For centuries, lighthouses have provided a beacon of light for ships seeking safe passage through fog, storms and treacherous waters. Today, many of those towering structures also offer safe harbor for families interested in sleeping amid seafaring history. In honor of National Lighthouse Day, which was Aug. 7, here are five to consider:
• Saugerties Lighthouse, Saugerties, N.Y. Stunning beauty and rich history beckon visitors to this alluring locale where the Catskill Mountains meet the Hudson River. Learn how whale oil lamps kept the beacon burning. Discover what it means to be a modern lighthouse keeper. Wander along nature trails where beaver, eagles and heron make their home. Docent-guided tours are available on Sundays during summer. Contact: saugertieslighthouse.com
• Big Bay Point Lighthouse, Big Bay, Mich. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this lighthouse bed and breakfast is run by preservationists eager to share local history. Their goal is to maintain the romance of an era when mariners relied on lightkeepers to bring them safely through this challenging stretch of Michigan coastline. Today visitors enjoy the peaceful solitude of the cliffside location overlooking Lake Superior. Hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available. A full breakfast is included. For safety reasons, children must be 16 or older. Contact: bigbaylighthouse.com
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pescadero, Calif. Just 50 miles south of San Francisco, enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as you learn how mariners once navigated the central California Coast with the help of the 115-foot lighthouse. Be on the lookout for whales, wade into tide pools and catch the star show overhead. An affordable seaside option, the unique hostel offers shared and private rooms. Contact: norcalhostels.org
