Built in 1825, Cape Henlopen Beacon served as a critical navigational aid at the mouth of Delaware Bay, guiding ships through one of the East Coast’s busiest maritime corridors. The lighthouse is no longer active and is not open to the public, so visitors cannot climb the tower. Despite this, it remains a notable landmark for its early 19th-century construction and its role in Delaware’s rich maritime heritage.

The best time for photography is during golden hour, when warm light complements the weathered tower against the coastal landscape. Nearby attractions include Cape Henlopen State Park, with its beaches, hiking trails, and WWII observation towers, as well as the charming town of Lewes and the Cape May–Lewes Ferry.

Explore Nearby

• Cape Henlopen State Park — State Park in Delaware
• Delaware Seashore State Park — State Park in Delaware
• Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Wooddale Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina