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Cape Henry Lighthouse

Norfolk, VA
757-422-9421
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Ranked #17 of 21 attractions in Norfolk
Type: Lighthouses
Activities: Hiking
Description: Take a recommended drive to the oldest government-built lighthouse in America.
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34 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    15
    11
    6
    0
    2
Date Rating
Newport News, Virginia
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

It is fantastic place. And even better than the lighthouse is the view of the ocean from this location. It's location is great and the lighthouse and surroundings are one of a kind.

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Saco, Maine
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

Two lighthouses, one location. Bonus indeed. I've traveled from Lube, Maine to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, photographing lighthouses, and the two here, while not my favorites, are definitely must see lighthouses for any lighthouse enthusiast. If you're there on a day Old Cape Henry can be climbed, by ALL means do it. The view is breathtaking, and you're looking at where... More

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Saint Peters, Missouri
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

My husband and I viewed the light house by water, on a sit seeing tour. This is one of the light houses we would have missed on our trip. I;m so thankful we did get to see it.

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See 4 more reviews by jherold05 for Norfolk
East Hartford, Connecticut
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

We hit lighthouses wherever we can, and this one was average compared to the houses in the outer banks but it's still another one off our list.

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See 5 more reviews by Marlene S for Norfolk
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 22, 2013

A great experience. Last time I was there was when my husband proposed there 18 years ago. Glad I could share with my kids. Beautiful view!

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See 3 more reviews by Natalie S for Norfolk
Macon, GA
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

Really enjoyed this lighthouse area. You can climb up the older of the 2 lighthouses and you have wonderful views for great pictures of the shore and of the other lighthouse. Only drawback is that it is on military property so you do have to go through a check point and get out of your car for a moment but... More

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Richmond, VA
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 27, 2012

You must be able to enter a military base with proper ID (driver's license) but it is worth the security measures to stand where military guarded this land so many years ago. A well versed staff ensures you will know a lot of the history of this area.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Agana, Mariana Islands
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 8, 2012 via mobile

I am definitely not sure why there are reviews about the security inspection at the gate. This is absolutely a military installation. If you do not want your vehicle inspected, you are welcome to leave. Having your vehicle searched protects the Sailors, Marines, and Soldiers of the installation. The lighthouse view is beautiful from the top. 191 steps up, so... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 2 more reviews by crusherace03 for Norfolk
Fairfax, Virginia
Top Contributor
108 reviews 108 reviews
43 attraction reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
50 helpful votes 50 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 17, 2012 via mobile

Great for picture taking. The process of reaching the lighthouse can be a hassle. You can reach the lighthouse via gate 8 of the military base. Have your dl,proof of insurance and car registration ready. They would also have to search your car. Takes about 10 muntjac depending if there is a line or not.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Charlotte, North Carolina
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed October 17, 2012

I recently visited the Cape Henry Lighthouse. You should be prepared for your vehicle to be searched, because it is on the the military base. The staff was very helpful and answered our questions but...the sloppily dressed gentleman who introduced himself as site director, told us more about his recent vacation than the lighthouse. If you want your questions answered... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1

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