Beavertail Lighthouse Museum
Historic 3rd oldest lighthouse in the US, offering museum exhibits and panoramic bay views from its tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm weather, open tower
Beavertail Lighthouse Museum
Best Time
Warm weather, open tower
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 3rd oldest lighthouse in the US, offering museum exhibits and panoramic bay views from its tower.
"Beautiful views, friendly staff. Take the time to visit and donate for the light house upkeep, its worth it!"
Check Seasonal Hours
Tower climb & museum have limited seasonal hours. Always check the official website before visiting! :calendar:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails and rocks can be slippery. Good shoes are a must for exploring safely! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beavertail Lighthouse Tower
Southernmost tip of Jamestown
Climb to the top of the 3rd oldest lighthouse in North America for breathtaking panoramic views of Narragansett Bay.
Lighthouse Museum Exhibits
Keeper's Buildings
Discover maritime history, shipwreck legends, and the life of a lighthouse keeper through engaging displays.
Coastal Trails & Rocky Shores
Beavertail State Park
Explore scenic walking paths and unique rock formations offering serene spots for reflection and photography.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Seasonal Hours
Tower climb & museum have limited seasonal hours. Always check the official website before visiting!
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails and rocks can be slippery. Good shoes are a must for exploring safely! :athletic_shoe:
Donate for Upkeep
Your donation helps maintain this historic gem. It's worth it! :heart:
Free Parking & Entry
Enjoy the lighthouse, museum, and park without an admission fee!
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Seasonal Hours
Tower climb & museum have limited seasonal hours. Always check the official website before visiting!
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails and rocks can be slippery. Good shoes are a must for exploring safely! :athletic_shoe:
Donate for Upkeep
Your donation helps maintain this historic gem. It's worth it! :heart:
Free Parking & Entry
Enjoy the lighthouse, museum, and park without an admission fee!
Pack a Picnic
Beautiful grounds for a relaxing meal with stunning bay views. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Beavertail Lighthouse Museum for its stunning coastal views, rich history, and the engaging exhibits within the keepers' buildings. The free admission and ample parking are significant draws, and the friendly staff enhance the experience. While the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere are highly appreciated, some caution is advised regarding the slippery rocks on the shoreline.
"Love the view and the trails here to explore beavertail on Jamestown. So beautiful and peaceful. The museum and nature center is so cool, thank you to the great staff and work you do. Best sunsets looking over the bay and Narragansett. Walking the paths and rocks is a lot of fun, but be careful as they are slippery when wet and you can lose your footing. Great fishing off the rocks and the views of the sailboats are one of a kind. Fun place to go during storms too. Great stop on the bike tour! Plenty of parking here. Winter time is so nice here too, exploring the ice."
Steve Thompson
"Missed the sunset. Good place to see sunrise and sunset. People were going some sort of relaxing exercises here idk. But views were nice and very peaceful. Cool rocks to climb and walk on and nice place to walk. Someone fell off their bike when I was here also!!!! They were ok."
Justin Delossantos
"Beautiful views, friendly staff. Take the time to visit and donate for the light house upkeep, its worth it!"
Melissa McGowan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beavertail Lighthouse Museum is located at the southern tip of Jamestown, Rhode Island. It's accessible by car, and there is ample parking available within Beavertail State Park.
Public transportation options to Jamestown can be limited, especially to the lighthouse itself. Driving or using ride-sharing services is generally recommended.
Yes, many visitors enjoy biking to Beavertail Lighthouse as part of a scenic tour of Jamestown. The area is popular for cycling.
There is plenty of parking available at Beavertail State Park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While the grounds and museum building may offer some accessibility, climbing the lighthouse tower is not accessible for those with mobility issues. Check with the museum directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Beavertail State Park and the lighthouse museum is generally free. However, donations are highly encouraged to support the upkeep of the historic site.
The museum and lighthouse tower have seasonal hours, typically open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. It's crucial to check the official Beavertail Lighthouse website for the most up-to-date hours and dates.
Yes, the lighthouse tower is usually open for climbing during the museum's operating season, offering incredible views.
Visiting Beavertail State Park itself is free, and parking is also typically free.
Visiting on a weekday during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) or earlier in the morning during summer can help you avoid the largest crowds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the museum exhibits detailing maritime history, climb the lighthouse tower for panoramic views, and enjoy the scenic coastal trails and rocky shores of Beavertail State Park. +1
Absolutely! The lighthouse itself, the expansive bay views, dramatic rock formations, and potential for stunning sunsets make it a photographer's paradise.
Visitors often spot sailboats, and the coastal environment can attract various seabirds. The nearby aquarium also showcases local marine life.
While walking on the rocks is popular, they can be very slippery, especially when wet. Exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear to avoid falls.
Restroom facilities are typically available within Beavertail State Park.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities directly at the lighthouse, Jamestown offers several charming restaurants and cafes a short drive away.
Yes, bringing a picnic is a great idea! The park grounds offer beautiful spots to enjoy a meal with a view.
Yes, there is a cute gift shop with a nice variety of items, perfect for souvenirs.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photographing the lighthouse and the bay.
Capture wide-angle shots of the lighthouse against the bay, close-ups of the lens, dramatic seascapes on the rocks, and panoramic views from the tower.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management or local authorities regarding drone usage in state parks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will be fascinated by the lighthouse tower climb (seasonal) and the museum's exhibits, which often include engaging stories about maritime life and local creatures. The nearby aquarium also provides an exciting glimpse into marine biodiversity. Exploring the rocky shores and open spaces of the park allows for plenty of active fun, but always supervise children closely, especially near the water and on slippery rocks. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Beacon of History
The current 45-foot square granite lighthouse, built in 1856, stands as a testament to maritime navigation and the dedication of its keepers. +1 The museum within the keepers' buildings delves into this fascinating past, showcasing artifacts and stories that bring the era to life. Visitors can learn about the vital role Beavertail played in guiding ships through Narragansett Bay and the challenges faced by lighthouse keepers.
The exhibits often highlight local maritime history, including shipwreck legends and the diverse marine life found in the surrounding waters. This historical context adds a significant layer of appreciation to the stunning views and the iconic structure itself. Exploring the Natural Beauty
The unique geological formations, including ancient rocks, provide a rugged and picturesque landscape.
The Lighthouse Experience
+1 Open seasonally, the ascent rewards climbers with unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, islands, and the vast expanse of the bay. It's a truly memorable experience that offers a unique perspective on the landscape. Inside the keepers' buildings, the museum provides a comprehensive look at the lighthouse's operational history and the lives of those who maintained it.
Interactive displays and well-curated exhibits make learning engaging for all ages. The friendly and knowledgeable docents are often on hand to share insights and answer questions, enhancing the visitor experience. 
Social
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