Standing guard in the Chesapeake Bay off Hampton, Virginia, Thimble Shoal Light has marked dangerous shoals since 1872. The current caisson-style structure replaced earlier versions and remains an active aid to navigation maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Its distinctive design makes it one of the bay’s most recognizable screw-pile replacement lights.

The lighthouse is not open to the public, but boaters and kayakers can view it up close from the water. Golden hour provides the best photography, with warm light reflecting off the bay. Nearby, visitors can explore Fort Monroe, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center, and the Hampton waterfront, making this a rewarding destination for lighthouse enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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