Meet New York’s Little Red Lighthouse

The idea of seeking out Manhattan’s last lighthouse during a New York visit came from Selena, a member of the blog forum. Her account of her New York trip and photos inspired me to visit it myself… “Who says New York can’t feel like Brittany?”, she wrote at the time.
And that’s exactly what strikes you when you finally reach the base of the lighthouse. In the heart of New York, a city of skyscrapers, stands this small red lighthouse—completely out of place, like something from the Breton coast.

The Lighthouse’s History

• The Little Red Lighthouse was built in 1889 and installed on Sandy Hook at the entrance to New York Harbor until 1917. Standing 12 m (39 ft) tall, it became obsolete and was relocated in 1921 to this spot on the Hudson River, a decade before the Washington Bridge opened. Its time here was short-lived too—it fell into disuse and the Coast Guard requested its demolition in 1948.
• So why does the Little Red Lighthouse still stand? The lighthouse owes its survival to a children’s book: The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegarde Swift. When demolition was announced, New Yorkers protested—they didn’t want to lose this landmark from the beloved story. The lighthouse was designated a historic monument in 1991, and its light was even restored in 2002.

How to Get to the Little Red Lighthouse

The Little Red Lighthouse sits at the far north end of Manhattan, beneath the Washington Bridge. It’s not easy to reach on foot, but the effort pays off. After testing two routes, here’s the best one—simplest and most scenic:

• Take the subway (Line 1) to 157 Street station.
• Walk up one block to 158 Street and head west toward the Hudson River. The street slopes downward and you’ll see New Jersey across the water.
• At the end of the street, take the pedestrian bridge that leads to the Hudson waterfront. You’ll pass under the Henry Hudson Parkway.
• Once on the Hudson path, head north toward the Washington Bridge. You can’t miss it.

Expect about 30 minutes of walking without stops. Add 45 minutes if you’re stopping for photos. Want to save time? Consider renting a bike to get there (see options in my article on bike rentals in New York).

When to Visit the Little Red Lighthouse

• Visit in the afternoon for the best light on the lighthouse and bridge. At sunset, the Hudson glows with Manhattan’s towers in the distance—it’s worth the trip alone.
• Don’t schedule this for your departure day. Since it’s remote, you’d end up rushing back to your hotel to catch your flight. Give yourself time to explore at your own pace.
• Along the Hudson, you’ll also find the Sisyphus Stones—stacked rock sculptures balanced on top of each other. There are sports fields to watch and plenty of benches along the path. It’s another way to experience New York.

The Little Red Lighthouse in Photos

Map to the Little Red Lighthouse