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RESTRICTION NOTICE

Due to the high security of JEBFS, all visitors aged 18 or older without base access must complete and submit SECNAV Form 5512 to gain access to the base. Please review the guidelines below before your visit.

Questions? Email us at capehenry@preservationvirginia.org or call 757-422-9421.

First federally funded public works project completed in 1792
The John Marshall House

Admission Details

Cape Henry Lighthouse is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day, and January 2 and 3.

All visitors 18 years of age or older MUST complete and submit SECNAV Form 5512,  Base Fort Story security form, accessed via a secure link upon ticket purchase confirmation, per JEBFS base restrictions. 

Preservation Virginia Members: Free
General Admission: $22
AAA, Senior (60+), Military Discount: $20
Students: $8

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About the Lighthouse

Thank you for your interest in visiting the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse! Today, Cape Henry Lighthouse is surrounded by the Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story (JEBFS). Please review the guidelines below provided by JEBFS.

Cape Henry Lighthouse is the first federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government. The Lighthouse is situated near the “First Landing” site where English settlers first set foot on their way to settle in Jamestown. Built with the same Aquia sandstone as much of Washington, D.C, the lighthouse guided sea travelers to safety for almost 100 years. Preservation Virginia members placed a tablet on the tower in 1896 to mark the site of the “First Landing” and in 1930 an act of Congress deeded the Lighthouse and surrounding land to our care. The distinctive black and white striped “New” Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1881 but remains closed to the public. 

A timed general admission ticket includes a completely guided experience with a Cape Henry Historical Interpreter. Your visit begins with a trip up to the lighthouse and an opportunity to climb the tower! Then an interpreter will take you on a 45 minute walking tour of Cape Henry. Your visit will end with dedicated gift shop access. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Due to the high security of JEBFS, the following procedures are in place for civilian visitors: 

  1. Purchase a timed ticket via this website for your entire party.
  2. All party members who are 18 years of age or older must fill out a SECNAV 5512 form no more than 30 days and at least 5 days in advance of the ticket date. This form will be accessed via a secure link upon ticket purchase confirmation.
  3. JEBFS will alert Preservation Virginia if you have been granted access to the base. Those who do not pass the security requirements will receive a ticket refund.

Base Access Requirements

Military ID holders, DoW card holders, and base pass holders are permitted to drive to the lighthouse parking lot and are exempt from submitting a SECNAV 5512 form. 

All other civilian visitors aged 18 or older MUST fill out SECNAV 5512 form Fort Story Base security form. This form will be accessed via a secure link upon ticket purchase confirmation. The submission portal is managed solely by the JEBFS.

Information that will be REQUIRED in the security application form includes, but is not limited to, social security numbers, email addresses, home phone numbers, home addresses, and other identifying information.

Per JEBFS policy, foreign nationals that do not have US Department of War security passes are not allowed on base and are therefore restricted from visiting the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse.

All members of your party over the age of 16 must present a valid REAL ID or passport upon arrival, per JEBFS base requirements.

ADA service animals ONLY, but it is not physically possible for them to climb the final ladder to the top of the lighthouse.

All climbers must be at least 42″ tall, carrying children while climbing the lighthouse is not permitted. 

Visitors must park and ride a shuttle from the base gate to the lighthouse. Driver of vehicle must show their timed ticket reservation and be able to produce valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance. JEBFS has a station set up to record visitor information and explain base policies before boarding the shuttle. Shuttles run in accordance with the timed ticketing schedule. Your timed ticket must be presented to board the shuttle.

Visitors can access the base as a pedestrian or on bicycle with a valid REAL ID or Passport and upon the submission and passing of SECNAV Form 5512. However, visits to the lighthouse are limited to the availability of open spaces in the timed ticketing schedule. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. 

Plan Your Visit

All climbers must be at least 42″ tall. Adults are not permitted to carry children.

The tour includes climbing a minimum of 79 stairs for lighthouse access as well as walking approximately ¾ mile, majority on sidewalks and paved roads. Please be advised that there is a high level of activity during this tour.

All visitors must be accompanied by a Cape Henry Lighthouse employee at all times, due to JEBFS base security requirements.

Guests without base access must ride a shuttle from the base gate to the lighthouse. The military has a station set up to record visitor information and explain base policies before boarding the shuttle. Shuttles run in accordance with the timed ticketing schedule. Your timed ticket must be presented to board the shuttle.

All civilian visitors aged 18 or older MUST fill out SECNAV 5512 form Fort Story Base security form. This form will be accessed via a secure link upon ticket purchase confirmation. The submission portal is managed solely by the JEBFS.

All members of your party over the age of 16 must present a valid REAL ID or passport upon arrival, per JEBFS base requirements.

Please note: During the summer months, the temperature at the top of the tower can reach extreme levels. Cape Henry Lighthouse will close the tower when the heat index inside reaches 115°. We also close the tower during thunderstorms and when lightning has been spotted. Winter weather advisories also may affect the opening of the tower.

Key Visitor Information

Parking and Arrival

Location and arrival: ample onsite parking available. For special accessibility requests, contact us in advance.
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Get in Touch

For information on pricing and availability contact us at:
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Events at the Cape Henry Lighthouse

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Voices Remembered

African American History at Cape Henry Lighthouse

Each year our research uncovers more African American connections to the Cape Henry Lighthouse and surrounding areas. These stories will be added to our Voices Remembered website as more information is discovered.

Learn More

Cape Henry Lighthouse Stories

Secret Link