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
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.
