VIRGINIA BEACH CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
America’s First Federal Landmark Guiding History, from the Nation’s Founding to the First Landing
Stand at the site where English settlers first landed and learn the layered story of Cape Henry Lighthouse—the nation’s first federally funded public-works beacon—even as modern base security shapes how visitors arrive.
America’s First Federal Landmark Guiding History, from the Nation’s Founding to the First Landing.
Perched beside the stretch of sand known as First Landing, Cape Henry Lighthouse marks the place where English settlers first came ashore on their way to Jamestown. Authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton, the original tower—built of Aquia sandstone and later matched by the 1881 black-and-white “New” lighthouse—served as the young republic’s first federal public-works project and a coastal guide for nearly a century. Today the site is threaded into a living military landscape and access is tightly managed.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The nation’s first federal public-works lighthouse
Cape Henry was authorized by the new federal government and overseen by leaders of the founding era. The original tower was built from Aquia sandstone—the same stone used in early Washington, D.C.—and Preservation Virginia placed a commemorative tablet on the tower in 1896; in 1930 an act of Congress deeded the property to Preservation Virginia.
First Landing: where the Jamestown voyage touched shore
The Cape Henry site sits adjacent to the spot long recognized as the English settlers’ first landing on the way to Jamestown. Memorials and interpretive markers on the grounds frame that foundational moment in early American history.
A historic landmark inside an active base
The lighthouse and its grounds are located within Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story and current base security means the tower itself is closed to civilians—access is limited and governed by military ID, Real ID rules, background checks and shuttle procedures.
What the day feels like
What a visit feels like
A visit is part history walk, part security choreograph: you arrive at the Fort Story gate, pass through military screening, and—if authorized—stand within a stones’ throw of the black-and-white tower that has watched Chesapeake approaches for generations. Interpretation focuses on the First Landing and the lighthouse’s role as the young nation’s first federal public-works project; routine base procedures shape the timing and flow of the visit.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits—and who should plan an alternative.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Planned visit time is one hour.
Bring a REAL ID or passport if you are 16 or older; drivers must have vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Pedestrians and cyclists may access the base with a REAL ID or passport.
The general public must ride the base shuttle (every 15 minutes; last shuttle leaves at 4 p.m.). Authorized DoD/military ID holders may drive directly to the lighthouse. Expect base security screening and possible background checks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is Cape Henry Lighthouse open to the general public?
No. Cape Henry Lighthouse is closed to civilians under current Fort Story base security restrictions and is open only to active/retired military and DoD card holders.
What ID do I need to visit?
Visitors 16 years of age and older must have a REAL ID or passport when accompanying someone with an active/retired military or DoD card; drivers must also produce vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
Can I drive directly to the lighthouse?
Only visitors with an authorized DoD/military ID will be allowed to drive directly to Cape Henry Lighthouse; the general public must use the shuttle from the base gate.
Do I have to take a shuttle?
Yes—members of the general public without government ID must ride the shuttle from the base gate to the lighthouse; shuttles run every 15 minutes and the last one departs at 4 p.m.
Who can I contact with questions before my visit?
For questions, email [email protected] or call 757-422-9421.
Are service animals allowed?
Only ADA service animals are permitted, but they cannot climb the final ladder to the top of the lighthouse.
Is there a height requirement to climb?
Yes. All climbers must be at least 42 inches tall.