Cape Henry Lighthouse
Cape Henry Lighthouse Closed on Friday for Inclement Weather
We will be closed on Friday, January 21st, 2022 due to inclement weather.
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 4 p.m.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Plan your visit
Cape Henry Lighthouse will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As of July 27th, all guests are required to wear masks when inside of the museum shop and lighthouse tower. Click to read the CDC Guidelines
*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
Cape Henry Lighthouse will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As of July 27th, all guests are required to wear masks when inside of the museum shop and lighthouse tower. Click to read the CDC Guidelines
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:
capehenry@preservationvirginia.org
757-422-9421
Donate to Cape Henry Lighthouse
Key Visitor Info
Location & Arrival
Cape Henry Lighthouse will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rules & Regulations
Base Access Requirements
NOTE: Visitors with an authorized government ID will be allowed to drive directly to Cape Henry Lighthouse.
- 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
Authorized Sites to Visit on JEBLCFS
- Old Cape Henry Lighthouse
- Cape Henry Memorial National Park Service
As of July 27th, all guests are required to wear masks when inside of the museum shop and lighthouse tower. Click to read the CDC Guidelines
