Standing sentinel over Cape Cod’s rugged outer shore, Highland Light in Truro, Massachusetts has guided mariners since 1857. This active lighthouse marks one of the Atlantic coast’s most treacherous stretches, where countless ships met their fate before its beacon first shone.

The lighthouse gained fame when it was dramatically relocated 450 feet inland in 1996 to save it from eroding cliffs—a remarkable engineering feat that drew national attention.

While the tower is not open to public climbing, visitors can explore the surrounding Highland Links golf course and Cape Cod Light Beach. The adjacent Highland House Museum offers regional history exhibits.

For photographers, golden hour and stormy skies create dramatic backdrops. Nearby, the Highlands Center and Pilgrim Lake provide additional exploration opportunities.

Explore Nearby

• Cape Cod Rail Trail — State Park in Massachusetts
• Nickerson State Park — State Park in Massachusetts
• Old Kings Highway (Route 6A) — Scenic Byway in Massachusetts
• Meteor Lakes Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Swamp Meadow Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina