience, and breathtaking beauty. So, let Robertson’s GMC Truck be your compass on this extraordinary “See the Light” tour, and prepare to be enlightened by the magic of Massachusetts’ coastal beacons!