Tour of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

Join the volunteers of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses for a guided tour. You’ll learn about some of the highlights of the 250-year history of the site, which was the first light station north of Boston in the American colonies. You’ll also learn about some of the interesting resident keepers who provided a reliable light and fog signal for the maritime traffic coming in and out of Portsmouth Harbor.

And best of all, you’ll get to climb the 44 stairs and 7-rung ladder to the top for an amazing view and a close look at the 19th century lens. Due to insurance requirements and for the safety of our guests, children must be at least 42 inches to climb the stairs in the lighthouse and adults are not permitted to carry children up the stairs. Flat shoes are strongly suggested (not flip flops).

As of June 12, the guidelines have changed for the tours. The Coast Guard no longer requires masks to be worn on their station if you have been vaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated, please wear a mask when on the station. But whether or not you’ve been vaccinated, we ask that you wear a mask when inside the lighthouse, where social distancing is not always possible.

All precautions will be taken to guarantee that the tours are safe for everyone.

The tour begins just outside the gate to Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor, at 25 Wentworth Rd. in New Castle, NH).

(Please note: Please do not bring extra passengers with you. Please come with the same number of people that you have purchased tickets for. Thank you!)