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Nobska Point Lighthouse

Top ways to experience Nobska Point Lighthouse and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Nobska Point Lighthouse - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (1.47 km) Woods Hole Inn
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• (1.41 km) Pie In The Sky Bakery & Internet Cafe
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• (5.21 km) Maison Villatte
• (1.50 km) Coffee Obsession

Nobska Point Lighthouse

Top ways to experience Nobska Point Lighthouse and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Nobska Point Lighthouse - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

This Month Nothing to remark onely have a Great Deal truble to Mak the Oil burn. Everything in Good Order But the Ventilators that wase Put up on the Chimnyes Is bloon of in the hard Gales It will Lum Smith to alter them a Little in the Spring so Thay will Not blow of.

Nobska Lighthouse

Take in a stunning panoramic vista of Woods Hole, Vineyard Sound, and the Elizabeth Islands from Nobska Light , a historic lighthouse that has stood on Falmouth’s Nobska Point for nearly 150 years. At this town-owned lighthouse, managed by the Friends of Nobska Light, you can tour the historic building and enjoy a picnic, go fishing, or explore the shoreline of Nobska Point.

A lighthouse has stood on Nobska Point since 1828; the current cast-iron tower was erected in 1876. During open hours , visitors can explore the lighthouse tower and view the fascinating multifaceted lens that casts its light, as well as the quarters that hosted lighthouse keepers until the light was automated in 1985. From the lantern room at the top of the tower, take in breathtaking 180-degree views of Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard, the Elizabeth Islands, and Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds.

Take in a stunning sunset from the bench on Nobska Point, across the street from Nobska Lighthouse in Falmouth.

Just across the street from the light, a sandy path leads down to a small overlook with a bench that looks out on Nobska Point, a rocky prominence on Vineyard Sound at the entrance to Woods Hole. This peaceful spot is a great place to watch a sunrise or sunset with a picnic. Carefully make your way down the steep trail that leads from the overlook to explore the rocks of Nobska Point, where you’ll find tide pools busy with crabs, snails, and seaweed at low tide. The point is also a great place to watch for the variety of seabirds that frequent these shores and soar over Vineyard Sound.

Habitats & Wildlife

The shoreline of Nobska Point is armored with large, flat-topped boulders that shield the point from erosion by wind and waves. This point is a popular fishing spot — though it’s also a difficult one, as the rocks can be slippery and wet. Experienced fishermen take on Nobska Point for its famously large stripers , which are carried by the strong current that rips through Woods Hole. Anglers also snag bluefish here.

Please follow all posted rules and regulations at this property.

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Nobska lighthouse tours.

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Visit Nobska Lighthouse

Nobska Lighthouse is a historic structure that keeps ships and sailors safe while enchanting visitors with its views. Admire the emblematic structure and find out more about the role of lighthouses on the Cape.

A lighthouse, consisting of a small dwelling with a tower, was first built here in 1828. Visit the current structure which was erected in 1872 and shipped from Chelsea, Massachusetts to Woods Hole in four separate pieces.

The 42-foot (13-meter) tall lighthouse is made of cast iron bricks and looks out over the coastline. If you are nearby at night, you may be able to spot its beam of light shining onto the waters. Note the color of the beam. If the light is white, conditions are good. If it is red, conditions are hazardous.

Next to the lighthouse is the former home of its keeper. Today, this is an important base for the Coast Guard. Bring along a camera to take pictures of the two buildings with the green backdrop behind them and the beach spread out before them.

Join a free tour of the facility to discover more about Nobska Lighthouse. You’ll wander the grounds and hear stories about the lighthouse, as well as ascend to the top of the tower. Try to spot Martha’s Vineyard and Elizabeth Islands, which dot the sea in the distance.

If you are visiting the Nobska Lighthouse during the Christmas period, you may see a giant wreath on the structure. The wreath often features nautical-themed additions like a life ring or netting. Take a photograph of this for a great alternative to the traditional shot of Nobska Lighthouse in the summer sunshine.

Check ahead before your visit to the Nobska Lighthouse as tour times vary and are subject to changes. Visitors must be at least 45 inches (1.4 meters) tall to join a lighthouse tour, so make sure all of your party meet this requirement. Park at the lighthouse or reach it with a pleasant 5-minute stroll from the center of Woods Hole.

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Nobska Point Lighthouse

Top ways to experience Nobska Point Lighthouse and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Nobska Point Lighthouse - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• (1.47 km) Woods Hole Inn
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Nobska Light – Woods Hole, Falmouth

Year Founded : 1829

Currently Exists : Yes

Accessible to Public : Yes. The grounds are open to the public daily until dusk. During the year, the lighthouse is open during scheduled open houses.

Visiting Hours:  See Above

Address:  398 Nobska Road, Woods Hole, Falmouth

Past & Present

PICTURE BY:  Past – Jeremy D’Entremont |  Present – Patrick Barry

©2024 Cape Cod Life Publications. All Rights Reserved.

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Cape Cod Lighthouses

• Chatham Light
• East Chop Lighthouse
• Gay Head Light
• Highland Light (Cape Cod Light)
• Lewis Bay Lighthouse (Hyannis Harbor Light)
• Long Point Light
• Monomoy Point Lighthouse
• Nauset Light

Nobska Point Lighthouse

• Race Point Light
• Stage Harbor Lighthouse (Harding’s Beach Lighthouse)
• The Three Sisters
• West Chop Lighthouse
• Wings Neck Lighthouse
• Wood End Light

April 2, 2017 //  by  sgadmin

Nobska point is passed by a stream of ships crossing Vineyard Sound, Falmouth and borders the Elizabeth Islands to the north and south Vineyard Martha. In 1828, the US government bought four acres in Nobska point for $ 160 and the first lighthouse was built on the spot, a wooden structure that incorporates wax layers, at a price of $ 2,249.

The original lighthouse was in the typical Cape Cod style with an octagonal tower over the house by a stone Guardian who had on the first floor three rooms and two small stairs up. The room is equipped with ten flashlights with reflectors fourteen inches, a solid white light seventy-eight meters above the sea.

What you should know about Nobska Point Lighthouse

The status of each beacon and the quality of the work manager has been evaluated by the lighthouse service at regular intervals. On November 1, 1838, Lieutenant Edward W. Carpe, US Navy, praised Peter Daggett, the first guardian of light, for his “reputation and orderliness. According to a contemporary newspaper “” Daggett was removed from the position in the summer of 1849 “because he is a democrat.

A separate guardian house was also built in 1876. The Fresnel lens was upgraded to a fourth order in 1888 for greater purpose; This Fresnel is still in its place today and you can see when visiting the lighthouse.

In 1875, the fog bell sounded in the unit was set up, and at the same year the Council Lighthouse pointed out that although they have made preliminary repairs, the station was in ruins and had to be rebuilt.

In 1841 the first Fresnel lens was installed. Named after the French physicist Augustin Fresnel, these giant glass lenses are intelligently designed by a source to collect light to emit the center of gravity and a beam with a range of several nautical miles.

In 1845, Daggett used 209 liters of oil and 130 gallons of oil of both summer and winter

A fog signal building was designed to accommodate the nebula signal system, which was sounded when the visibility fell less than five miles

During the 1930s and 1940s they introduced technological advances. A radio tower was built in 1937 for the triangulation camp Cleveland Ledge and Butler Flats New Bedford built

Bright wood structure has been working for 38 years and was replaced in 1876 by the present lighthouse is 40 meters high, which was established in Chelsea, Massachusetts.

1905 added to a second carrier housing; Structure of wooden floor structure 1 ½ built at a price of $ 6000. In 1919, current reached Cape Cod and the light was electrified with 150-watt bulb, which made sure that oil was no longer used.

Why visit Nobska Lighthouse

Falmouth offer, close to many recreational activities resting on its clean beaches, sailing, horseback riding. There are also many art galleries, antique shops and museums in the area, to enjoy your taste. The Cahoons Museum of American Art is housed in an old colonial hacienda, collections of Cahoons folk paintings, and a selection of collections of ancient and contemporary art from America. Cape Cod Children’s Museum offers fun exhibits, including a 30 foot pirate ship climbing structure, a medieval castle and an inflatable planetarium.

Close to Woods Hole is a small town that comes to life with many restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, educational institutions and attractions, beautiful gardens and panoramic summer views. This exquisite environment is something you shouldn’t miss if you want to relax and get lost in the natures amusement.

If you are tired of walking you can take the tram. If you enjoy cycling or walking, use the Shining Sea Bikeway that runs around the areas of Falmouth and Woods Hole with splendid views of landscapes. If you have spent the entire day with people and feel like taking a walk alone so as you can have the inner peace and enjoy the quietness. Then Nobska offers just that as the surrounding environment is filled with vegetation and has nice fresh air breeze.

Also for the whole family, you can get by practicing the Ocean Quest training education program in marine life, here bring the kids in a part of the 60 transform fishing boats that move on the lobster traps to Different kinds of natural cruises are also offered. You will be sure that you and your family will have a great time and will live to remember the experience for eternity.

Direction to Nobska Lighthouse

Take Route 28 to Falmouth and then turn south along the side of the street.

At the end of the road, turn right onto Surf Beach Road.

Follow the road to the beach a mile and a half on Oyster Pond Road.

Turn left onto the road and follow the Nobska lighthouse.

Bourne Bridge

Go around the roundabout and exit towards MA-28 via the second roundabout in Falmouth. MA-28 narrows to become Locust Street, which goes only through Falmouth and Woods Hole Road. Go 5km to Woods Hole Road, then turn left onto Church Street, which becomes Nobska Road. The lighthouse is left after the beach.

Hyannis Directions

Take the Cape Route Route 6 MA Middle, North to Exit 1C (Sandwich / Route 6 N). Turn left onto Route 6 west of the roundabout onto Bourne Bridge. Follow the instructions below for Bourne Bridge.

Providence/New York

Follow 95 North. Take I-195 East Providence (Exit 20). Follow I-195 East to the Cape Cod / Islands Exit (Exit 22A). Take exit 25 off the road heading south and cross the Bourne Bridge to the roundabout.

Finally this is a great place to visit as you will have lots of places to visit and the activities involved are so wide that will surely meet the expectations of everyone. Doesn’t matter if you are alone or you are a family person or you just going out with friends, everyone is sure to like something at the end of the day and you will not regret for having spent any coin on such a trip.

 Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Established in 1828, this lighthouse served to protect boating in Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay.  Today, most people view the lighthouse from a passing ferry boat as they travel from Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard.

Directions to Nobska Point Light:

• Travel along Route 28 into Falmouth.
• In Falmouth Center follow signs for the Woods Hole Ferry Terminal by turning right onto Woods Hole Road.
• Turn left onto Church Street and follow it to the Lighthouse.

A great history of the Nobska lighthouse can be found at: http://www.newenglandlighthouses.net/nobska-point-light-history.html

More information about the Nobska Lighthouse can be found here : http://www.newenglandlighthouses.net/nobska.html

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This Is Why Nobska Lighthouse is a Falmouth Icon

Nobska Lighthouse  is a Falmouth icon on Nobska Road. The beacon of light has been shining since 1829 and is an essential part of the history and community of our Cape Cod town. We highly recommend you visit Nobska Point lighthouse as it’s just a three-minute drive down the road from Treehouse Lodge. 

For more exciting attractions , restaurants , and other things to do on Cape Cod, take a look at our free  Vacation Guide  to Woods Hole! We’ve included everything that you need to add to your Cape Cod itinerary for the best coastal vacation!

What’s the Best Way to See Nobska Lighthouse?

The active aid Nobska Lighthouse is shining between Buzzards Bay, Nantucket Sound, and Vineyard Sound. You can see the lighthouse from Nobska Beach, or you can go straight to the grounds for a group tour.

Make sure to check their  website  for updates on touring schedules before you make your visit. The keeper’s house is currently under construction, but soon, you will be able to get a glimpse of the history of the structure in a maritime museum!

You can make your way to the top of the magnificent tower in groups of six. Just make sure everyone in your group can climb the ladder at the top of the stairs. Do take note that children must be at least six-years-old and 45 inches tall. Once you’ve made it to the top, take in the stunning view of the glistening waters of Cape Cod. Every now and then, you can see also see the  ferry to Martha’s Vineyard  cruise through the waterways. You’ll see why this experience is a must. The gorgeous view says it all!

Is There a Fee to Get Into Nobska Point Lighthouse?

Admission is free, but you can always donate to preserving and restoring the lighthouse through  Friends of Nobska Light !

The History of Nobska Light Station

Established in 1828, the beaming beauty became the first lighthouse to shine on the confluence of Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds by the next year.

Then, fast forward to 1876, builders created the new keeper’s house along with a 40-foot tall cast-iron lighthouse tower! Nearly 30 years later, a second keeper’s house emerged. 

The tower is legendary for being a great aid to sailors and was taken on by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1939. 

But, by 2013, the building was no longer helpful to them as it required a long list of repairs. That’s when the Town of Falmouth and the Friends of Nobska Light took over to ensure the town’s pride and treasure could continue to shine for all to see!

Recharge in the Best Cape Cod Accommodations

Relax after an exciting day of learning all about the rich history of Falmouth in our modern and stylish  accommodations  in Woods Hole. The three-minute drive between Nobska Lighthouse and Treehouse Lodge is full of gorgeous scenery and fantastic attractions, including the Shining Sea Bikeway!

Unwind in our  Canopy Deluxe Rooms  for a comfortable night’s sleep between Cape Cod adventures. This room includes a queen bed, a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, mini-fridge, and a private bath! So, what are you waiting for? Adventure awaits on Cape Cod in Massachusetts! 

Check our availability  and book your vacation today!

New England Wanderlust

Cape Cod , Massachusetts , Summer  ·  April 27, 2022

10 Best Cape Cod Lighthouses + How To Visit Them (2024)

If you’re looking to see the best Cape Cod lighthouses during your trip, then you’re in the right place. One of my favorite things to do in the region is to visit all the amazing New England lighthouses , and Cape Cod is home to some of the most exciting to visit.

This post will share information on how to visit the best Cape Cod lighthouses, which ones are open to the public, which lighthouses you can drive to, and which will require a bit more of an adventurous spirit. So, with that, let’s jump in!

New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our  Privacy Policy .

How Many Lighthouses Are There On Cape Cod?

There are 14 lighthouses on Cape Cod (excluding the islands), and they are:

• Nauset Lighthouse (Eastham)
• Highland Lighthouse (Truro)
• Race Point Lighthouse (Provincetown)
• Chatham Lighthouse (Chatham)
• Long Point Light Station (Provincetown)
• Woods End Lighthouse (Provincetown)
• West Dennis Light (Dennis)
• Nobska Lighthouse (Falmouth)
• Three Sisters Lighthouse (Eastham)
• Monomoy Lighthouse (Chatham)
• Sandy Neck Lighthouse (Barnstable)
• Lewis Bay Lighthouse (Hyannis)
• Wings Neck Lighthouse (Pocasset)
• Stage Harbor Light (Chatham)

Note : The Three Sisters are actually three separate lighthouses that are grouped together. Some say Cape Cod has 16 lighthouses for this reason, but for the sake of this post, I’m counting them as one lighthouse.

What Cape Cod Lighthouses Are Open To The Public?

The grounds of 9 Cape Cod lighthouses are open to the public to explore, and they are:

• Nauset Lighthouse
• Three Sisters Lighthouse
• Monomoy Lighthouse
• Highland Lighthouse
• Nobska Lighthouse
• Long Point Light Station
• Woods End Lighthouse
• Race Point Lighthouse
• Chatham Lighthouse

Tip : This list includes lighthouses that allow visitors to walk the grounds, and walk up to the lighthouse year-round. Not all may be open for climbing to the top of the tower. Jump below for more information on lighthouses that are open for climbing.

Cape Cod Lighthouses That Are Closed To The Public

There are 5 lighthouses that are privately owned and not open to the general public, but some of them you’ll be able to see from a distance, or visit if you’re an overnight guest.

• Wings Neck Light is a vacation rental that you can actually stay in (even better than a quick visit!). But the grounds can only be accessed if you’re a guest with an overnight reservation.
• Lewis Bay Lighthouse is on the grounds of a private, residential home. You’ll be able to get a peek of the lighthouse from the street that the house is on, but you won’t be able to walk up to it.
• Sandy Neck Lighthouse is also on private, residential property. If you take a boat tour in the area, you’ll be able to see it from the water. Alternatively, you can take a 7.5-mile round trip walk in soft sand out to the lighthouse and back, but you won’t be able to walk right up to the lighthouse. If you do venture out by food, remember to be respectful of the owner’s property.
• West Dennis Lighthouse is currently a hotel, and the light tower is not open to the public. If you’re a guest at the hotel, you’ll be able to climb the lighthouse tower during a guided tour with a staff member.
• Stage Harbor Lighthouse is on privately-owned property, but you’re still able to walk pretty close to it via a short walk along the beach (jump down for more information!).

The Best Cape Cod Lighthouses You Can Actually Visit

While there are more Cape Cod lighthouses than what’s included on this list, these are the best ones to visit during your trip to the Cape. I’ve broken them up into two categories: Lighthouses that are easy to visit, and lighthouses that are more challenging to visit, but absolutely worth the effort!

Easiest Cape Cod Lighthouses To Visit

The best Cape Cod lighthouses in this portion of the list are easy to get to, meaning you can drive or walk to them.

1. Nauset Lighthouse

The most iconic and popular lighthouse on Cape Cod is Nauset Light, and that’s because you’ve probably already seen its picture somewhere. Can you place it? It’s the lighthouse featured on the Cape Cod chips bags!

Nauset Light can be found right at Nauset Light Beach, which is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, so it’s a great idea to plan to visit both the beach and the lighthouse on the same day. The grounds around Nauset Lighthouse are small, so it doesn’t require more than 30 minutes to explore, but there are definitely some great places to take photos, so be sure to bring your camera!

Nauset Light was actually originally part of a pair of lighthouses in Chatham, and its counterpart, Chatham Lighthouse, is still standing. It was moved and repainted with its signature red top in 1923.

Nauset Light grounds are open year-round and are free for all to visit. Tours of the inside are offered late-May through the summer season. Jump below more more information on lighthouse tours.

Parking At Nauset Lighthouse

If you plan to visit both the beach and the lighthouse, you’ll park right in the beach lot. Since the beach is part of the National Parks System, the daily rate of $25 will apply Memorial Day through mid-September.

If you only want to visit the lighthouse, and not the beach, you can still park in the beach lot, and you’ll just have to pay the daily rate if you plan to visit before 5p in the summer. During peak summer months, the lot can fill up fast, especially on weekends. If you don’t mind paying the daily rate to park, I would suggest getting there in the early morning.

If you’re able to visit the lighthouse after 5p in the summer, the beach lot will be free, and parking spots should be available since people are usually leaving the beach between 3-5p.

Another option for parking is the Three Sister lot, which is just a short 10-minute walk from Nauset Lighthouse (type Three Sisters Lighthouse into Google Maps or GPS). This lot is completely free all day at any time throughout the year, so you’ll be able to park here and walk to Nauset Light, and also combine your visit with the Three Sisters lighthouses. This lot is small, but I’ve never had a problem getting a spot, even on a busy Saturday afternoon in July.

Off season (Mid-September through late-May), you’ll be able to park in the beach lot for free at any time to see the lighthouse.

2. Highland Lighthouse

One of the best Cape Cod lighthouses, and one of my personal favorites to visit, is Highland Light, which can be found in Truro. It’s also the oldest and tallest lighthouse on the Cape, and was originally commissioned by George Washington in 1797.

The original lighthouse had structural issues, and was also built too close to the shoreline, so the structure that you see today was built in 1831, and was moved in the 1990s to protect it from cliff erosion.

There’s a short walking path from the parking area to the lighthouse, so you’ll be able to take in views of it from a distance, as well as from up close. Be sure to walk past the lighthouse to get to the observation area that provides sweeping views of the ocean.

The Highland Lighthouse grounds are open year-round for all, and tours of the inside are available in the summer season. Jump below more more information on lighthouse tours.

Fun fact! Henry David Thoreau was an overnight guest at Highland Light, and even wrote an essay of the history of the lighthouse for Atlantic Monthly .

Parking At Highland Lighthouse

Parking at this lighthouse is very easy. There’s a free lot that accommodates a good amount of cars, and the parking area is about a 5-minute walk to the lighthouse via a well-marked path.

3. Nobska Lighthouse

Located in Falmouth, one of the best Cape Cod lighthouses to visit is Nobska Light, which provides amazing views of the ocean, and is also an awesome sunset spot. Originally built in 1829, and then rebuilt in 1876 (which is the structure you see standing today), Nobska Light was saved from demolition after the town of Falmouth rallied together in 2017 to raise funds to keep it open as a lighthouse and museum.

The immediate grounds of Nobska Light are small, but if you cross the street directly in front of the lighthouse, you’ll find some amazing coastline with benches as well as paths that you can explore and enjoy views of the ocean and the sunset. You’ll also get some cool views of the lighthouse from here.

The grounds of this lighthouse are open year-round, and are free for all to enjoy. Interior tours are available in the summer season for those looking to climb to the tower. Jump below more more information on lighthouse tours.

Parking at Nobska Lighthouse

The lighthouse has a small parking that’s free, but only accommodates about 5-6 cars. During the summer at sunset time, it’s possible the lot could be full. When visiting on weekdays in the summer, or any time year-round, I’ve never had a hard time getting a spot, or have only waited a few minutes for someone to leave.

4. The Three Sisters Lighthouses

Located in Eastham within walking distance of Nauset Light are the Three Sisters Lighthouses. These lighthouses were the original guards of the Nauset Cliffs before being replaced by Nauset Light. They were named the Three Sisters because from out at sea, they were said to look like three women dressed in white, wearing black hats.

The National Parks Service slowly regained possession of these lighthouses between 1920 and 1975, and after some restoration in the 1980s, the lighthouses were placed in their current location and opened to the public for all to enjoy.

The grounds of the Three Sisters Lighthouses are in a quiet wooded area, and are really peaceful to experience. The interior of the lighthouses are open for tours May through October. Jump below more more information on lighthouse tours.

Parking For The Three Sisters Lighthouses

There is a small parking lot at the Three Sisters Lighthouses that is free, and can easily be found by typing “Three Sisters Lighthouses” into Google Maps or your GPS. You can also use this lot to visit Nauset Light, which is within walking distance, and connected by a paved walking path.

5. Chatham Lighthouse

Chatham Lighthouse is perched above Chatham Lighthouse Beach, and has been standing guard since 1841. If you remember from the Nauset Light section that Chatham Light and Nauset Light once stood as a pair, and were separated in 1923. You’ll notice that they both look very similar.

The grounds around Chatham Light are surrounded by an enclosed gate, so while you can get a great view of the lighthouse from the street, you won’t be able to explore the grounds without a tour, which are offered in the summer season. It’s still worth visiting Chatham Light, though, because you really can get a great view of it from the street, and you can get closer to the structure than you’d think.

You can also easily see the lighthouse from Chatham Lighthouse Beach. Jump below more more information on lighthouse tours.

Parking At Chatham Lighthouse

There is free parking right in front of the lighthouse, which has a 30-minute time limit. During the summer months, it’s enforced, but during off-season, it’s not really monitored. In the summer, getting a parking spot here can be tough, especially at peak times like weekends and afternoons. I would suggest you arrive in the early mornings for the best chance at getting a spot in the summer.

If you’re looking to explore downtown Chatham, it’s a great idea to combine that with the lighthouse. Parking in downtown Chatham can also be challenging in the summer, but it’s easier than the lighthouse in that you have more options. If you don’t mind the walk, I would suggest street parking in Chatham, or using one of the downtown lots, and then walking a mile to the lighthouse. It’s an easy and pleasant walk!

More Difficult Cape Cod Lighthouses To Visit

The best Cape Cod lighthouses to visit on this list are more difficult to get to, but worth trying to visit, depending on what kind of adventure you’re up for. I’ve ranked them in order of easiest to most difficult to visit.

6. Stage Harbor Lighthouse

Stage Harbor Lighthouse is actually not super difficult to see, it just requires a walk about a mile long through both soft and packed sand. This lighthouse is currently privately owned and not open to the public, but you’ll still be able to walk up pretty close to it, and get a great view.

Stage Harbor no longer has its light, so you’ll notice that’s missing when you arrive. But the rest of the tower is still in tact, and is a really beautiful site to see. While visiting, be sure to respect the No Trespassing signs, and stay outside of the fenced areas.

The walking path to Stage Harbor Lighthouse is open year-round, and free for all to explore (with the exception of the parking fee in-season).

Parking For Stage Harbor Lighthouse

To get to Stage Harbor Lighthouse, you’ll want to park at Hardings Beach in Chatham (fees apply in-season). Once you park, the trailhead can be found all the way at the left side of the beach (left side if you’re facing the water).

7. Race Point Lighthouse

One of the best Cape Cod lighthouses, and one of the more remote ones you can visit, is Race Point Light, which can be found in Provincetown. The only way to get to Race Point Lighthouse is to walk, which is 3.5 miles round trip, or take a tour with a company that has vehicles with the correct permits to drive over the sand.

To get to Race Point Lighthouse, you’ll want to park at the Hatches Harbor parking lot, which is free, and begin your walk from the trailhead just off the parking area.

The Race Point Lighthouse grounds are open year-round to the public, and are free to explore. If you enjoy your visit, click here to consider making a donation on their website to help maintain the lighthouse and keep it open to visitors .

Jump below more more information on lighthouse tours.

8. Long Point Light Station

Long Point Light Station is one of the most exciting lighthouses to visit because it’s located at the very tip of Cape Cod, so it’ll be fun just to say you’ve been to the very end of the Cape, and survived to tell the story!

In actuality, you can visit Long Point Lighthouse easily with a short cut, or you can take the adventurous route, and hike the whole way there. From May 15-Labor Day weekend, you can take a shuttle boat from Provincetown to Long Point, where you’ll easily be able to walk up to the lighthouse. Click here for information on the Long Point Shuttle .

If you choose to walk to the lighthouse, you’ll start your journey by crossing the Provincetown Causeway, and in total, hike about 6 miles round-trip in soft sand. During this walk, you’ll also be able to visit Woods End Lighthouse (the next one on the list!).

The hike to Long Point Light is open year-round, and free for all to explore. The actual lighthouse is not open for interior tours, so you’ll only be able to explore the grounds (but the scenery will be absolutely breathtaking!).

9. Woods End Lighthouse

The most remote lighthouse that you can get to on foot on Cape Cod is Woods End Lighthouse. Also located in Provincetown in the same stretch as Long Point, Woods End can only be accessed by walking, as the Long Point Shuttle won’t bring you directly to the lighthouse. This, combined with Long Point Lighthouse, is one of the most incredible, scenic hikes you can make on Cape Cod, and I highly recommend it!

Woods End Lighthouse is also the only Cape Cod lighthouse whose original structure is still standing. It was erected in 1872, and was never rebuilt.

How To Get To Woods End Lighthouse

To hike to Woods End Lighthouse, you’ll park at the First Pilgrim Landing Rotary in Provincetown, which is right by the Provincetown Causeway, and then walk over the entire causeway, which is about 1 mile. Once you cross the causeway, you’ll see the lighthouse to your right. Follow the trail toward the lighthouse in the sand for just under a mile, and you’ll reach Woods End Light.

If you want to continue the hike to the tip of Cape Cod and see Long Point Lighthouse, the walk is another 1.75 miles to Long Point. From there, you can either reverse course back to the causeway, or coordinate your return with the Long Point shuttle, and take that back to Provincetown. Just remember, you’ll need to get transportation back to your car in this case!

10. Monomoy Point Lighthouse

The hardest lighthouse on Cape Cod to visit is Monomoy Light, and that’s because you’ll have to take a day trip that includes arranging a private boat charter and guided tour. But this is an absolutely incredible experience that not only allows you to see the lighthouse, but also walk around the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, and spot all kinds of birds and animals.

If you’re okay just seeing Monomoy Light from the water, you can take a cruise with Monomoy Island Excursions , which offers tours that will pass by the lighthouse.

How To Get To Monomoy Point Lighthouse

If you’re ready for an adventure and really want to see Monomoy Lighthouse up close, you can take a day trip where you’ll charter a private ferry excursion with Monomoy Island Ferry , and they’ll lead you on a guided tour with a naturalist, and show you around Monomoy’s Wildlife Refugee, and also take you to the lighthouse. This is the only way to Monomoy Lighthouse.

Are you planning your first trip to Cape Cod? Click here to read my guide on the 15 things you absolutely must see!

Which Cape Cod Lighthouses Can You Drive To?

There are 5 Cape Cod lighthouses you can drive to, and they are Nauset Light, Three Sisters, Highland Light, Nobska Light and Chatham Light.

Cape Cod Lighthouses You Can Climb

There are 6 Cape Cod Lighthouses that are open to the public for tours and climbing, and they are Nauset Light, Highland Light, Nobka Light, Three Sisters, Chatham Light and Race Point Light. Below is more information on how to tour and climb each of these lighthouses:

• Nauset Lighthouse offers free tours to the public from May-October on select days. Tours are done open-house style, and can’t be booked in advance, and you may have to wait your turn if you arrive while a current tour is taking place. Click here for more information on free tours of Nauset Lighthouse .
• Highland Lighthouse is open for tours of the inside and top of the tower from late-May through September/October, depending on the year. Click here for more information on tours inside Highland Lighthouse .
• Nobska Lighthouse is open for tours in the summer months on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10a-12p. Click here for more information on tours inside Nobska Lighthouse .
• Three Sister Lighthouses are open for guided tours with a park ranger from May-October. Click here to access the National Park Services calendar of events for the season to see when tours will be available for these lighthouses .
• Chatham Lighthouse is open for tours in the summer months. Click here for more information on seeing the inside of Chatham Lighthouse .
• Race Point Lighthouse offers tours on the first and third Saturday, June through October. It’s possible that shore bird nesting season could prohibit tours from happening, so it’s best to check and be sure that tours are operating when you decide to visit. Click here for information on touring the inside of Race Point Lighthouse .

Cape Cod Lighthouses You Can Stay Overnight In

There are 3 Cape Cod lighthouses that you can stay overnight in, and they are Wings Neck Lighthouse , West Dennis Lighthouse ( The Lighthouse Inn ) and Race Point Lighthouse .

With overnight reservations only, guests will be able to climb the towers of West Dennis and Wings Neck Lighthouses.

Cape Cod Islands Lighthouses

There are some amazing lighthouses you can also visit on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, the two Cape Cod islands.

On Martha’s Vineyard , there are 5 lighthouses including East Chop Light, West Chop Light, Edgartown Lighthouse, Gay Head Lighthouse and Cape Poge Lighthouse.

On Nantucket , there are 3 lighthouses you can visit, including Brant Point Lighthouse, Sankaty Lighthouse and Great Point Lighthouse.

You may also find these posts helpful:

• Best Beach Towns In New England
• Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For First-Timers
• Best Time To Visit Cape Cod
• How To Visit All 3 Nantucket Lighthouses
• Nantucket Or Martha’s Vineyard For A Day Trip?
• Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod
• Cape Cod vs. Nantucket: Which Is Best For You?
• Best Places To See Seals On Cape Cod

And here are some guides to Cape Cod towns you may also enjoy:

• Best Things To Do In Wellfleet, MA
• Best Things To Do In Harwich, MA
• Best Things To Do In Dennis, MA
• Best Things To Do In Falmouth, MA
• Best Things To Do In Brewster, MA
• Best Things To Do In Provincetown, MA
• Best Things To Do In Chatham, MA
• Best Things To Do In Sandwich, MA
• Best Things To Do In Eastham, MA
• Best Things To Do In Orleans, MA

That’s A Wrap On The Best Cape Cod Lighthouses To Visit

Now you’re ready to plan your own lighthouse tour during your trip! Whether you’re looking to do a full lighthouse tour and see as many as possible, or you’re looking to just see a few of the best Cape Cod lighthouses, you’re sure to have a great time, as the Cape has some absolutely stunning lighthouses surrounded by even more beautiful scenery.

You might also enjoy

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Cape Cod Lighthouses Tours, Overnight Stays & Lots More!

Updated: April 17, 2024

Wondering which Cape Cod lighthouses are open to the public for tours? Looking for the best lighthouse photo opps? I'll show you when and where to go! 

I'll also tell you about a super-cool, little-known lodging option for lighthouse lovers. :-)

Here's What This Page Covers

Click a link to go straight to that section.

• Nobska Light
• Chatham Light

Nauset Light

• Three Sisters
• Highland Light  
• Race Point Light
• Map of Lighthouses
• Lighthouse Lodging

Lighthouses on Cape Cod Need to Know Info

• Tours: May - Oct., grounds open to the public year round
• Best For: Adults and older kids 
• Time to Allot: 1/2 hour+
• Food/Restrooms: No
• Reservations: Not required

More details below

Cape Cod Lighthouses Open to the Public

*Note: Most of these lighthouses rely on volunteers to conduct the tours. On days when they're short-staffed, the tour schedule might be altered or canceled at the last minute. 

When that happens, visitors are still welcome to walk the grounds and take photos.

Nobska Point Lighthouse

Nobska Light sits high on a bluff in Woods Hole, a village in the town of Falmouth.

Originally built in 1828, Nobska Point Lighthouse's original Fresnel lens is still in use. On a clear day, there's a breathtaking view from the lighthouse, across Vineyard Sound, to the nearby island of Martha's Vineyard!

2024 Nobska Lighthouse Tour Schedule:  Opening day for tours of the lighthouse and museum will be announced later in the spring.

Tours are run Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 10 am. Last tour begins at 12:15. Tour times are in 15 minute intervals.

*Note: Due to space constraints, no more than 6 visitors may be inside the lighthouse at any time. If you have your heart set on going into the tower, be sure to reserve your tour time as far in advance as possible.

Admission:   Adults $10; seniors and veterans $8; children $5 (plus small online reservation fee)

The lighthouse grounds are open for walking, sightseeing and fabulous photo opps from dawn to dusk, year round, free of charge. Driving to Nobska Point Lighthouse:

Route 28 in Falmouth, to Woods Hole Road, to Church Street, to Nobska Lighthouse.

If you're biking along the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth, you can also reach the light house by turning off the Bikeway at Church Street, or turning off at Oyster Pond Road then onto Nobska Road.

More Info: Friends of Nobska Light

Chatham Lighthouse

For more than two centuries, mariners have relied on beacons from Chatham to safely navigate the treacherous waters around the "elbow" of Cape Cod.

Chatham Light, as you see it today, is one of two lighthouse towers that stood here in the mid-1800s.

In 1923, the second tower was dismantled and transported up the coast to Eastham where it became "Nauset Lighthouse" (see below).

Chatham Lighthouse is perhaps the most often-photographed of all Cape Cod lighthouses, thanks to its impressive setting overlooking Lighthouse Beach - one of the most beautiful beaches in Chatham .

2024 Chatham Light Tour Schedule:  Members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary's Chatham Flotilla host tours and talks on Wednesdays in July and August and every other Wednesday through September, from 1 - 3 p.m.

Admission: Free   Driving to Chatham Light House:

Take Main Street to Shore Road.

Parking near the Lighthouse is extremely limited and often impossible to find. It's best to park in town and walk or bike ride to the light house. More Info: USCG Auxiliary

Nauset Light was moved from Chatham to Eastham in 1923 to replace the last-standing of Eastham's "Three Sisters" - a trio of Cape Cod lighthouses that had, over time, succumbed to the elements and erosion of the cliffs on which they stood. (More about Three Sisters, below.)

Nauset Lighthouse, along with its Keeper's House and Oil House, sit on a knoll overlooking Nauset Light Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. With such a gorgeous setting, it's no surprise that Nauset is one of the most popular lighthouses to visit on Cape Cod!

*FYI: If you're a fan of Cape Cod Potato Chips, you might recognize Nauset Light. It's the lighthouse pictured on Cape Cod Chips bags. :-)

2024 Nauset Lighthouse Tour Schedule:  Nauset Lighthouse tours are scheduled as follows:

• May 12, 19 & 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.
• Sundays and Wednesdays in June, July, August from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• September 1 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• September 4, 8, 11, 15 18, 22, 25 & 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.
• October 6 & 13 from 1 to 4 p.m.
• Special Full Moon Tour - October 17, 2024 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (weather permitting)

The grounds at Nauset Light are open every day from dawn to dusk.

Admission: Free

Driving to Nauset Lighthouse:

Route 6 to Brackett Road, to Nauset Road, to Cable Road, to Nauset Light Beach Road.

*Note:   There's parking at the adjacent Nauset Light Beach parking lot. Cape Cod National Seashore parking fees apply in season until 4:30 p.m. Please see my Guide to Beaches in Eastham for important information about parking at Nauset Light Beach. More Info: Nauset Light Preservation Society

Three Sisters Lighthouses

Built in 1892 to replace the original brick towers that were damaged by coastal erosion, the "Three Sisters" are now located just a short walk down Cable Road from Nauset Light.

These towers have a fascinating history!

After ending their service as beacons for mariners, the lighthouses were sold to a private party in the 1920s. At times they were made part of a summer home. And one was once used as living space for ballet school students.

2024 Three Sisters Lighthouses Tour Schedule: 

The 2024 tour schedule is still TBD. Tours are normally held every Monday from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 11 a.m. to noon. The grounds are open daily, year round, from dawn to dusk.

Driving to Three Sisters: Route 6 to Brackett Road, to Nauset Road, to Cable Road. Three Sisters are located at the end of Cable Road.

Very limited parking is available in Three Sisters parking lot on the north side of Cable Road.

Parking is also available at Nauset Light Beach (parking fee/pass required in season). From there, follow the signs for a short walk to Three Sisters.

More Info: Cape Cod National Seashore events calendar

Highland Light (a/k/a Cape Cod Lighthouse)

The first lighthouse on Cape Cod was built here on the cliffs of  North Truro in 1797.

Over the centuries, Highland Light has been re-built, re-fitted and even moved a number of times to save it from toppling off the eroding cliffs into the ocean.

The latest move took place during the summer of 1996 in an amazing process that involved sliding the 430-ton structure more than 450 feet along steel beams lubricated with Ivory Soap!

FYI: Although its formal name is "Cape Cod Lighthouse", we all know and refer to it as "Highland Light".

2024 Highland Light Tour Schedule: Tours are held daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from May 3 to October 31, 2024.

* Note: Guided tour hours are subject to adequate staffing availability.

Admission: $8 adults; $7 seniors and military; $5 students/children

Directions to Highland Lighthouse:

Route 6 to Highland Road, then right onto South Highland Road, and left onto Highland Light Road.

Parking is available (free).

More Info: Highland Light

Race Point Lighthouse

Race Point is the most remote of all Cape Cod lighthouses accessible by land. To get there, you'll need some good walking shoes and a lot of stamina.

It's nearly a 2-mile hike from the Race Point Beach parking lot to the lighthouse through soft, shifting sand. (A very tough trek if you're wearing flip-flops!)

If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle that's equipped to travel over sand, and you buy the required permit , you can drive out to the lighthouse. Find out about over-sand driving to Race Point here .

2024 Race Point Lighthouse Tour Schedule:

Tours will resume for the 2024 season. This year's openind day and tour schedule has yet to be announced. Stay tuned! 

Directions to the beach parking lot:

Route 6 to Race Point Road, then follow the signs to Race Point Beach parking lot. A parking fee or National Seashore parking pass may be required. More Info: Race Point Light

Map of Lighthouses on Cape Cod MA

The blue icons indicate the location of each lighthouse that holds tours. To see how to get there, click on "Map" view and zoom around with the (+ and -) buttons.

Lighthouse lovers and history buffs, this book's for you!  The Lighthouse Handbook - New England  is filled with the fascinating stories and vintage photos of our local lighthouses and their "keepers" throughout the centuries.  It's a wonderful read!  Check it out!

Lighthouse Vacations

For true lighthouse aficionados, what could be better than vacationing in a keeper's house?

Overnight Stays at Race Point Light

Getting away from it all" takes on a whole new meaning when you stay here!

The renovated keeper's house has 3 bedrooms, shared kitchen and bathroom, and very few modern conveniences.

Bring your own food, cook it yourself, and have the time of your life swimming, beachcombing, and watching the sun set from the lantern room.

Click here for more photos and rental information >>

Overnight Stays at Wings Neck Light

Located on Wings Neck Point in the village of Pocasset in the town of Bourne, this is the perfect spot for a unique family getaway!

Swim and sun at the beach. Fish from the rock jetty. Or just lounge the day away on the lawn, watching ships come and go from the nearby Cape Cod Canal.

Whatever your pleasure ... it's all good!

See Other Unique Places to Stay on Cape Cod

* Keep This Info for Later  *  Save to Pinterest now!

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Friends of Nobska Light

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More about Nobska Light's history

Courtesy of the u.s. coast guard.

In the 19th Century, construction of lighthouses along the Atlantic coast was critical for the safety of merchant mariners transporting goods and materials by sea. In 1828, the U.S. government tpurchased four acres on Nobska (Nobsque) Point for $160 and the first lighthouse on the site, a wooden structure that incorporated Keeper’s quarters, was constructed at a cost of $2,249.

In 1841, the first Fresnel lens (pronounced “frennel”) was installed. Named for French physicist Augustin Fresnel, these massive glass lenses are cleverly designed to gather light from a source, concentrate it and emit a beam with a range of many nautical miles. Peter Dagget, the lightkeeper in 1845, reported using ten oil lamps, which consumed 339 gallons annually, carried by hand up to the light room.

The wooden light structure operated for 47 years and was replaced in 1876 by the present, 40-foot tall cast iron lighthouse, which was manufactured in Chelsea, Massachusetts. A separate house for the lightkeeper was also built that year. The Fresnel lens was upgraded to a larger, 4th-order lens in 1888; this lens is still in place today and may be viewed during a lighthouse tower tour.

Improvements were periodically added to the facility, including construction of a brick oil-house, a paint locker and, in 1875, a fog bell tower. In 1905 a second Keeper’s dwelling was added; a 1½ story, wood frame structure built at a cost of $6,000. By 1919, electricity had come to Cape Cod and the light was electrified with a 150-watt bulb, making oil largely obsolete.

During the 1930s and 40s, technological advances were incorporated. A radio tower was erected in 1937, used for triangulation bearings with Cleveland Ledge and Butler Flats in New Bedford. The fog bell was replaced in 1948 by a compressed air diaphragm horn.

KEEPERS AND STEWARDS

The Nobska Point Lighthouse was operated by the U.S. Lighthouse Service for 111 years, from 1828 until 1939, when the Service was merged with the U.S. Coast Guard. By 1949, the Woods Hole Coast Guard also had responsibility for 23 other manned lighthouses as well as for eight lightships: Nantucket, Handkerchief, Pollack Rip, Stone Horse, Cross Rip, Vineyard, Hens and Chickens, and Brenton Reef.

The last civilian lightkeeper at Nobska Point Lighthouse was Joseph Hindley, who retired in 1972. He was replaced by active-duty Coast Guard enlisted personnel. In 1985, the light was automated, eliminating the need for full-time keepers. The quarters were converted into the residence for the area Coast Guard Commander, which use continued until 2013, when it was determined that the structure was in need of extensive repair.

Auxiliary Flotilla 11-2, Woods Hole, “adopted” Nobska Point Lighthouse from the Coast Guard in 1994 to provide general maintenance and to conduct public tours. As the Auxiliary Flotilla is an adjunct of the Coast Guard their service ended in 2014. During their time of service more than 1,000 people visited the lighthouse annually. 

In 2013 the last Commander to live at Nobska moved out. U.S. Coast Guard determined that the House needed too much work for the next Commander to move in and looked for a partner to assume responsibility for the Keeper’s House, Lighthouse Tower, and land surrounding the structures. The Town of Falmouth was the successful bidder, becoming the licensee with the understanding that the property would continue to belong to the federal government and, as public property, must be open to the public. 

The Town, in turn, in March 2016, gave responsibility for restoration, maintenance, and operation as a museum to the Friends of Nobska Light. The Friends have restored the Tower and are working on the rehabilitation of the Keeper’s House and developing the Museum. 

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