Castle Hill Lighthouse Day Trip in Newport, Rhode Island

Welcome to Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island

Built in 1890 of granite, the 34-foot Castle Hill Lighthouse is situated on rocky ledges in Newport above Narragansett Bay and is one of the most picturesque spots in all Rhode Island with expansive, beautiful views. This lighthouse is a must see for anyone who loves coastal landmarks and is stunning with vibrant sunrises and sunsets.

How to see Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island |

It’s easy and quick to see Castle Hill Light, and you don’t need to visit Castle Hill Inn to see it (though you can). Drive to Castle Hill Lighthouse parking on Ocean Avenue and park for free in the grass and dirt lot (room for maybe two dozen vehicles max).

Then walk across Ocean Avenue to the path through the greenery and in less than one-quarter mile, you’ll reach the rocky plateau above Castle Hill Light. While suitable for all levels, the walk is not accessible as there are bumps and gradients along the short path.

What to see at Castle Hill Lighthouse

Situated on the Castle Hill Inn grounds and owned by the United States Coast Guard, Castle Hill Light is one of the most recognizable and striking lighthouses in New England for its vantage point along Narragansett Bay. After an easy five-minute walk (if that) from parking, and you’ll see a clearing on the rocky cliffs with the granite tower nestled above the sweeping shoreline.

A vibrant golden hour sunset sky over Narragansett Bay seen from the rocky ledges just above Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island

As you reach the lighthouse, there are several options for beautiful views: you can stand or sit on a bench in the clearing above, carefully walk out onto the rocky ledges just to the right (the rocks can be wet and slippery depending on conditions or walk down a concrete staircase (with a handrail) down to the base of Castle Hill Light and, if you choose, out onto the rocky ledges towards the left.

When there are high sustained winds, you’ll want to carefully watch your footing on the rocks as it’s easy to get unbalanced when winds are whipping up.

Though not open to the public, you can get practically right up to the base of the lighthouse tower by descending the stairs; you’ll see that Castle Hill Light is built into and extends out from the cliffs. It’s intricate stone design is unique among New England lighthouses.

I definitely recommend visiting on a bright day with clouds because the sunset views over this sectin of Narragansett Bay here are beautiful and, sometimes, dramatic.

To get the best vantage point for photographs, carefully walk onto the rocky cliffs just to the right of the lighthouse. Watch your footing because there may be slick wet or icy sections, and the rocks are rough and do slope down.

Another great perspective is the small opening between two bushes just past the bench at the plateau you first arrive at.

Walking up to the edge of the rocky cliffs at Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island, as a dramatic sunset sky sweeps over Narragansett Bay.

This landmark is one of the best coastal Rhode Island spots to linger as the sunset transforms and an iconic spot to include in any Newport day trip.

Castle Hill Light is a popular spot for wedding and couples photography as well as lighthouse enthusiasts so it’s likely you’ll see others when you visit. I find the off-season is a lot quieter and with the short walk, it’s easy to see this lighthouse in only a few minutes even when it’s frigid in winter.

Note certain public sources indicate lighthouse visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. though that doesn’t appear to be a hard guideline.

Your dog is welcome on leash, and there are no porta potties at the parking lot linked above.

Have you seen Castle Hill Lighthouse? What’s your favorite Rhode Island or New England lighthouse to visit?

Leave comment to share your experiences and tips.