Cockspur Island Lighthouse
A charming, historic lighthouse on Cockspur Island, offering picturesque views from Fort Pulaski and boat tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views from overlook
Cockspur Island Lighthouse
Best Time
Best views from overlook
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, historic lighthouse on Cockspur Island, offering picturesque views from Fort Pulaski and boat tours.
"This hauntingly charming lighthouse is just incredible, especially at sunset!"
🎯 Low Tide is Key
Visit during low tide for the best views from the Lighthouse Overlook Trail.
🚤 Boat Tour Adventure
Consider a boat tour for unique angles and stunning sunset photo ops.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lighthouse Overlook Trail
Fort Pulaski National Monument
A scenic trail offering picturesque views of the charming Cockspur Island Lighthouse.
Sunset Boat Tours
Departing from Tybee Island
Experience the lighthouse at its most magical during a sunset boat tour.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Cockspur Island
Explore this historic Civil War fort and enjoy views of the lighthouse from its ramparts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Views & Access
+1Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Low Tide is Key
Visit during low tide for the best views from the Lighthouse Overlook Trail.
🚤 Boat Tour Adventure
Consider a boat tour for unique angles and stunning sunset photo ops.
📸 Capture the Charm
The lighthouse is small but incredibly photogenic, especially at sunset.
🚶♀️ Explore Fort Pulaski
Combine your lighthouse visit with a tour of the historic Fort Pulaski.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Low Tide is Key
Visit during low tide for the best views from the Lighthouse Overlook Trail.
🚤 Boat Tour Adventure
Consider a boat tour for unique angles and stunning sunset photo ops.
📸 Capture the Charm
The lighthouse is small but incredibly photogenic, especially at sunset.
🚶♀️ Explore Fort Pulaski
Combine your lighthouse visit with a tour of the historic Fort Pulaski.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cockspur Island Lighthouse charming and photogenic, particularly appreciating its historical significance and unique setting. While its small size and limited direct access are noted, many recommend viewing it from Fort Pulaski or via boat tours, especially at sunset for stunning photo opportunities. +1
"This is the historic cupola that topped the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. The cupola protected the powerful Fresnel lens at the top of the lighthouse tower. In 1995, preservation staff discovered several structural cracks in the cupola and removed it from the lighthouse. A reproduction cupola now crowns the historic lighthouse.
Since 1958, the Cockspur Lighthouse has been cared for by the National Park Service as part of Fort Pulaski National Monument."
Roads Traveled Photography
"Walk to the end of the pier to see the lighthouse. It was cloudy with a little bit of mist. The lighthouse is amazing, but it would’ve been better to get up close. Was able to see it from the top of the fort as well."
Kyle Windsor
"What a beautiful little lighthouse! Accessible by walking a long path within Fort Pulaski, or by boat. Our views were from a boat. Sunset made for the most amazing pictures! Check this out if in the area…you will love it!!"
Heather H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is located on Cockspur Island, accessible via Fort Pulaski National Monument. You can reach it by driving to the fort and then walking the Lighthouse Overlook Trail. Boat tours also offer access from Tybee Island. +1
No, direct vehicle access to the lighthouse is restricted. The best way to see it is from the overlook trail at Fort Pulaski or via a boat tour.
Public transportation directly to Cockspur Island is limited. It's recommended to drive or arrange for transportation to Fort Pulaski National Monument.
Yes, Fort Pulaski National Monument has dedicated parking areas for visitors.
Yes, Savannah Canoe and Kayak offers tours that paddle to Cockspur Island, providing a unique way to experience the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need to pay an entrance fee for Fort Pulaski National Monument to access the Lighthouse Overlook Trail. Boat tours will have their own separate pricing.
Fort Pulaski National Monument typically opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, but it's always best to check the official National Park Service website for the most current hours.
The Lighthouse Overlook Trail is included with your Fort Pulaski National Monument admission fee.
Typically, visitors cannot go inside the lighthouse itself. The original cupola was removed for preservation, and a reproduction is now in place.
Check the National Park Service website for potential discounts, such as America the Beautiful passes or senior discounts.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for photographing the lighthouse. Early morning can also provide beautiful, soft light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse with its surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for details if viewed from a distance.
Drone usage is typically restricted within National Park Service sites like Fort Pulaski. Always check the park's specific regulations before flying.
The Lighthouse Overlook Trail at Fort Pulaski offers excellent vantage points. Boat tours provide unique perspectives from the water.
Experiment with different angles from the overlook trail. From a boat, you can get closer and capture it against the river or sea.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activity is viewing and photographing the lighthouse from the overlook trail or a boat tour. You can also explore Fort Pulaski.
The Lighthouse Overlook Trail at Fort Pulaski is generally accessible, but check with the National Park Service for specific accessibility details.
Restrooms are available at Fort Pulaski National Monument.
Yes, it's common to spot dolphins swimming in the waters near Fort Pulaski and Cockspur Island.
Built in the 1800s, it's the shortest lighthouse in Georgia and has been cared for by the National Park Service since 1958.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for dolphins in the surrounding waters, which is often a highlight for younger visitors. Consider a boat tour for a different perspective, though ensure it's suitable for your children's ages and comfort levels. Pack snacks and water, as amenities within the monument are limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1For the best shots, utilize the Lighthouse Overlook Trail at Fort Pulaski for varied angles, and definitely consider a sunset boat tour for dramatic lighting and unique perspectives from the water. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the lighthouse in its environment, while telephoto lenses can highlight its details.
🛶 Adventure Seekers
This offers a more intimate connection with the environment and a different vantage point than the overlook trail. It's an excellent way to combine nature exploration with historical sightseeing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Beacon of History: The Cockspur Island Lighthouse
Visitors can admire the lighthouse from the Lighthouse Overlook Trail within Fort Pulaski, offering picturesque views, especially during low tide. For a more intimate experience, boat tours provide closer perspectives and are particularly recommended for capturing stunning sunset photographs.
+1The lighthouse's original cupola, which once protected its Fresnel lens, was removed in 1995 due to structural cracks. A faithful reproduction now crowns the historic tower, maintaining its iconic silhouette against the coastal landscape.
Experiencing Fort Pulaski National Monument
Beyond its military significance, the monument is situated within a beautiful nature preserve, making it ideal for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can explore nature trails and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Crucially for lighthouse admirers, the Lighthouse Overlook Trail is located within the monument's grounds, making it easy to combine a visit to both attractions. The fort's ramparts also offer distant views of the Cockspur Island Lighthouse, adding another layer to the visitor experience.
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