Built in 1829, Back River Light guided mariners through the shallow waters of the Back River and lower Chesapeake Bay for over a century. The lighthouse was decommissioned and is no longer an active aid to navigation. Its modest tower reflects the utilitarian design typical of early 19th-century Chesapeake lights, making it a notable example of the region’s maritime heritage.

The lighthouse is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, but it can be viewed and photographed from the surrounding waterfront. Golden hour and early morning offer the best light for photography, with soft reflections off the bay.

Nearby attractions include Fort Monroe National Monument, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center, and the Hampton waterfront.

Explore Nearby

• Colonial Parkway — Scenic Byway in Virginia
• First Landing State Park — State Park in Virginia
• Machicomoco State Park — State Park in Virginia
• Edenton-Windsor Loop — Scenic Byway in North Carolina