Cape Henry Lighthouse
Dune Restoration Project in Progress
The dune at Cape Henry Lighthouse is currently undergoing restoration and the lighthouse tower is temporarily inaccessible for climbing. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2019. During construction, we will remain open with walking tours every hour from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Members of the media can learn more about this project by downloading our FAQ sheet.
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
Cape Henry Lighthouse is open daily.
Tours stop 30 minutes prior to closing.
Jan 3 to March 15: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
March 16 to Oct 31: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov 1 to Dec 30: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Plan your visit
Walking Tours
Explore more than 400 years of the historic Cape Henry area every hour.
Dune Talks (at ground level)
Trained interpreters discuss the rich history of the area as a port during the beginning of the United States. Engage with fellow guests as you discuss STEM-related topics, including weather, geology and marine life.
Cape Henry Memorial
Visit the nearby National Park Service site where the first English colonists landed in April 1607.
Picnic Area
Pack a lunch and eat at one of our picnic tables.
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 & regulations.
VISITOR INFOHours & Directions
Cape Henry Lighthouse is open daily.
Tours stop 30 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 5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day and New Years Eve, New Years Day and January 2.
Cape Henry Walking Tour
Explore more than 400 years of the historic Cape Henry area on our walking tour!
Admission
Pricing
| Preservation Members | Free (Become a member) |
| General Admission | $10 |
| AAA, Senior (60+), Military Discount | $9 |
| Students | $8 |
| Children Under 6 | Free |
Call ahead and reserve a special discounted rate for groups of ten or more.
Contact
For information on pricing and availability:
Jessica Collins, 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:
Jessica Collins, Site Coordinator
capehenry@preservationvirginia.org
757-422-9421
Key Visitor Info
Location & Arrival
Cape Henry Lighthouse is located on Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story. All visitors to the lighthouse must pass through the security check at Gate 8 at 89th Street and Atlantic Avenue. This check requires:
- Identification for every guest over the age of 16
- Proof of vehicle registration or rental agreement
- Proof of insurance
- No firearms, weapons or illegal substances are allowed on base
Upon arrival at the gate, please indicate that you’re visiting Cape Henry Lighthouse. You will be directed to the Vehicle Inspection Station. All visitors must consent to a vehicle inspection and required to declare any contraband (i.e. weapons or illegal drugs). Failure to consent to a vehicle inspection or possession of contraband will result in denial of access to the base.
While your vehicle is being inspected, you will be asked to exit the vehicle and the rules for accessing Cape Henry Lighthouse and Cape Henry Memorial Park will be explained. Upon completion of the inspection, you will be issued a visitor pass and the identification of the driver remain in possession of Security while you’re on base.
When you have completed your visit, please return to the Vehicle Inspection Station to return the visitor pass and retrieve your identification.
We recognize the difficulties of this process, but fully support the policies put in place by JEBFS to protect national security.
