It was pretty lame. We had 2 kids with us and weren't even allowed to walk up the stairs of the lighthouse because you need to be 42 inches or taller. Besides that, they charge 8 dollars each if we were allowed. You really can only see the top half of the lighthouse because it's so hidden behind vegetation. The best spot to really enjoy both lighthouses I think is down the street at the memorial Park. You can take a short walk out to the beach, and see both lighthouses on one side and the ocean on the other. Lot of work to get into the base and pretty dissapointing once you get there. I wouldn't make this a priority on your vacation, but if you've got nothing to do it's worth a look on a slow day.
Like many of the other reviews state, this lighthouse is on an active military base and as such, you will need to show your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance; as well as having your vehicle searched (open all doors, open hood) in order to be allowed entry to the base. This ultimately was not an issue for us but it caught us off-guard as there is nothing on the lighthouse's web site that provides this information. I was simply following my GPS and when we pulled up to the gate, I was afraid we were going somewhere we shouldn't have been going. The guard at the gate was friendly and said we were in the right place, clearly stated everything that they would need to do for us to get on base, and pointed us in the right direction.
Cape Henry actually has 2 lighthouses. Old and new. Both are nice. If you go, realize that you will be entering a military base. You will need drivers licence, car registration and proof of insurance. They will also search your vehicle.
The reason I am giving this place a one star isn't because of the lighthouse, it's about the entry. I called the place ahead of time to ask them if I need to bring anything. They said you didn't have to bring anything. I drive 30 minutes from my hotel to the lighthouse. When we get there they asked for vehicle registration. Which I did not have because I left it in the hotel since they said not to bring anything. So I had to turn around and drive back to my hotel wasting an hour if my life. Maybe they should tell you this info before you come there
This is a beautifully designed lighthouse from back in the day. It was a little hot the day we went so the slight breeze at the top was a little bit cooling. Looking out from the top was breath taking. Seeing the ocean and ships in the distance was gorgeous. when in Virginia Beach, Virginia you must come and visit.
Apparently you can only climb the old lighthouse...the newer lighthouse, located right across the street from the old one, but it doesn't seem that's open for climbing.
Neat lighthouse, fairly steep climb, but a nice view of the area once up top. Unlike some other lighthouses I've been to, Cape Henry's light doesn't allow for a walk outside the light tower once you've reached the top...you're just looking out from the enclosed glass area at the top. Still a great view though. There is a per-person fee to climb the lighthouse, and the gift shop is nice to see.
Cape Henry Lighthouse is a US Museum based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Cape Henry Lighthouse is located at 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA 23459, USA.
Please contact with Cape Henry Lighthouse using information above: Address, Phone number, Fax, Postal code, Website address, E-mail, Facebook. Find Cape Henry Lighthouse opening hours and driving directions or map. Find real customer reviews and ratings or write your own review.
Find Museum in Virginia Beach