Pirate dreams! Lighthouses where you can check-in and stay

Earlier, a lighthouse keeper’s duty not only used to be important, but also very isolating. Most of the time, they had to live in solitude, dedicating their lives to the cause of helping seafarers sail through safely. However, with the advent of modern technology, most of the structures don’t serve as a tracking point, and a number of them are now defunct.

Thankfully, some iconic structures have got second lives, and have been turned into museums, restaurants, and even hotels. Here, we take you around some of the charming lighthouses where you can actually check-in and stay.

This light station in the United States is a sight to behold that juts from a rocky landmass covered in pine trees. Visitors enjoy a 12-min boat ride and then stroll for around half a mile to reach the lighthouse and keeper’s quarters. Only overnight guests can visit this spot during summers, whereas the site remains open to day-trippers during a scheduled open house. As per the records, this spot welcomes around 1000 visitors annually and, according to lightkeeper Terry Rowden, some visitors come from as far away as Brazil and Russia. He also added that when here, visitors are treated with beautiful sunrises, dolphin and whale sightings from the shore, and mesmerising vistas.

This lighthouse serves multiple purposes, as it turns into a Coast Guard, i.e., active light station, and also serves as a bed-and-breakfast spot. Sitting atop a 50-ft cliff overlooking Lake Superior, visitors here are treated to remarkable views. As per the lightkeeper, since it’s in the middle of the lake, the waters are clear and on a clear day, which beautifully mimic the colour of the Caribbean. Also, since there are no homes and neighbours within view of the property, visitors are able to enjoy their vacation in solitude; plus, as a bonus, Northern Lights are quite a common sight here.

It’s the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia, which is still considered to be the most important on the continent. You will find this light station in the lap of Victoria along a scenic stretch of the Great Ocean Road. Standing tall on a staggering sea cliff that is approximately 300 ft above the point where the Bass Straight and Southern Ocean collide, it has been rightfully nicknamed the Beacon of Hope. Also, during an overnight stay, visitors can get to know about Aboriginal culture, enjoy whale watching from the balcony, and much more.

If you are keen for a truly secluded stay, this is the spot you should be. Situated approximately two miles from Australia's southernmost cape, here you will find a local captain guiding and ferrying visitors from the mainland to Porer Island. Enjoy the two-minute stroll around the island to enjoy nature in its raw form. The history of this lighthouse traces back to 1833, and can accommodate around eight people. Here, visitors spend their days fishing and swimming, enjoying a private off-the-grid getaway, or just spend time basking in the sun.

It is said that one of the best ways to enjoy Washington's wild is from atop the New Dungeness Lighthouse. However, it’s not just as easy as it sounds. Tourists are required to trek along a five mile stretch to reach this spot as it’s tucked back in a corner of the expansive Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Also, to get a reservation, guests are required to first register as members of the New Dungeness Light Station Association. Then, visitors need to check out for availability via the Lighthouse Keeper Program. Although this offers a one-of-a-kind experience, to acquire a stay here, one has to undergo a bit of a struggle than others.