Old Cape Henry Lighthouse

Great view from the top! Not a bad climb. But you MUST go through a security protocol as you are entering a DOD facility. You must park your car, go through security- think airport- and ride a shuttle. You cannot to the beach. There’s a long walk to a board walk to see the beach, but that’s it. Go for the lighthouse and go to First Landing state park for the beach.

A heavy military presence welcomes you to Fort Story, an active training base. The security check is worth it, as the historic beautiful lighthouse gifts you with awe-inspiring views provided you navigate about 196 steps! Be sure to take in the other historic features while you are on these hallowed grounds.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entry$6–10

Great first lighthouse to ever visit. Nice piece of history to experience. The staff is very nice and helpful. You pay for entry and get to climb to the top of the lighthouse. It might be strenuous for some, but it has a cool view at the top! *Age restrictions apply for the climb. Also, be aware that it is an active Army Base and needs a proper government ID. They do have shuttles that take visitors to get screened. *16+ need a valid ID. Price for entry: $10.00 Ticket type: General Admission

The staff working the front desk were extremely nice and were very knowledgeable on the history of the two lighthouses. Active duty members can climb to the top for free if in uniform. Not sure if that is a requirement but that’s what I did it’s not too long of a hike up and there is an 11 step ladder at the top. The views were super nice and I highly recommend if you’re in the area.

Very beautiful lighthouse. Had to pay to climb it but I didn’t pay so I watched from down below. Definitely worth seeing though and taking in the history of the area. Worth the visit just go up to the gate and explain you don’t have a military ID and I’m sure they’ll get you escorted or up to the lighthouse somehow. My bf is in the military so he has an ID that let’s him get into these places.

Awesome view from the old lighthouse. It does cost a little to go up. But it's well worth it. You can look out over the bay where a decisive battle took place during the Revolutionary War.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFree

Cape Henry is a very scenic lighthouse along the Virginia Beach coastline. It is situated inside a military base, and has one functional lighthouse alongside the original brick lighthouse. I walked up the stairs to the top of the original lighthouse. The views of the Cape and surrounding traffic along the waterways is terrific. You can hear the occasional roar of the F/A 18 fighter jets taking off from the Naval Base Ocean nearby. Loved it!

You get into the navy base free after checking in & are given instructions as to where you're allowed to go & not go. You'll need your photo ID to hand over to the naval personal & they give you a base pass. You get your ID back once you check back out. Then, a shuttle takes you to the gift shop where you may purchase entry into the old light house, which has 194 steps to the top of the light house. You have to be 42" tall to climb the steps & even go up to the light house. There's an overlook platform to see the Atlantic Ocean. There's a gas station with drinks, food, & restrooms you may go to. You walk the area, there's no transportation to drive you around. I gave it a 2 star cause of the 42" height rule & the amount of walking, the lack of other attractions, & no historical information on the lighthouse that could be put there to make it more interesting. There is a lot of potential there if the Navy would step up their game on the amount of history in this area that they could share & show.

It was great to have gone up to one of the historic lighthouses! Non-military affiliated guests can check in by the gate, and a shuttle service will take you to the parking lot for the lighthouses. Military affiliated visitors can drive up to the parking lot right in front of the gift shop/entrance to the lighthouse. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gift shop.

I have been visiting these two lighthouses since 1970. My family and I would spend a day here enjoying the lighthouses and beautiful beach. This is great for family tours and meet ups. The staff is very friendly. Small gift shop now. They use to have a larger gift shop with amazing items. These lighthouses are incredible Located on Fort Story Base which requires all visitors 16 years and older to provide a valid ID. The driver of vehicle must show valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance. They now have a shuttle bus to escort guests. ADA service animal are only allowed. Ample parking available. August 7th is National Lighthouse Day