Cape Henry Lighthouse

North End

Cape Henry Lighthouse is a attraction in North End, Virginia Beach, best for history buffs, lighthouse climbers, views of the bay-ocean meeting point.

Completed in 1792, the Cape Henry Lighthouse was the first federally funded public works project in the United States — authorized under George Washington, overseen by Alexander Hamilton, and built from the same Aquia sandstone used in Washington, D.C. It guided ships into the Chesapeake Bay for nearly a century, and climbing it earns you the view where the bay meets the Atlantic. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: the lighthouse stands inside Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story, an active military base, and access rules change with base security posture. As of mid-2026, general access is limited to active/retired military and DoD cardholders; other visitors must enter through the security check at Gate 8 (89th Street and Atlantic Avenue) with a REAL ID (16+), and guests without DoD credentials ride a base shuttle that runs every 15 minutes, last departure 4pm. Drivers must show registration and proof of insurance. Verify the current policy with Preservation Virginia before making the trip — showing up without the right ID means being turned away. The site is open Wednesday–Sunday 10am–5pm; climbers must be at least 42 inches tall, and the tower closes when the interior heat index hits 125°F or during thunderstorms.

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Know Before You Go

Last verified 2026-07-10.

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