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Usitour
Viewpoint

Cape Henry Lighthouse

📍 8930 Cape Henry Rd, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
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4/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Virginia Beach
Category
Viewpoint
Duration
1-2 hours
Address
8930 Cape Henry Rd, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Coordinates
36.9280, -76.0030

Introduction

The Cape Henry Lighthouse, located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach, is one of Virginia's oldest and most historically significant lighthouses, witnessing the important history of Atlantic coast maritime safety in early America. Commissioned by the Continental Congress and first lit in 1792, it was the first lighthouse built by the United States federal government, marking the first public works project of the newly independent federal government. The original lighthouse was replaced in 1881 by a new lighthouse, about 48 meters tall, with cast iron structure lined with brick, still standing at Cape Henry today. The lighthouse location is where English colonists first landed in Virginia in 1607, and the strategic choke point where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, with extraordinary maritime and colonial historical significance. Visitors can climb 191 spiral steps to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay, while the old lighthouse base and military fortification ruins beside tell the story of WWII coastal defense. It is both a maritime history pilgrimage site and one of the best Atlantic coast viewing and photography spots.

✨ Highlights

1
First Federal Lighthouse
First lit 1792, first lighthouse built by US federal government, marking the first public works project of newly independent federal government.
2
191-Step Climb
Climb 191 spiral steps to top for panoramic Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay views, one of Virginia's best viewing experiences.
3
Colonial Landing Site
Lighthouse location is where English colonists first landed in Virginia in 1607, extraordinary colonial historical significance.
4
Cast Iron New Tower
1881 replacement lighthouse about 48m tall, cast iron lined with brick, still stands at Cape Henry, 19th century lighthouse engineering model.
5
WWII Military Ruins
Old lighthouse base and military fortification ruins beside tell WWII coastal defense history, a point for military history enthusiasts.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time to Visit：April to October best weather, fall clear air best views, avoid midday sun
→Recommended Duration：1 to 2 hours, including climb, viewing, and old lighthouse base
→Nearby Attractions：Virginia Beach Boardwalk, First Landing State Park, Atlantic Garden can combine
→Opening Hours：10:00 AM to 5:00 PM summer extended to 5:30 PM, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year
→Ticket Information：Adults $10, children $6, under 3 free, military $8
→Transportation：Drive to Fort Story military base, show ID and register at gate

💡 Tips

• Lighthouse in military base, entering requires valid ID (passport or driver license), vehicles registered
• 191 spiral steps steep, wear comfortable shoes, heart conditions and acrophobia caution, climb about 10 minutes
• Nearby First Landing State Park is 1607 colonists' first landing site, combine for colonial history experience
• Midday sun strong with no shade, visit morning or afternoon, fall clear air best views
• Lighthouse exterior and top views excellent photography spots, Chesapeake Bay sunset classic subject

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Cape Henry Lighthouse?

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM summer extended to 5:30 PM, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year

How much is the admission for Cape Henry Lighthouse?

Adults $10, children $6, under 3 free, military $8

Any practical tips for visiting Cape Henry Lighthouse?

Lighthouse in military base, entering requires valid ID (passport or driver license), vehicles registered 191 spiral steps steep, wear comfortable shoes, heart conditions and acrophobia caution, climb about 10 minutes

How long should I spend at Cape Henry Lighthouse?

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.