Cape Henry Lighthouse

This is a cool lighthouse to see and you can actually walk up to the top of the oldest one. It is maybe about 100 steps or so and there are good views. You can also walk down the street some and go to an look out point over the ocean. There is also an old chapel there but it is currently under construction.What makes this lighthouse a pain to see is that it is located on a military base and it seems apparent that it is an inconvenience for them and thus they will make it so for you. Once you go through a TSA like process and show you ID 3-4 times, they take the ID for your ticket. Then you are shuttled in by a van. The driver was nice enough and they do come around often to take you back to get your idea.I do NOT recommend doing this if there is any line to get through. It is a slow process. There was no one else in the screening shed and it was SLOW. Plus it must be a hang out location as well because when we got back there were 4 people laid out in all the chairs in there just hanging around. Good lighthouse- unfortunate location

Whether you're a local or visiting, make sure to carve out 30 minutes to an hour to visit.Located on Fort Story - a military base, Cape Henry Lighthouse is a historical site with 191 steps leading to the top opening to beautiful views of the ocean and the newer Cape Henry lighthouse in the backdrop. IDs are required to enter base as well as proof of car insurance. Please refer to their website for more up to date info for entrance. If you are a civilian visiting you can still visit but must park to the left upon checking in at the gate. From there a tram will pick you up and drive to the lighthouse entrance. If you have military base access you can park right in the lot at the entrance of the lighthouse.I suggest purchasing tickets on groupon for the best prices. The only restrooms are port a potties to the left of the gift shop entrance. Check in is at the counter in the gift shop. One person from your group needs to sign in. As someone mentioned before, the wifi can be spotty so if you have a groupon or ticket on your phone, you might want to do a screenshot. There are a lot of steps to navigate once you exit the gift shop to the actual entrance of the lighthouse. There was a docent at the top of the stairs that automatically spouted out facts and history about the lighthouse. Although there are 191 steps it's manageable for most people even if you don't exercise on the daily and as long as you have ability to navigate stairs in general. There's one landing on the spiral staircase and a straight ladder to climb to get to the top. It can get hot up there. All three of us were sweating but it wasn't the hottest day either. Maybe roughly 5-10 people max can fit at the top. The views of the ocean are relaxing. We even had a sailboat peacefully sail by. I wouldn't wear a dress to the lighthouse if you're climbing up. If you decide to, wear shorts underneath. Probably not a long dress or skirt or flip flops either so you don't trip going up the ladder. If you have sandals with ankle straps you should be fine. There really isn't much else to see at the lighthouse though. At the base there are more scenic photo ops and a compass on the ground. The newer lighthouse isn't open to the public except on lighthouse day, August 7th, the main reason it's not open to the public the rest of the yearis it's a working lighthouse.

Hi all, it is an amazing view point and historic place. You must try while you're there at Virginia Beach. Well organized by the management team and service staff are so friendly. They have a small store to buy gifts from there. They have shuttles to take you in since that area is protected. Have fun and enjoy your day.

I've lived in this area most of my life and somehow I had never visited until recently! It's on base, so you need to have an ID with you. I bought our group's tickets on Groupon ahead of time and that saved some money.The process getting in was pretty simple. You park in a lot, check in with your ID, get briefed in where you can and can't go once you're on base (it's pretty limited where you can go), and then a bus picks you up. The bus driver gave a little tour on the way there.The lighthouse is the 4th oldest in the U.S. You can't climb the new one, but you can get pictures in front of it.There's also access to a boardwalk to the beach, an old chapel, and some cool plaques to read.

Cape Henry Lighthouse offers stunning views and rich history. The climb to the top is worth it, and the site is well-maintained.

My wife loves lighthouses and wants to see as many as possible on vacations, so naturally Cape Henry was on our list. It was a great experience and we had a great bus driver that provided great insight about the lighthouses and the area. For those looking to come here, the lighthouses are on a military base. You'll have to stop at a checkpoint and then check in. When you check in, they hold your ID at the parking area until you return. You'll take a small bus to the lighthouses and gift shop. The climb up the old lighthouse seems intimidating, but it really wasn't bad at all, it just got a little cramped up at the top, especially if people are trying to go up and down at the same time. Overall a really great experience!

The historic lighthouse is located in the military base in close proximity to the active lighthouse. Unlike the active lighthouse you can walk up to and into the lighthouse and tour the grounds. Admission is affordable and they provide discounts for students, senior citizens and military if I'm not mistaken. It's a great way to get your daily steps in. The views are lovely !

What's not to love about a lighthouse? Nothing! AND, this is the first lighthouse that is a federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government. It was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton.I visited this lighthouse once when I lived in Virginia Beach and it was a nice experience! I don't recall boarding a bus or passing a background check. This would have been the mid-late 90s and things have likely changed regarding security here. I also don't recall paying an entrance fee. If you are in the area and looking for something historical and not touristy/crowded, I highly recommend the Cape Henry Lighthouse. Commit to the 190 steps to the top and enjoy the view!

I love being a tourist in my own town. I have been wanting to go for awhile and on the last days of 2023 I finally went. Just know the lighthouse is on the base. Everyone in the car must have a valid ID. Easy to go through once they see ID'S. You park and then take a shuttle that runs about every 15 minutes. When I heard all that I thought it was going to be a big production and long process. But...nope...easy. You park and go through a easy security process where they take your ID in exchange for a pass with a map. You get wanded down and then you wait for the shuttle. It's a short drive to the lighthouse. Go in the giftshop and buy tickets. I had a Groupon but be aware that internet is sketch so you might want to screen save those passes. Super friendly and helpful people. Lots of stairs....even before you get to the lighthouse. Be prepared. Lots of history and you can read about it. Beautiful views. The other lighthouse.....black and white one is ONLY open on August 7th. You can walk around a bit and see the beautiful beaches. Great views, lots of history, lots of steps, friendly people and very easy process to get to the lighthouse. Glad I went.

Gorgeous and Historic Incredible photos from LighthouseEveryone will want their pictures taken inside the Lighthouse.