The Best Cape Cod Lighthouses

Things to Do in Harwich, MA

Cape Cod's Best Lighthouses

Cape Cod has numerous lighthouses, many of which are working lighthouses open to the public. We've listed a few of our favorites below. Most of the are relatively close to the Tern Inn.

There are many other lighthouses you can easily visit when you stay with us. Feel free to give us a call if you need more information on any of Cape Cod's fantastic lighthouses. We look forward to hearing from you.

Highland Light

Location: 27 Highland Light Rd, North Truro, MA
Distance: 33 miles
Hours: 12 Noon until 4:00 PM

Highland Light (formerly called Cape Cod Light) is Cape Cod's tallest, and oldest, lighthouse. It was originally built in 1857, it is 66-feet tall. Currently, the US Coast Guard operates the lighthouse.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the grounds are open to the public from mid-May through mid-October. Tours are offered by Easter National throughout the day, and a gift shop and museum are also part of the site.

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Sandy Neck Lighthouse

Location: West Barnstable, MA 02668
Distance: 25.2 miles
Hours: N/A

Sandy Neck Lighthouse was first constructed in 1826 and rebuilt in 1857. The lighthouse stands on a slim peninsula on Cape Cod's north side. Sandy Neck Lighthouse is privately owned, so direct access is unavailable. The owner did install a lantern, which is used to aid navigation, today.

You can view the lighthouse by boat or from a distance on the beach. Because of the closer proximity, viewing it by boat is preferable. You can book a tour through Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises or Cape Cod Bay Charters. If you decide to hike to Sandy Neck Lighthouse, note that it's a 6-mile one-way hike through the Sandy Neck Conservation areas sands.

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Chatham Lighthouse

Location: 37 Main St, Chatham, MA
Distance: 10.2 miles
Hours: Summers, 1:00 PM until 3:30 PM

Formerly known as the Twin Lights, Chatham Lighthouse is close to the main Cape Cod bend (the elbow). Chatham Lighthouse was built in 1808, making it the second oldest lighthouse on Cape Cod. The lighthouse is 48-feet tall and operates 24 hours a day. The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The lightkeeper's house on the property is currently an active US Coast Guard station, with Coast Guard members living onsite. During the summer months, the Coast Guard conducts tours of the property. You'll get to see the Mack Memorial, the lighthouse's base, and "The Gate" area.

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Nauset Lighthouse

Location: 120 Nauset Light Beach Rd, Eastham, MA
Distance: 18.5 miles
Hours: Vary

Nauset Lighthouse was erected in 1923, using a tower that was originally part of Chatham Light. The lighthouse is 48-feet high. It's currently operated and maintained by the Nauset Light Preservation Society. This is an actual working lighthouse that serves as a private aid to navigation.

Nauset Lighthouse is an iconic structure that is considered by many to be the most recognized and photographed lighthouse on Cape Cod. The structure is included in the National Register of Historic Places. It's image is used on a special Massachusetts license plate.

Tours of the lighthouse are offered by the Nauset Light Preservation Society. During the tour, you'll get to climb to the light, visit the lighthouse lookout room, and learn about Nauset Lighthouse's history. Tours are free.

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Three Sisters Lighthouses

Location: Three Sisters, Cable Rd, Eastham, MA
Distance: 18.2 miles
Hours: Vary

Like the name implies, Three Sisters Lighthouses is a group of three historic lighthouses, lined up 150 feet apart. From a distance, they somewhat resemble three women wearing white.

The grounds are owned by the National Park Service, and the three lighthouses are currently operated and maintained by the Nauset Light Preservation Society. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Three Sisters Lighthouses is only about 1,800 feet from the Nauset Lighthouse, so if you visit one location, plan to visit the other. Tours are available.

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