Horton Point Lighthouse

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.

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.

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Vicinity of the Lighthouse

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Key Facts & Details

Name	Horton Point Lighthouse
Location	Southold, North Fork, Long Island
Address	3575 Lighthouse Road, Southold, NY 11971
Completed	1857
Body of Water	Long Island Sound
Setting	Blufftop within Horton Point Park
Museum	Horton Point Lighthouse Nautical Museum in the former keeper’s quarters
Managed By	Southold Historical Museum
Visitor Access	Grounds generally accessible year-round; museum and tower access are seasonal
Popular Activities	Museum visits, seasonal tower climbs, photography, picnicking, shoreline views and short walks
Official Website	Southold Historical Museum
Long Island Lighthouses	How many lighthouses are on Long Island?

With its historic stone tower, restored keeper’s quarters and commanding views across Long Island Sound, Horton Point Lighthouse remains one of the most rewarding maritime landmarks to visit on the North Fork. Whether stopping to explore the nautical museum, climb the tower during seasonal openings, enjoy the waterfront scenery or simply experience a surviving piece of Long Island’s 19th-century maritime history, Horton Point offers a memorable glimpse into the era when lighthouses played an essential role in guiding ships along the island’s busy coastline.