Cape Henry Lighthouse (New)

Standing guard at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the “New” Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1881 to replace its crumbling 1792 predecessor — one of the first federally funded construction projects in the United States. This 164-foot cast-iron tower remains an active aid to navigation operated by the U.S. military within Fort Story (now Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story). The lighthouse is not open to public climbing, though visitors can view it from nearby areas with base access. Golden hour provides the best photography light against the bay. Nearby, the original Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is open for climbing, and First Landing State Park offers trails and beachfront just minutes away.

Explore Nearby

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