nobska lighthouse tours

New England Wanderlust

Cape Cod , Massachusetts , Summer  ·  April 27, 2022

10 Best Cape Cod Lighthouses + How To Visit Them (2024)

If you’re looking to see the best Cape Cod lighthouses during your trip, then you’re in the right place. One of my favorite things to do in the region is to visit all the amazing New England lighthouses , and Cape Cod is home to some of the most exciting to visit.

This post will share information on how to visit the best Cape Cod lighthouses, which ones are open to the public, which lighthouses you can drive to, and which will require a bit more of an adventurous spirit. So, with that, let’s jump in!

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How Many Lighthouses Are There On Cape Cod?

There are 14 lighthouses on Cape Cod (excluding the islands), and they are:

• Nauset Lighthouse (Eastham)
• Highland Lighthouse (Truro)
• Race Point Lighthouse (Provincetown)
• Chatham Lighthouse (Chatham)
• Long Point Light Station (Provincetown)
• Woods End Lighthouse (Provincetown)
• West Dennis Light (Dennis)
• Nobska Lighthouse (Falmouth)
• Three Sisters Lighthouse (Eastham)
• Monomoy Lighthouse (Chatham)
• Sandy Neck Lighthouse (Barnstable)
• Lewis Bay Lighthouse (Hyannis)
• Wings Neck Lighthouse (Pocasset)
• Stage Harbor Light (Chatham)

Note : The Three Sisters are actually three separate lighthouses that are grouped together. Some say Cape Cod has 16 lighthouses for this reason, but for the sake of this post, I’m counting them as one lighthouse.

What Cape Cod Lighthouses Are Open To The Public?

The grounds of 9 Cape Cod lighthouses are open to the public to explore, and they are:

• Nauset Lighthouse
• Three Sisters Lighthouse
• Monomoy Lighthouse
• Highland Lighthouse
• Nobska Lighthouse
• Long Point Light Station
• Woods End Lighthouse
• Race Point Lighthouse
• Chatham Lighthouse

Tip : This list includes lighthouses that allow visitors to walk the grounds, and walk up to the lighthouse year-round. Not all may be open for climbing to the top of the tower. Jump below for more information on lighthouses that are open for climbing.

Cape Cod Lighthouses That Are Closed To The Public

There are 5 lighthouses that are privately owned and not open to the general public, but some of them you’ll be able to see from a distance, or visit if you’re an overnight guest.

• Wings Neck Light is a vacation rental that you can actually stay in (even better than a quick visit!). But the grounds can only be accessed if you’re a guest with an overnight reservation.
• Lewis Bay Lighthouse is on the grounds of a private, residential home. You’ll be able to get a peek of the lighthouse from the street that the house is on, but you won’t be able to walk up to it.
• Sandy Neck Lighthouse is also on private, residential property. If you take a boat tour in the area, you’ll be able to see it from the water. Alternatively, you can take a 7.5-mile round trip walk in soft sand out to the lighthouse and back, but you won’t be able to walk right up to the lighthouse. If you do venture out by food, remember to be respectful of the owner’s property.
• West Dennis Lighthouse is currently a hotel, and the light tower is not open to the public. If you’re a guest at the hotel, you’ll be able to climb the lighthouse tower during a guided tour with a staff member.
• Stage Harbor Lighthouse is on privately-owned property, but you’re still able to walk pretty close to it via a short walk along the beach (jump down for more information!).

The Best Cape Cod Lighthouses You Can Actually Visit

While there are more Cape Cod lighthouses than what’s included on this list, these are the best ones to visit during your trip to the Cape. I’ve broken them up into two categories: Lighthouses that are easy to visit, and lighthouses that are more challenging to visit, but absolutely worth the effort!

Easiest Cape Cod Lighthouses To Visit

The best Cape Cod lighthouses in this portion of the list are easy to get to, meaning you can drive or walk to them.

1. Nauset Lighthouse

The most iconic and popular lighthouse on Cape Cod is Nauset Light, and that’s because you’ve probably already seen its picture somewhere. Can you place it? It’s the lighthouse featured on the Cape Cod chips bags!

Nauset Light can be found right at Nauset Light Beach, which is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, so it’s a great idea to plan to visit both the beach and the lighthouse on the same day. The grounds around Nauset Lighthouse are small, so it doesn’t require more than 30 minutes to explore, but there are definitely some great places to take photos, so be sure to bring your camera!

Nauset Light was actually originally part of a pair of lighthouses in Chatham, and its counterpart, Chatham Lighthouse, is still standing. It was moved and repainted with its signature red top in 1923.

Nauset Light grounds are open year-round and are free for all to visit. Tours of the inside are offered late-May through the summer season. Jump below more more information on lighthouse tours.

Parking At Nauset Lighthouse

If you plan to visit both the beach and the lighthouse, you’ll park right in the beach lot. Since the beach is part of the National Parks System, the daily rate of $25 will apply Memorial Day through mid-September.

If you only want to visit the lighthouse, and not the beach, you can still park in the beach lot, and you’ll just have to pay the daily rate if you plan to visit before 5p in the summer. During peak summer months, the lot can fill up fast, especially on weekends. If you don’t mind paying the daily rate to park, I would suggest getting there in the early morning.

If you’re able to visit the lighthouse after 5p in the summer, the beach lot will be free, and parking spots should be available since people are usually leaving the beach between 3-5p.

Another option for parking is the Three Sister lot, which is just a short 10-minute walk from Nauset Lighthouse (type Three Sisters Lighthouse into Google Maps or GPS). This lot is completely free all day at any time throughout the year, so you’ll be able to park here and walk to Nauset Light, and also combine your visit with the Three Sisters lighthouses. This lot is small, but I’ve never had a problem getting a spot, even on a busy Saturday afternoon in July.

Off season (Mid-September through late-May), you’ll be able to park in the beach lot for free at any time to see the lighthouse.

2. Highland Lighthouse

One of the best Cape Cod lighthouses, and one of my personal favorites to visit, is Highland Light, which can be found in Truro. It’s also the oldest and tallest lighthouse on the Cape, and was originally commissioned by George Washington in 1797.

The original lighthouse had structural issues, and was also built too close to the shoreline, so the structure that you see today was built in 1831, and was moved in the 1990s to protect it from cliff erosion.

There’s a short walking path from the parking area to the lighthouse, so you’ll be able to take in views of it from a distance, as well as from up close. Be sure to walk past the lighthouse to get to the observation area that provides sweeping views of the ocean.

The Highland Lighthouse grounds are open year-round for all, and tours of the inside are available in the summer season. Jump below more more information on lighthouse tours.

Fun fact! Henry David Thoreau was an overnight guest at Highland Light, and even wrote an essay of the history of the lighthouse for Atlantic Monthly .

Parking At Highland Lighthouse

Parking at this lighthouse is very easy. There’s a free lot that accommodates a good amount of cars, and the parking area is about a 5-minute walk to the lighthouse via a well-marked path.

3. Nobska Lighthouse

Located in Falmouth, one of the best Cape Cod lighthouses to visit is Nobska Light, which provides amazing views of the ocean, and is also an awesome sunset spot. Originally built in 1829, and then rebuilt in 1876 (which is the structure you see standing today), Nobska Light was saved from demolition after the town of Falmouth rallied together in 2017 to raise funds to keep it open as a lighthouse and museum.

The immediate grounds of Nobska Light are small, but if you cross the street directly in front of the lighthouse, you’ll find some amazing coastline with benches as well as paths that you can explore and enjoy views of the ocean and the sunset. You’ll also get some cool views of the lighthouse from here.

The grounds of this lighthouse are open year-round, and are free for all to enjoy. Interior tours are available in the summer season for those looking to climb to the tower. Jump below more more information on lighthouse tours.

Parking at Nobska Lighthouse

The lighthouse has a small parking that’s free, but only accommodates about 5-6 cars. During the summer at sunset time, it’s possible the lot could be full. When visiting on weekdays in the summer, or any time year-round, I’ve never had a hard time getting a spot, or have only waited a few minutes for someone to leave.

4. The Three Sisters Lighthouses

Located in Eastham within walking distance of Nauset Light are the Three Sisters Lighthouses. These lighthouses were the original guards of the Nauset Cliffs before being replaced by Nauset Light. They were named the Three Sisters because from out at sea, they were said to look like three women dressed in white, wearing black hats.

The National Parks Service slowly regained possession of these lighthouses between 1920 and 1975, and after some restoration in the 1980s, the lighthouses were placed in their current location and opened to the public for all to enjoy.

The grounds of the Three Sisters Lighthouses are in a quiet wooded area, and are really peaceful to experience. The interior of the lighthouses are open for tours May through October. Jump below more more information on lighthouse tours.

Parking For The Three Sisters Lighthouses

There is a small parking lot at the Three Sisters Lighthouses that is free, and can easily be found by typing “Three Sisters Lighthouses” into Google Maps or your GPS. You can also use this lot to visit Nauset Light, which is within walking distance, and connected by a paved walking path.

5. Chatham Lighthouse

Chatham Lighthouse is perched above Chatham Lighthouse Beach, and has been standing guard since 1841. If you remember from the Nauset Light section that Chatham Light and Nauset Light once stood as a pair, and were separated in 1923. You’ll notice that they both look very similar.

The grounds around Chatham Light are surrounded by an enclosed gate, so while you can get a great view of the lighthouse from the street, you won’t be able to explore the grounds without a tour, which are offered in the summer season. It’s still worth visiting Chatham Light, though, because you really can get a great view of it from the street, and you can get closer to the structure than you’d think.

You can also easily see the lighthouse from Chatham Lighthouse Beach. Jump below more more information on lighthouse tours.

Parking At Chatham Lighthouse

There is free parking right in front of the lighthouse, which has a 30-minute time limit. During the summer months, it’s enforced, but during off-season, it’s not really monitored. In the summer, getting a parking spot here can be tough, especially at peak times like weekends and afternoons. I would suggest you arrive in the early mornings for the best chance at getting a spot in the summer.

If you’re looking to explore downtown Chatham, it’s a great idea to combine that with the lighthouse. Parking in downtown Chatham can also be challenging in the summer, but it’s easier than the lighthouse in that you have more options. If you don’t mind the walk, I would suggest street parking in Chatham, or using one of the downtown lots, and then walking a mile to the lighthouse. It’s an easy and pleasant walk!

More Difficult Cape Cod Lighthouses To Visit

The best Cape Cod lighthouses to visit on this list are more difficult to get to, but worth trying to visit, depending on what kind of adventure you’re up for. I’ve ranked them in order of easiest to most difficult to visit.

6. Stage Harbor Lighthouse

Stage Harbor Lighthouse is actually not super difficult to see, it just requires a walk about a mile long through both soft and packed sand. This lighthouse is currently privately owned and not open to the public, but you’ll still be able to walk up pretty close to it, and get a great view.

Stage Harbor no longer has its light, so you’ll notice that’s missing when you arrive. But the rest of the tower is still in tact, and is a really beautiful site to see. While visiting, be sure to respect the No Trespassing signs, and stay outside of the fenced areas.

The walking path to Stage Harbor Lighthouse is open year-round, and free for all to explore (with the exception of the parking fee in-season).

Parking For Stage Harbor Lighthouse

To get to Stage Harbor Lighthouse, you’ll want to park at Hardings Beach in Chatham (fees apply in-season). Once you park, the trailhead can be found all the way at the left side of the beach (left side if you’re facing the water).

7. Race Point Lighthouse

One of the best Cape Cod lighthouses, and one of the more remote ones you can visit, is Race Point Light, which can be found in Provincetown. The only way to get to Race Point Lighthouse is to walk, which is 3.5 miles round trip, or take a tour with a company that has vehicles with the correct permits to drive over the sand.

To get to Race Point Lighthouse, you’ll want to park at the Hatches Harbor parking lot, which is free, and begin your walk from the trailhead just off the parking area.

The Race Point Lighthouse grounds are open year-round to the public, and are free to explore. If you enjoy your visit, click here to consider making a donation on their website to help maintain the lighthouse and keep it open to visitors .

Jump below more more information on lighthouse tours.

8. Long Point Light Station

Long Point Light Station is one of the most exciting lighthouses to visit because it’s located at the very tip of Cape Cod, so it’ll be fun just to say you’ve been to the very end of the Cape, and survived to tell the story!

In actuality, you can visit Long Point Lighthouse easily with a short cut, or you can take the adventurous route, and hike the whole way there. From May 15-Labor Day weekend, you can take a shuttle boat from Provincetown to Long Point, where you’ll easily be able to walk up to the lighthouse. Click here for information on the Long Point Shuttle .

If you choose to walk to the lighthouse, you’ll start your journey by crossing the Provincetown Causeway, and in total, hike about 6 miles round-trip in soft sand. During this walk, you’ll also be able to visit Woods End Lighthouse (the next one on the list!).

The hike to Long Point Light is open year-round, and free for all to explore. The actual lighthouse is not open for interior tours, so you’ll only be able to explore the grounds (but the scenery will be absolutely breathtaking!).

9. Woods End Lighthouse

The most remote lighthouse that you can get to on foot on Cape Cod is Woods End Lighthouse. Also located in Provincetown in the same stretch as Long Point, Woods End can only be accessed by walking, as the Long Point Shuttle won’t bring you directly to the lighthouse. This, combined with Long Point Lighthouse, is one of the most incredible, scenic hikes you can make on Cape Cod, and I highly recommend it!

Woods End Lighthouse is also the only Cape Cod lighthouse whose original structure is still standing. It was erected in 1872, and was never rebuilt.

How To Get To Woods End Lighthouse

To hike to Woods End Lighthouse, you’ll park at the First Pilgrim Landing Rotary in Provincetown, which is right by the Provincetown Causeway, and then walk over the entire causeway, which is about 1 mile. Once you cross the causeway, you’ll see the lighthouse to your right. Follow the trail toward the lighthouse in the sand for just under a mile, and you’ll reach Woods End Light.

If you want to continue the hike to the tip of Cape Cod and see Long Point Lighthouse, the walk is another 1.75 miles to Long Point. From there, you can either reverse course back to the causeway, or coordinate your return with the Long Point shuttle, and take that back to Provincetown. Just remember, you’ll need to get transportation back to your car in this case!

10. Monomoy Point Lighthouse

The hardest lighthouse on Cape Cod to visit is Monomoy Light, and that’s because you’ll have to take a day trip that includes arranging a private boat charter and guided tour. But this is an absolutely incredible experience that not only allows you to see the lighthouse, but also walk around the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, and spot all kinds of birds and animals.

If you’re okay just seeing Monomoy Light from the water, you can take a cruise with Monomoy Island Excursions , which offers tours that will pass by the lighthouse.

How To Get To Monomoy Point Lighthouse

If you’re ready for an adventure and really want to see Monomoy Lighthouse up close, you can take a day trip where you’ll charter a private ferry excursion with Monomoy Island Ferry , and they’ll lead you on a guided tour with a naturalist, and show you around Monomoy’s Wildlife Refugee, and also take you to the lighthouse. This is the only way to Monomoy Lighthouse.

Are you planning your first trip to Cape Cod? Click here to read my guide on the 15 things you absolutely must see!

Which Cape Cod Lighthouses Can You Drive To?

There are 5 Cape Cod lighthouses you can drive to, and they are Nauset Light, Three Sisters, Highland Light, Nobska Light and Chatham Light.

Cape Cod Lighthouses You Can Climb

There are 6 Cape Cod Lighthouses that are open to the public for tours and climbing, and they are Nauset Light, Highland Light, Nobka Light, Three Sisters, Chatham Light and Race Point Light. Below is more information on how to tour and climb each of these lighthouses:

• Nauset Lighthouse offers free tours to the public from May-October on select days. Tours are done open-house style, and can’t be booked in advance, and you may have to wait your turn if you arrive while a current tour is taking place. Click here for more information on free tours of Nauset Lighthouse .
• Highland Lighthouse is open for tours of the inside and top of the tower from late-May through September/October, depending on the year. Click here for more information on tours inside Highland Lighthouse .
• Nobska Lighthouse is open for tours in the summer months on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10a-12p. Click here for more information on tours inside Nobska Lighthouse .
• Three Sister Lighthouses are open for guided tours with a park ranger from May-October. Click here to access the National Park Services calendar of events for the season to see when tours will be available for these lighthouses .
• Chatham Lighthouse is open for tours in the summer months. Click here for more information on seeing the inside of Chatham Lighthouse .
• Race Point Lighthouse offers tours on the first and third Saturday, June through October. It’s possible that shore bird nesting season could prohibit tours from happening, so it’s best to check and be sure that tours are operating when you decide to visit. Click here for information on touring the inside of Race Point Lighthouse .

Cape Cod Lighthouses You Can Stay Overnight In

There are 3 Cape Cod lighthouses that you can stay overnight in, and they are Wings Neck Lighthouse , West Dennis Lighthouse ( The Lighthouse Inn ) and Race Point Lighthouse .

With overnight reservations only, guests will be able to climb the towers of West Dennis and Wings Neck Lighthouses.

Cape Cod Islands Lighthouses

There are some amazing lighthouses you can also visit on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, the two Cape Cod islands.

On Martha’s Vineyard , there are 5 lighthouses including East Chop Light, West Chop Light, Edgartown Lighthouse, Gay Head Lighthouse and Cape Poge Lighthouse.

On Nantucket , there are 3 lighthouses you can visit, including Brant Point Lighthouse, Sankaty Lighthouse and Great Point Lighthouse.

You may also find these posts helpful:

• Best Beach Towns In New England
• Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For First-Timers
• Best Time To Visit Cape Cod
• How To Visit All 3 Nantucket Lighthouses
• Nantucket Or Martha’s Vineyard For A Day Trip?
• Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod
• Cape Cod vs. Nantucket: Which Is Best For You?
• Best Places To See Seals On Cape Cod

And here are some guides to Cape Cod towns you may also enjoy:

• Best Things To Do In Wellfleet, MA
• Best Things To Do In Harwich, MA
• Best Things To Do In Dennis, MA
• Best Things To Do In Falmouth, MA
• Best Things To Do In Brewster, MA
• Best Things To Do In Provincetown, MA
• Best Things To Do In Chatham, MA
• Best Things To Do In Sandwich, MA
• Best Things To Do In Eastham, MA
• Best Things To Do In Orleans, MA

That’s A Wrap On The Best Cape Cod Lighthouses To Visit

Now you’re ready to plan your own lighthouse tour during your trip! Whether you’re looking to do a full lighthouse tour and see as many as possible, or you’re looking to just see a few of the best Cape Cod lighthouses, you’re sure to have a great time, as the Cape has some absolutely stunning lighthouses surrounded by even more beautiful scenery.

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Nobska Point Lighthouse

Review Highlights

“ We were treated to views of Martha's Vineyard, Woods Hole , ferries passing by and even a seal swimming. ” in 10 reviews

“ First off, let me just say that THIS IS NOT the lighthouse on the cape cod chips as is mentioned in one of the reviews here. ” in 11 reviews

“ This lighthouse located in Woods Hole is situated on top of the hill that over looks Martha 's Vineyard and Woods Hole. ” in 8 reviews

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Bottom Line: Picturesque lighthouse with an interesting history and surrounded by beautiful scenery. I've visited a lot of great lighthouses and Nobska Point is one of my favorites! First, the lighthouse looks like something out of a Charles Wysocki painting and is very charming. Second, the views from the point are magnificent! We were treated to views of Martha's Vineyard, Woods Hole, ferries passing by and even a seal swimming. Third, the lighthouse has an interesting history with a civilian lighthouse keeper until 1972 and use by the USCG until 2013. I did not get to go inside since the buildings were not open yet for the season but I am still a fan of this historic light. There was nice signage outside about the history of the lighthouse and the monumental restoration progress but mostly I enjoyed the views. As far as I could tell, parking is fairly limited but we visited in early May on a week day and we were easily able to get a spot.

See all photos from Courtney K. for Nobska Point Lighthouse

We drove along the picturesque coastline of Cape Cod until we came across the Nobska Lighthouse set on a hill with breathtaking views of the ocean. The grounds are spotless and the buildings have been perfectly restored. This must be the most enchanting place at sunset and I can well imagine lots of wonderful moments have taken place here. If you venture across the road, you'll follow a short path to a lovely monument and incredible views of the shimmering ocean. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a moment of serenity by the sea, a visit to this iconic landmark promises an experience that's nothing short of magical. What a fabulous place to be a lighthouse keeper!

This is our favorite lighthouse anywhere. We have visited this area for over 50 years and have always been outside, just viewing. But the lighthouse, though still a working light, has now been restored with very limited tours inside the tower as well as some historical displays inside the house. We were lucky to hit it just at the right time. The guides are well informed and very welcoming. The adjacent beach is one we have frequented also. The view from the top of the tower was amazing. The original Fresnel lens is still there and working and the guide up at the top is so full of info, he could talk to you forever on the tech aspects as well as the history. Apparently he has been put on a timer for tour groups, so don't be surprised if you hear his alarm. It's a decent climb but doable even for me, not the most athletic anymore and a tight enclosed area but well worth it. The view from the portholes at the top allow you to see the passage buoys for the Island ferries, often a ferry going by, and you can see Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands. Nantucket is too far. Currently they are only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays with only a few tours midday. You need a ticket reserved if you want to go up the tower. In the house itself, there are some nice pictorial displays and a cute gift shop, with books, shirts and hats and various memorabilia. Do stop in as the staff there is incredibly helpful and nice too. We were so lucky we got to see it all. Not really surprising as this particular place of Falmouth/Woods Hole has always been our luckiest spot.

Cool spot to get a glimpse of Martha's Vineyard. Park in the four spaces along the road get a view from you vehicle or take a better picture from the beach. Lighthouse was taken care of by the Coast Guard until just after the turn of the century.

A beautiful, scenic lighthouse that you can walk right up to. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare anime it is located on a corner as well as a hill... The lighthouse itself is full of the charm you would expect from a New England lighthouse. Easy to get to and well worth stopping by. Be sure to check out all the other attractions in Falmouth and Woods Hole (especially the aquarium).

Nobska Lighthouse

The Cape is well known for their countless lighthouses, so we decided to swing by and check this one out while we were in town. It was a quick visit, as it is right on the corner of a hilly street. We were able to pull over in front of it and snap a few pictures. We would have gotten out but there was a huge bridal party there having their photos taken. Loved the fact that you didn't have to walk a mile to get to it and were close enough to see it's beauty right from the car!

Nobska Point Light

What an absolutely beautiful spot! If you're out in this area this lighthouse is a must see. Unfortunately the lighthouse itself was closed due to the covid but we more than enjoyed looking around and then sitting at spot across the street. I cannot imagine how stunning it must be at sunset.

Short and sweet. A nice drive by view of a light house for the family. Great photo op on the cape. No hike needed. The beach also looked beautiful but we don't walk it due to the rain. The houses around it are beautiful also. Quintessential Cape Cod.

First off, let me just say that THIS IS NOT the lighthouse on the cape cod chips as is mentioned in one of the reviews here. That lighthouse is the Nauset lighthouse in Eastham. They are not even the same colours for crying out loud! The Nauset lighthouse is red and white, as are the Capecod chips. And this lighthouse is black and white. Having got that out of my system, let me proceed to the rest of my review. The Parking spot is small and comes up on you suddenly, but just drive along past the light house and you will find more cars parked along the Nobska beach. It feels a bit hazardous to walk from there to the light house because of all the blind curves, but we survived. The light house is very picturesque, and photographs well. We also hopped across to the tiny memorial garden of sorts and took great pictures. I highly recommend taking the time to visit this very pretty lighthouse if you are in the neighbourhood with an hour to spare, like we did.

3.5 Stars A lighthouse is a lighthouse is lighthouse. For all intents and purposes, Nobska Point Lighthouse is a nice place to stop if you're on a drive or a bike ride. It has gorgeous views of the water and landscape of Woods Hole. If you're a photographer, you'll definitely get a lot of pretty shots here. You can't go up the lighthouse or into the lighthouse keeper's house, but you can walk right up to the base of the light. We went early on Valentine's Day to catch the sunrise and it was absolutely breath-taking and romantic. There's a small parking lot available that's convenient and it's a three minute drive away from a public beach and some bike trails. Overall, worth a visit if you're in the area, but don't go out of your way for it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• When can I visit? Anytime during the day. The grounds are open to visit, photograph, and enjoy from dawn to dusk year-round.
• Is there parking? Yes, a very limited amount in a small space in front of the lighthouse Tower. The parking lot is where the road curves around Nobska Point.
• Are there public restrooms? Not now. Sorry.
• Can I go up the lighthouse Tower? We try to open for tours Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer, please find details on the VISIT page. All tours are volunteer- and weather-dependent. You have to be at least 45 inches tall to be able to go up the Tower. It's a spiral staircase for three stories and then a ladder to the fourth story to see the light and the spectacular view.
• When will the museum be open? We hope the rehabilitation of the Keeper’s House is done by 2020. But the timing depends on getting the funds raised in a timely manner.
• Who owns Nobska Light? The U.S. Coast Guard, federal government, still owns the property. The Friends of Nobska Light is responsible for all the care and maintenance of the property. 
• Why did the U.S. Coast Guard license the Town of Falmouth to take care of Nobska Light ? Very simply, the federal government didn’t want to pay for Nobska’s maintenance and repair. The Coast Guard is “deaccessioning” lighthouses all over America to allow the Coast Guard to focus on their public safety mission rather than the historic preservation that old buildings require. Changing technology has made lighthouses per se largely obsolete. 
• Is Nobska still functioning as a lighthouse?  Yes, the Nobska Light and foghorn are still active “Aids to Navigation.”
• Why did the Town of Falmouth want the license?  Nobska is an important landmark in Falmouth. The people of Falmouth wanted to be sure that Nobska Light would remain in the public domain and would be cared for by local people with a strong commitment to the place and the Town. If the Town had not been willing to be the licensee, Nobska Light could have been put up for auction to the highest bidder. Half the deaccessioned U.S. lighthouses have gone to private individuals for residential or corporate use.
• Why did the Town give responsibility for Nobska Light to the Friends of Nobska Light ? The Friends partnered with the Town to apply for the license with the understanding that they, the Friends, would raise the money and oversee the preservation project and run the Museum. The Town, on its own, could not undertake the multi-million-dollar project to make Nobska Light and Keeper’s House open to the public.
• Can I be a Friend of Nobska Light? Yes, of course. Nobska Light needs all the Friends it can get. Please click on “ DONATE ” or " EMAIL SIGN UP " on the menu bar and sign up. 

Have a question that isn't answered here?  Drop us a line on the MORE/CONTACT page.

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Friends of Nobska Light is a 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Organization

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Cape Cod Lighthouses

• Chatham Light
• East Chop Lighthouse
• Gay Head Light
• Highland Light (Cape Cod Light)
• Lewis Bay Lighthouse (Hyannis Harbor Light)
• Long Point Light
• Monomoy Point Lighthouse
• Nauset Light

Nobska Point Lighthouse

• Race Point Light
• Stage Harbor Lighthouse (Harding’s Beach Lighthouse)
• The Three Sisters
• West Chop Lighthouse
• Wings Neck Lighthouse
• Wood End Light

April 2, 2017 //  by  sgadmin

Nobska point is passed by a stream of ships crossing Vineyard Sound, Falmouth and borders the Elizabeth Islands to the north and south Vineyard Martha. In 1828, the US government bought four acres in Nobska point for $ 160 and the first lighthouse was built on the spot, a wooden structure that incorporates wax layers, at a price of $ 2,249.

The original lighthouse was in the typical Cape Cod style with an octagonal tower over the house by a stone Guardian who had on the first floor three rooms and two small stairs up. The room is equipped with ten flashlights with reflectors fourteen inches, a solid white light seventy-eight meters above the sea.

What you should know about Nobska Point Lighthouse

The status of each beacon and the quality of the work manager has been evaluated by the lighthouse service at regular intervals. On November 1, 1838, Lieutenant Edward W. Carpe, US Navy, praised Peter Daggett, the first guardian of light, for his “reputation and orderliness. According to a contemporary newspaper “” Daggett was removed from the position in the summer of 1849 “because he is a democrat.

A separate guardian house was also built in 1876. The Fresnel lens was upgraded to a fourth order in 1888 for greater purpose; This Fresnel is still in its place today and you can see when visiting the lighthouse.

In 1875, the fog bell sounded in the unit was set up, and at the same year the Council Lighthouse pointed out that although they have made preliminary repairs, the station was in ruins and had to be rebuilt.

In 1841 the first Fresnel lens was installed. Named after the French physicist Augustin Fresnel, these giant glass lenses are intelligently designed by a source to collect light to emit the center of gravity and a beam with a range of several nautical miles.

In 1845, Daggett used 209 liters of oil and 130 gallons of oil of both summer and winter

A fog signal building was designed to accommodate the nebula signal system, which was sounded when the visibility fell less than five miles

During the 1930s and 1940s they introduced technological advances. A radio tower was built in 1937 for the triangulation camp Cleveland Ledge and Butler Flats New Bedford built

Bright wood structure has been working for 38 years and was replaced in 1876 by the present lighthouse is 40 meters high, which was established in Chelsea, Massachusetts.

1905 added to a second carrier housing; Structure of wooden floor structure 1 ½ built at a price of $ 6000. In 1919, current reached Cape Cod and the light was electrified with 150-watt bulb, which made sure that oil was no longer used.

Why visit Nobska Lighthouse

Falmouth offer, close to many recreational activities resting on its clean beaches, sailing, horseback riding. There are also many art galleries, antique shops and museums in the area, to enjoy your taste. The Cahoons Museum of American Art is housed in an old colonial hacienda, collections of Cahoons folk paintings, and a selection of collections of ancient and contemporary art from America. Cape Cod Children’s Museum offers fun exhibits, including a 30 foot pirate ship climbing structure, a medieval castle and an inflatable planetarium.

Close to Woods Hole is a small town that comes to life with many restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, educational institutions and attractions, beautiful gardens and panoramic summer views. This exquisite environment is something you shouldn’t miss if you want to relax and get lost in the natures amusement.

If you are tired of walking you can take the tram. If you enjoy cycling or walking, use the Shining Sea Bikeway that runs around the areas of Falmouth and Woods Hole with splendid views of landscapes. If you have spent the entire day with people and feel like taking a walk alone so as you can have the inner peace and enjoy the quietness. Then Nobska offers just that as the surrounding environment is filled with vegetation and has nice fresh air breeze.

Also for the whole family, you can get by practicing the Ocean Quest training education program in marine life, here bring the kids in a part of the 60 transform fishing boats that move on the lobster traps to Different kinds of natural cruises are also offered. You will be sure that you and your family will have a great time and will live to remember the experience for eternity.

Direction to Nobska Lighthouse

Take Route 28 to Falmouth and then turn south along the side of the street.

At the end of the road, turn right onto Surf Beach Road.

Follow the road to the beach a mile and a half on Oyster Pond Road.

Turn left onto the road and follow the Nobska lighthouse.

Bourne Bridge

Go around the roundabout and exit towards MA-28 via the second roundabout in Falmouth. MA-28 narrows to become Locust Street, which goes only through Falmouth and Woods Hole Road. Go 5km to Woods Hole Road, then turn left onto Church Street, which becomes Nobska Road. The lighthouse is left after the beach.

Hyannis Directions

Take the Cape Route Route 6 MA Middle, North to Exit 1C (Sandwich / Route 6 N). Turn left onto Route 6 west of the roundabout onto Bourne Bridge. Follow the instructions below for Bourne Bridge.

Providence/New York

Follow 95 North. Take I-195 East Providence (Exit 20). Follow I-195 East to the Cape Cod / Islands Exit (Exit 22A). Take exit 25 off the road heading south and cross the Bourne Bridge to the roundabout.

Finally this is a great place to visit as you will have lots of places to visit and the activities involved are so wide that will surely meet the expectations of everyone. Doesn’t matter if you are alone or you are a family person or you just going out with friends, everyone is sure to like something at the end of the day and you will not regret for having spent any coin on such a trip.

 Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Established in 1828, this lighthouse served to protect boating in Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay.  Today, most people view the lighthouse from a passing ferry boat as they travel from Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard.

Directions to Nobska Point Light:

• Travel along Route 28 into Falmouth.
• In Falmouth Center follow signs for the Woods Hole Ferry Terminal by turning right onto Woods Hole Road.
• Turn left onto Church Street and follow it to the Lighthouse.

A great history of the Nobska lighthouse can be found at: http://www.newenglandlighthouses.net/nobska-point-light-history.html

More information about the Nobska Lighthouse can be found here : http://www.newenglandlighthouses.net/nobska.html

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These Cape Cod lighthouses are the easiest to get to. Here's how to do it.

There is something about lighthouses that fires the imagination, standing guardian as they do over the edge of things: land and sea, life and death, hope and despair, fear and heroism, tempest and calm.

" Lighthouses are special to us because they represent different things to many people: history, romance, our maritime heritage, safety, security, home," observed Susan Abbott, president of the Nauset Light Preservation Society .

Cape Cod is home to more than a dozen of them, including Nauset Light in Eastham, which Abbott's organization manages in partnership with the Cape Cod National Seashore . And they attract many visitors, according to Linzy French, the Seashore's public information officer.

"In the top five, maybe even top three, questions we get at the visitors' center are questions about the lighthouses," said French.

That's not surprising to Ken Rose, operations manager at Highland Light in North Truro that's managed by another Seashore partner, Eastern National . The lights, after all, are "quintessential Cape Cod," he said.

"It's just what people expect when they come to Cape Cod," he said.

How many lighthouses does Cape Cod have?

In all, there are 14 lighthouses on Cape, not counting those in Buzzards Bay, "which for a small area is a very high concentration," said Rose. "And at one time there were even more."

Five of the lights are privately owned and can only be viewed from a distance or if visitors are guests, as is the case with the West Dennis Light, once known as Bass River Light . That one is now operated as the Lighthouse Inn at 1 Lighthouse Inn Road, West Dennis. Wings Neck Light , also private, is available for rent at 1 Lighthouse Lane in Pocasset.

Hyannis Harbor Light in Hyannis and Sandy Neck Lighthouse in Barnstable, and Stage Harbor Light in Chatham are privately owned, too, and best viewed by boat or from nearby beaches.

What lighthouses can you visit on Cape Cod?

As for the remaining nine, some are more accessible than others.

"If you're looking for a really accessible lighthouse, Highland Light is the most accessible, and then Nauset is the second," said Rose.

Abbott also puts Highland Light at the top of the list of "most accessible," followed closely by Nauset, Nobska Light in Woods Hole and Chatham Lighthouse .

Not so easy to reach, French said, are in Provincetown at Long Point , Wood End and Race Point , and Monomoy Point Lighthouse within the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge at the Cape's "elbow."

Can you climb any lighthouse on Cape Cod?

Also known as Cape Cod Light, Highland Light , at 27 Highland Light Road in North Truro, is a popular attraction.

"We did about 18,000 tours last year," Rose said.

Commissioned by George Washington in 1796, it's the Cape's oldest lighthouse site. The present 66-foot tower erected in 1857 stands atop a 130-foot cliff.

"It's pretty tall for a lighthouse on Cape Cod. Most of them are in the 40-foot range," Rose said.

Visitors must be at least 48" tall to climb the 69 steps to the top because of the depth of the steps. And it's well worth the effort.

"It's a beautiful view. You can see all the way to Plymouth, which is 32 miles away," said Rose, noting the curve of Cape Cod Bay is also noticeable.

Highland Light is open daily from the first week of May through the last week of October. The shop is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and tours are offered daily, with the last one climbing the light at 4:30 p.m. The cost varies from $5 to $8 for adults, students, seniors and military members.

Can you drive to Nauset Lighthouse?

Nauset Light stands sentinel at 120 Nauset Light Beach Road in Eastham. Its iconic red and white tower is perhaps the most recognized one of all of the Cape's lighthouses — that's because it's the one featured on Cape Cod potato chips bags.

No reservations are required when it is open for tours, which are free — although donations are appreciated. The grounds are open every day.

This year, Nauset Light will be open May 26, 4:30-7:30 p.m.; Sundays and Wednesdays in June, July and August, 4:30-7:30 p.m.; September 1, 8, and 15, 4:30-7:30 p.m.; Sept. 22 and 29, 1-4 p.m.; Wednesdays in September 1-4 p.m., and Sundays in October, 1-4 p.m. A "full moon tour" is planned on Oct. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The current 48-foot-high, 44-step light was moved to the site 1923 from Chatham, where it was no longer needed.

The 'Three Sisters' — a trio counted as one

The Three Sisters , like Nauset Light, are located within the National Seashore on Cable Road in North Eastham and managed by the Nauset Light Preservation Society. They are a cluster of three individual towers, one of which still has its beacon, but are often referred to as one light.

The grounds, which have a small parking lot, can be visited at any time of the year, but are not open for interior exploration except with guided tours, typically scheduled between June and September. Tours are free but reservations are required. Schedules can be found at the Seashore visitor center at Salt Pond, 50 Nauset Road, Eastham, or the Province Lands, 171 Race Point Road, or call 508-255-3421.

Can you go inside the Chatham lighthouse?

The 48-foot, 44-step Chatham Lighthouse , at 37 Main St. in Chatham, is home to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-1 . Overlooking Lighthouse Beach, the station was established in 1808 to stand watch over a particularly dangerous stretch of water with shifting sand bars and heavy surf known as the Chatham Bars.

Originally, the site had two towers and was long known as Twin Lights. Two beacons were necessary to differentiate the station from the Highland Light, since the technology of rotating beacons was not yet in use. In 1923, when rotating lenses were installed, one of the towers was moved to Eastham — it's now Nauset Light.

Free tours are on Wednesdays in July and August, and every other Wednesday through September (Sept. 5 and 11 this year), 1-3 p.m. Children must be at least 45" tall and accompanied by an adult.

Can you go to the Nobska lighthouse?

Nobska Light , at 233 Nobska Road in Woods Hole, is on the southwestern tip of Cape Cod where Vineyard and Nantucket sounds meet. It's stewarded by Falmouth and the Friends of Nobska Light.

Nobska Light grounds are open dawn to dusk. Tours for 2024 resume on June 4 and will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 10 a.m. in 15-minute intervals with a limit of six visitors per tour. The last tour is at 12:15 p.m. Children must be over 48" tall.

Tickets are $10 adults, $8 seniors and veterans, $5 children.

How do I get to Race Point Light?

Abbott, Rose and French all agree the most challenging of Cape Cod's lighthouses to visit are Race Point , Long Point and Wood End in Provincetown, and Monomoy Point in Chatham. Visitors can go inside Race Point Light, but the other three are limited to grounds visits only.

Managed by the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation , Race Point Light overlooks Massachusetts and Cape Cod bays at the outermost region of Cape Cod. Also offering accommodations, it's open for tours this year in June, July and August, on the first and third Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Visitors must either have a four-wheel drive vehicle with an over-sand permit or must commit to a long hike through soft sand. Children under age 4 cannot climb the ladder to the lamp room. There is a $5 suggested donation per person for anyone between the ages of 8 and 60.

Long Point and Wood End both call for long hikes of about 6.4 miles each, round trip, using a dike at the west end of Commercial Street in Provincetown. The dike stretches about 1.25 miles across Provincetown Harbor. The lights can also be accessed by walking from Herring Cove — a longer walk that could present obstacles at high tide or after storms when parts of the shoreline may be under water.

French said people who choose to walk out, even across the dike, should keep the tides in mind so they don't get stranded. An easier option, she noted, is by water. Flyer's Boat Rentals in Provincetown runs shuttles to Long Point seven days a week, every half hour 10 a.m.-5 p.m. from June 17 until Labor Day, and every two hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 5-12, weather permitting.

Monomoy Point Light is the most difficult to visit, accessible only by boat. For more information, go to www.fws.gov/refuge/monomoy , stop by the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge headquarters at 30 Wikis Way in Chatham, call 508-945-0594 or email [email protected]

Heather McCarron can be reached at [email protected], or follow her on X @HMcCarron_CCT .

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