12 Lighthouses Available on Airbnb for Your Coastal Retreat

Feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind? Channel your inner sailor and consider a lighthouse for your next getaway. From Cape Cod to Chesapeake Bay to the Pacific shores of Mexico, many historic towers and their keeper’s cottages are now Airbnb properties, while others are newly built with lighthouse-inspired designs. Regardless, they promise a peaceful escape with breathtaking views, family-friendly coastal activities, and a dash of maritime history. Airbnb has curated a list of the most-wishlisted properties in this category, serving as an excellent guide to calmer waters ahead. Here are 12 Airbnbs that might inspire you to trade your routine for a life as a lighthouse keeper.

Iconic White Lighthouse at the Foot of Cape Cod

By reserving this pristine white keeper’s cottage (as shown above) at the foot of Cape Cod, you may find yourself asking, “Did Edward Hopper ever paint Wings Neck Lighthouse?” It’s that quintessentially New England. Guests of this three-bedroom home can access the hexagonal wooden tower—constructed in 1889 after the original was lost to fire—via a breezeway, and then ascend its mahogany spiral staircase for stunning views of Buzzards Bay. The two-acre estate features a private beach, and because Pocasset is one of the few westward-facing villages in the pre-elbow part of the Cape, you’ll have a rare chance to catch breathtaking overwater sunsets.

Keeper’s Lodge at the Annandale Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island

The Maritime Provinces of Canada boast countless lighthouses, but the 1901 Annandale Lighthouse stands out. At 70 feet tall, it holds the title of the tallest lighthouse on Prince Edward Island. In 2020, it was moved back 100 feet from the eroding coast and revamped with fresh interiors. The new space has a cozy cabin ambiance, featuring numerous exposed beams signed by visitors over the years. If you gaze upwards from the living area, you can see nearly to the top of the tower. As of last year, the property also includes the Platinum Garden, a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign. After all, Canada remains part of the Commonwealth.

Secluded lighthouse in Sitka, Alaska

In the early 1980s, a dedicated veterinarian spent 18 months crafting this charming red-and-white lighthouse, which later received registration from the Coast Guard as a navigational aid. To reach the private island it sits on, you’ll take a five-minute water taxi from Sitka, a town rich in Russian history located in the Alaska Panhandle. Above the second-floor main bedroom and a third-floor bunk room, an all-glass room offers stunning views of the Easter Channel. The hosts also provide kayaks, paddleboards, and a small aluminum boat for exploring the nearby bays and interacting with local wildlife such as humpback whales, sea otters, and sea lions.

1850s Lighthouse on Lake Superior, Michigan

Located just minutes from the northernmost tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the 1855 redstone Eagle River Lighthouse stands proudly along a rugged coastline in Keweenaw County, where bald eagles glide above and ATV/snowmobile trails weave through the woods. Before its decommissioning in 1909, this lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships across this section of Lake Superior. Now, in its ‘retirement,’ it has been converted into a cozy three-bedroom rental featuring a four-season sunroom, a well-equipped kitchen, a fire pit, and all the necessary beach gear, including towels, umbrellas, blankets, and snorkeling equipment.

Unique 1830s lighthouse design in Upstate New York

Constructed in 1838, the Selkirk Lighthouse is one of just four American lighthouses that still feature the original bird-cage lantern design—thankfully, the whale-oil lamps have long been replaced! When the hosts began renovating this beloved landmark a decade ago, they discovered a property in dire need of care. They have preserved original features, such as the wide plank flooring, wherever feasible. Today, the lighthouse remains a valuable guide for charter fishing boats departing from the nearby marina, taking anglers out into Lake Ontario for plentiful trout and salmon. Depending on your group size, you can rent the first floor, the second floor, or the whole house.

Secluded private island near Skye

Your adventure to the Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage (Gaelic for “the island of the fox”) starts with a visit to a country pub in Isle Ornsay, located off the eastern coast of the Isle of Skye. Here, you’ll meet your host, who will transport you to an even smaller patch of land featuring the historic 1857 lighthouse. Dress warmly and be prepared for slippery, seaweed-covered rocks, but rest assured that a charming cottage awaits you on the other side, adorned with elegant tartans, wood-burning stoves, and a luxurious roll-top bath. From the viewpoint in the back, you can frequently spot seals, seabirds, dolphins, and porpoises.

Family-friendly lighthouse along the Texas Gulf Coast

Situated on 150 yards of private beach with no neighbors in sight, the charming lighthouse in Texas makes for an enchanting honeymoon escape. However, with ample space—accommodating up to 12 guests on sofa beds—you'll likely want to bring friends or family along. Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula offers a serene alternative to the bustling atmosphere of nearby Galveston, where activities include bird-watching, fishing, seashell collecting, and stargazing. For the full lighthouse experience, opt for the cozy queen-bed room located in the tower itself.

Lighthouse on the Pacific coast near Acapulco

While you might not first associate Mexico’s Pacific coast with lighthouses, El Faro captures the essence with its thatched roof and charming (if a bit snug) interiors reminiscent of an adobe home. When you’re not enjoying the views from your tower like a seaside Rapunzel, you can unwind at sea level, soaking up the sun on the beach, strolling through the gardens, or taking a dip in the shared pool at the Villas San Vicente complex.

Stunning lighthouse keeper’s cottage located on the Isle of Man

Boasting breathtaking natural scenery, the 1857 Douglas Head Lighthouse is dramatically situated on a rocky promontory overlooking steep cliffs and crashing waves. In contrast, the cozy interior of the former keeper’s cottage features calming sage-green beams, simple furnishings, and a charming brick fireplace. Accessing the property requires a hike with numerous steps, but for families ready for the adventure, it offers a wealth of amenities: a bunk room with four beds, a high chair, a crib, a pack 'n' play, and even children's dinnerware.

Cove Point Lighthouse in Maryland

Nestled at one of the narrowest points of the Chesapeake Bay, the still-functioning Cove Point Lighthouse was established in 1828, making it the oldest lighthouse in Maryland still in operation. This seven-acre site features a 40-foot brick lighthouse and a charming cottage that was transformed into a duplex in 1925, allowing two keepers and their families to reside on-site. While this listing includes the entire house, groups of eight or fewer can choose to rent either side A or side B. Each side boasts a screened-in porch with stunning bay views, plus all guests have access to a beach perfect for finding shark teeth and seashells.

Recently renovated rental in Virginia

The Beacon Bay Getaway, inspired by lighthouse designs, includes an observation room and a wraparound deck with views of three waterways: Little Oyster Creek, Rappahannock River, and Chesapeake Bay. For those looking to explore, the hosts offer various water toys like kayaks, tubes, and a stand-up paddleboard. On land, enjoy a fire pit, hammock, cornhole, and croquet. This area is a seafood lover’s dream, so be sure to bring a fishing rod for croakers or buy local blue crabs to use with the property's crab pot. Don't forget to pack Old Bay seasoning!

Lighthouse on a secluded island featuring a sauna in Sweden

Located within the largest inland archipelago in Europe on Lake Vänern, rocky Gunnarsholmen island boasts a charming 1878 lighthouse and a small herd of sheep—perfect for those seeking tranquility. The cozy interiors reflect the maritime theme, adorned with sailboat-patterned linens and a few nautical decor pieces. When you’re not unwinding in the wood sauna or swimming in the sea, you can take out the island's motorboat or kayaks for a personal adventure. Nearby, explore Lüro island for possible moose sightings, visit Spiken fishing harbor for the freshest seafood, or discover Läckö Castle, which has been under construction for over 700 years.