Cape Henry Lighthouse
Cape Henry Lighthouse is the first federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government. It was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. 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. The distinctive black and white striped “New” Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1881 but remains closed to the public.
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.
Today, Cape Henry Lighthouse is surrounded by the Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story (JEBFS). Please review the guidelines provided by JEBFS for entering the military base before your visit.
Address
583 Atlantic Avenue
Fort Story, Virginia 23459
Hours
The lighthouse is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The first shuttle of the day arrives at Gate 8 at 9:55 a.m. and the last shuttle picks up at 4 p.m. The parking lot and shuttle pick up area will conform to CDC guidelines, with masks and social distancing required.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Plan your visit
The lighthouse will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cape Henry Experience
General admission includes access to the lighthouse’s new “visitor plaza” at the base of the tower. Completed in 2019, the plaza showcases new interpretive signage and views of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. Also included with general admission is a walking tour of historic waypoints nearby, such as the site of the first landfall of colonists bound for Jamestown in 1607 and a World War 2 era mine casemate.
Tower Climbing
We look forward to seeing you at Cape Henry Lighthouse! At this time, all interior tower climbs will be private, so we cannot guarantee walk-up visitors. We look forward to seeing you at Cape Henry Lighthouse! At this time, all interior tower climbs will be private, so we cannot guarantee walk-up visitors. Tower climbs are offered seven days a week at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. They are strictly limited to a maximum of 10 people and all visitors are required to wear a face mask.
Purchase your tickets to climb the tower: TOWER CLIMB TICKETS
Preservation Virginia Members can climb for FREE. To reserve your Members Tower Climb, please call 757.422.9421
*All climbers must be at least 42″ tall. Adults are not permitted to carry children.
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 125°. We also close the tower during thunderstorms and when lightning has been spotted. Visitors will still be able to walk to the top of the dune and shop in the museum store. Winter weather advisories also may effect the opening of the tower.
Cape Henry Memorial
Visit the nearby National Park Service site where the first English colonists landed in April 1607.
Key Visitor Info
Before visiting Cape Henry Lighthouse, please be sure to read the additional information at the bottom of this page. This information includes guidance on location, arrival, and rules and regulations.
VISITOR INFOHours & Directions
Our normal operating hours are:
Cape Henry Lighthouse is open daily.
Tours stop 45 minutes prior to closing.
January 3 to March 15: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
March 16 to October 31: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November 1 to December 30: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day and New Years Eve, New Years Day and January 2.
Admission
Pricing
| Preservation Members | Free (Become a member) |
| Combination Ticket (includes tower climb) | $14 |
| General Admission | $10 |
| AAA, Senior (60+), Military Discount | $9 |
| Student Discount | $8 |
| Children Under 42 Inches | Free |
| Tower Climb (limited availability) | General Admission Pricing |
Contact
For information on pricing and availability:
Arianna DiMucci, Site Coordinator
capehenry@preservationvirginia.org
757-422-9421
Donate to Cape Henry Lighthouse
Tours & Site Rental
Cape Henry Lighthouse is a beautiful 18th century lighthouse located in scenic Virginia Beach, Virginia and just steps away from the coast. Make your event truly special with Cape Henry Lighthouse’s unique blend of colonial Virginia architecture, history and enchanting beach views.
Site Rental & Special Events
Special Events: Rent our grounds for your special occasion. Pricing starts at $100 per hour.
Contact
For information on pricing and availability:
Arianna DiMucci, Site Coordinator
amdimucci@preservationvirginia.org
757-422-9421
Key Visitor Info
Rules & Regulations
Base Access Requirements
- Valid ID card for all visitors 16-years of age and older
- Driver of vehicle must be able to produce valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance
- Visitors can access the base as a pedestrian or on bicycle with a valid ID
- Not allowed on base: Illegal drugs, alcohol, contraband and weapons
- Possession of contraband will result in denial of access to the base
- Visitors must be able to pass a background check
NOTE: Visitors with an authorized government ID will be allowed to drive directly to Cape Henry Lighthouse.
Allowed Items on the Shuttle
- One small handbag per visitor
- Infant bag as appropriate
- Infant stroller if applicable
NOTE: All other items will need to remain in vehicles.
Authorized Sites to Visit on JEBLCFS
- Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
- Cape Henry Memorial National Park Service
Upon arrival at the gate, guests need to inform base security personnel that they are visiting Cape Henry Lighthouse and produce the required documentation as noted in “Base Access Requirements” above. Security personnel will direct guests to parking adjacent to the gate. Visitors will proceed to the awning area for a security check before boarding the shuttle to be transported to the historic sites.
Upon completion of visiting the historic sites, guests will need to board a shuttle to return to their vehicle at the designated parking area.
