Cape Charles Light stands sentinel on Smith Island at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay near Cape Charles, Virginia. First established in 1828, the current tower — erected in 1895 — is one of the tallest cast-iron lighthouses on the East Coast. Its skeletal, octagonal design was engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds, making it an architectural standout among Mid-Atlantic lights. The beacon remains active, guiding vessels through one of the nation’s busiest waterways. The lighthouse is not open to the public, though it can be viewed by boat. Golden-hour cruises at sunset offer the best photography. Nearby, visitors enjoy Cape Charles Beach, the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge, and the historic downtown’s shops and restaurants.

Explore Nearby

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