Top Things to do in Cape Cod
What to do and see in Cape Cod, Cape Cod: The Best Lighthouses
The Atlantic crashes on a coastline strewn with quaint harbors, windswept beaches, glorious dunes and blinking lighthouses. Explore Cape Cod National Seashore, bike past cranberry bogs on the Rail Trail or saunter around Sandwich, the Cape's oldest town. Many areas are architectural and culinary gems - full of weathered shingles, whaling captains' mansions, chowder shacks and upscale dining delights. Don't miss Woods Hole Oceanquest, famed Martha's Vineyard or charmingly upbeat Provincetown.
Restaurants in Cape Cod
1. Nauset Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Von1287 - Albany, United States
we came off season in late September which was beneficial as there was free parking. I believe if you were coming during season and needed to pay for parking you would be around $15 per vehicle. This will give you access to the Overlook of the shoreline. You could access the beach if needed. The lighthouse it’s about 100 yard walk away from the parking area. Not wheelchair accessible. it is not very big but monumental in that it is on the Cape Cod chips it was cool to see. There’s numerous plaques want to walk up the wooden stairs talking about the history with pictures that was very nice. Overall about a 10 to 15 minutes stay around the lighthouse and then walking back to the parking area where you can continue to enjoy the view or enjoy your day at the beach if it wasn’t sixty degrees and cloudy like it was when we were there.
2. Race Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
The Race Point Lighthouse, Keeper's House, Whistle House and Oil House are maintained by the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization of volunteer members whose mission is the restoration and preservation of these and other properties including Wood End and Long Point Lighthouses. In 1995, the Keeper's house and Whistle House were renovated and the opened for overnight stays to guests from around the world. Google Maps directs drivers to a road that is not accessible unless a permit is obtained from the NPS during the season and vehicle has 4 wheel drive. It is a 2 mile walk from the Race Point Beach, or an easier and shorter walk from the Hatches Harbor parking lot off the Province Lands Rd between Race Point and Herring Cove Beaches. The lighthouse tower is open for tours on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays during the season. Closed if the piping plovers close access to the beach.
Reviewed By 641zipw - Boston, United States
We visited the place last weekend in October. Nice experience. The view is great. Light house is facing East. Sunrise photo is great with sun light shines on the object. The seascape view is not that great because of view angle, kind of awkward angle on both side, East or West. From reviews, most people talk about the positive aspect of the visit. One thing I would like to point out that the hike is not an easy one for everyone. Before we went, we did not do enough homework, thought we could easily drive there. When we get there, we realize that vehicles are required to have beach permit. Even four wheel drive vehicles have special requirements for permit. We then think we can walk, but with all my photo equipment that is not prepare for hiking, the hike is a tough one. The sand is deep and you are limited on walking only on the vehicle track. You need flash light to walk before sunrise. One step high, next step low - tough. It took us almost two hours to get there. Four hrs of walking on sand back and forth may be a challenge for many. Beware.
3. Chatham Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 688 reviews
One of the most famous and interesting lighthouses on Cape Cod.
Reviewed By amf660 - Briarcliff Manor, United States
Worth the brief walk from town. This lighthouse is in a great location facing the Atlantic (there is parking directly across the street) & is a nice attraction to see while in Chatham.
4. Nauset Light
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 420 reviews
Free tours of the light are normally offered from May to October. The have been suspended this year because of COVID19 limitations. Visit the Nauset Light Preservation Society website, nausetlight.org, or Facebook page for any update.
Reviewed By ALB63 - Hanover, United States
There was plenty of free parking at the beach parking lot nearby, but only because we were there in early October. It is a beautiful lighthouse and a short walk over from the beach parking lot. The light house looks well maintained, and the setting is so pretty. We hope to return on a day when tours are being given.
5. Highland Light
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
This lighthouse was the first light sailors glimpsed when reaching this side of the Atlantic Ocean.
Reviewed By iheartbigpapi - Boston, United States
You can’t pass up seeing the first light house in Cape Cod, which was commissioned by then President George Washington and built in the late 1700s.
6. Wood End Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By billcarp
YOU'LL WANT TO TAKE THIS IN, WHEN YOU'RE IN P-TOWN. But you have to start your trek as the tide is GOING OUT. Be of sound and nimble footwork to walk out over the jetty to access this spot. (the last of the land in Massachusetts) you'll only have a short window before the "tide turns". You won't be able to make it back to terra firma unless you have a hovercraft. BUT certainly worth the effort.
7. Nobska Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 632 reviews
Reviewed By Coastal277953 - Staten Island, United States
As you turn into the road leading to the lighthouse you are struck by the beautiful view of the ocean to your right. The lighthouse is on a hill to the left. The view from the lighthouse is gorgeous and a great place to take pictures.
8. The Three Sisters Lighthouses
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By biddiesmom - Cheshire, United States
These are the quaintest lighthouses. You can walk a path from Nauset Lighthouse to get to them or if you're lucky enough there are 2 spots out in front of them. These are not the original "three sisters" as they did not fair well with the weather on the Cape. They were eventually replaced by Nauset Light. They were redesigned/reconstructed and moved to where they are now. The back history of the original Three Sister's is a very interesting read. They are still beautiful.
