
Explore the iconic lighthouses guarding Cape Cod's shores. This guide helps you discover the history and beauty of these maritime sentinels, from easily accessible spots to remote National Seashore gems.
Perched atop a 125-foot clay cliff in North Truro, Highland Lighthouse (also known as Cape Cod Light) is the oldest and tallest lighthouse on the Cape. Its historic tower, relocated in 1996 due to erosion, offers guided tours where you can climb to the lantern room for sweeping ocean vistas.
The iconic red-and-white striped Nauset Lighthouse in Eastham is one of Cape Cod's most photographed landmarks. Situated within the Cape Cod National Seashore, it's easily accessible from a nearby parking lot, offering stunning views of the outer beach and guided tours on select days.
Standing alone on the remote outer beach near Provincetown, Race Point Lighthouse offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Access requires a 4x4 permit or a challenging 2-mile walk across the sand, rewarding visitors with sweeping Atlantic views.
An active aid to navigation, Chatham Lighthouse overlooks the expansive Chatham Beach and its ever-shifting sandbars. While the tower's interior is generally not open to the public, visitors can enjoy excellent exterior views and explore the beach directly below, observing harbor seals in colder months.
Hidden inland amidst the pines in Eastham, the Three Sisters Lighthouses are a charming historical curiosity. These three small, wooden lighthouses once stood on Nauset Beach but were moved repeatedly due to erosion, eventually replaced by the current Nauset Lighthouse.
Highland Lighthouse in North Truro and Nauset Lighthouse in Eastham often provide seasonal tours allowing visitors to climb the tower. Check their specific schedules as availability can vary by season.
Spring through fall offers the best weather for exploring, with most visitor centers and tours open. Fall brings fewer crowds and dramatic coastal light, ideal for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Yes, many lighthouses are great for families. The open spaces around them are perfect for running, and the history sparks imagination. Always check for age or height restrictions for tower climbs.
Most exterior views are free, and many offer free parking. Some lighthouses, especially those within the Cape Cod National Seashore or offering tower climbs, may have small admission or parking fees.
Remote lighthouses like Race Point (Provincetown) can be accessed by a lengthy walk over sand, requiring good stamina, or with a special 4x4 beach permit if you have a suitable vehicle.
From remote outposts to easily accessible landmarks, Cape Cod's lighthouses tell tales of seafaring history and enduring beauty. Plan your coastal journey and create an itinerary to visit these historic beacons with the TownHop trip planner.
We'll build a real road-trip itinerary around these stops — day tabs, drive times, and a map — saved to your TownHop account.