Cape Henry Lighthouse is a historic Virginia Beach landmark on Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic. You can visit the 1792 tower on a timed-ticket guided experience, but civilian access requires advance planning and a security screening.
- Location: 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA 23459
- Visitor hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Timed admission includes a guided experience, tower climb and 45-minute walking tour
- First Landing State Park’s day-use areas are open from 7 a.m. to dusk
The lighthouse and its historic setting
The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse was completed in 1792 and was the first federally funded public works project of the newly formed United States government, according to its operator, Preservation Virginia. Built of Aquia sandstone, the tower guided sea travelers for almost 100 years.
The New Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1881, remains in active service but is closed to the public. A 1930 act of Congress deeded the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse and its surrounding land to Preservation Virginia. Today, the historic tower is on an active military base, so a visit involves more preparation than a typical landmark stop.
How do you reach the Cape Henry site?
The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is at 583 Atlantic Ave on Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story. If you do not have base access, you must park at the base gate and take the shuttle to the lighthouse; it runs according to the timed-ticket schedule, and you need your ticket to board.
Drivers must show their timed-ticket reservation and be ready to produce valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The base has a station where visitors record information and review base policies before boarding the shuttle.
Civilian visitors aged 18 or older without base access must submit SECNAV Form 5512 no more than 30 days and at least 5 days before the ticket date.
Military ID holders, Department of War card holders and base-pass holders are exempt. Visitors older than 16 must present a valid REAL ID or passport on arrival. Foreign nationals without U.S. Department of War security passes cannot visit the lighthouse.
You can enter the base on foot or by bicycle with a valid REAL ID or passport and an approved SECNAV Form 5512, but lighthouse visits still depend on available timed-ticket spaces. If a security application is not approved, the ticket is refunded.
Tours, access and visitor rules
A timed general-admission ticket includes a guided experience with a Cape Henry Historical Interpreter, a tower climb, a 45-minute walking tour of Cape Henry and dedicated gift-shop access.
Preservation Virginia gives admission as $22 general, $20 for AAA members, seniors aged 60 or older and military visitors, and $8 for students; Preservation Virginia members enter free. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and December 28 through January 1.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The tour involves climbing at least 79 stairs and walking about three-quarters of a mile, mostly on sidewalks and paved roads. Climbers must be at least 42 inches tall, and adults cannot carry children while climbing. Only ADA service animals are allowed; service animals cannot climb the final ladder to the top.
The tower may close when the heat index inside reaches 115°, during thunderstorms or observed lightning, and when winter weather advisories affect access. Hours, ticket prices and access rules can change, so check the official site before you go.
Pairing the visit with First Landing
First Landing State Park makes a natural companion to the lighthouse visit, with day-use areas open from 7 a.m. to dusk at 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach. The park identifies Cape Henry Lighthouse and First Landing Cross among nearby attractions in adjacent Fort Story. Its First Landing State Park guide from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront covers the park setting.
If you are driving from I-64, the park’s directions use Northampton Boulevard/U.S. 13 North, Exit 282, followed by the Shore Drive/U.S. 60 exit. Turn right on Shore Drive and continue four and a half miles to the park entrance.
The park’s Cape Henry Trail is 6.1 miles and open to hikers and cyclists. Cape Henry and Live Oak are the park’s only trails open to bicycles. The trail is one way to combine time in the park with the nearby lighthouse.
From Ocean27 Oceanfront near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach city centre is about 10 minutes on foot or about 2 minutes by car.
The city-centre walk and drive are useful context when planning getting around Virginia Beach from the Oceanfront.
FAQs
Is the New Cape Henry Lighthouse open to visitors?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday. No. The New Cape Henry Lighthouse remains in active service and is closed to the public; the visit is to the historic Old Cape Henry Lighthouse.
Can you visit the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse without a timed ticket?
Access uses timed tickets, and visitors without base access need to present their ticket to board the shuttle. Lighthouse visits for people entering on foot or by bicycle are also subject to available timed-ticket spaces.
Can you combine Cape Henry Lighthouse with First Landing State Park?
Yes. The park identifies the lighthouse and First Landing Cross as nearby attractions in adjacent Fort Story, and its Cape Henry Trail is open for hiking and biking. For local transport context, see getting around Virginia Beach from the Oceanfront.