Horton Point Lighthouse

Horton Point Lighthouse
The historic Horton Point Lighthouse in Southold stands proudly on a sunny bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. The classic 19th-century structure, adorned with patriotic bunting, includes the lighthouse tower and former keeper’s quarters, now home to a nautical museum operated by Southold Historical Museum. This well-preserved site offers visitors a peaceful setting to explore maritime history in one of the North Fork’s most scenic locations. File photo: Joe Trentacosti, licensed.

Perched atop a bluff in Southold on the North Fork of eastern Long Island, Horton Point Lighthouse is a scenic and historically important maritime landmark with sweeping views of Long Island Sound. Completed in 1857 during a major era of federal lighthouse construction, the stone beacon helped guide vessels along the North Fork coast and remains a lasting reminder of the region’s seafaring past.

A Scenic North Fork Landmark

The lighthouse stands within Horton Point Park, a peaceful town property where history, open lawns, and shoreline scenery come together. Visitors come for the blufftop setting, the photo-worthy architecture, and the chance to explore one of the North Fork’s most distinctive waterfront historic sites.

Inside the Lighthouse

The site is operated by Southold Historical Museum, which maintains the former keeper’s quarters as the Horton Point Lighthouse Nautical Museum. When the museum is open, guests may:

  • Explore the restored keeper’s quarters and museum rooms
  • Climb the lighthouse tower on scheduled open days for panoramic views of the Sound
  • Browse exhibits on local maritime life, coastal navigation, and the history of the lighthouse

Tower access involves stairs and is typically offered only during museum hours or special programs, so it is wise to check ahead before visiting.

Outdoor Attractions

Even when the museum is closed, the grounds make an appealing stop for a short visit. The park typically includes:

  • Picnic tables and benches
  • Blufftop views across Long Island Sound
  • Shoreline access below the bluff, though stairs and beach conditions may change with weather or erosion

Horton Point is especially popular in summer and fall, but the setting is attractive in every season. Grounds access is generally available year-round, while museum and tower hours vary by season, staffing, and special events. Check ahead before making a dedicated trip for interior access.

Vicinity of the Lighthouse

  • Location: 3575 Lighthouse Rd, Southold, NY 11971
  • Hours: Grounds generally accessible year-round; museum and tower hours vary by season
  • Admission: Grounds are typically free; museum and tower admission may apply when open
  • Managed by: Southold Historical Museum
  • Official site: southoldhistorical.org
  • Activities: Museum visits, seasonal tower climbs, photography, picnicking, shoreline views, short walks

Did You Know?
Horton Point pairs a classic mid-19th-century lighthouse tower with its former keeper’s residence, giving visitors both a dramatic waterfront landmark and a small maritime museum experience in one memorable North Fork stop.