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Map & Guide to Historic Lighthouses

• 1. Nobska Light, Woods Hole
  The original lighthouse was built in 1828 and replaced in 1879. When seen straight on from the sea, it appears white but from the side, it assumes a reddish color. This phenomenon helps orient sailors. Directions: From Falmouth, follow Route 28 to Woods Hole. Just before Woods Hole, turn left onto Church Street.
• 2. Sandy Neck Light, Barnstable
  The original light was erected in 1826 and rebuilt in 1857. Although the lantern room has been removed, the beautiful structure is worth seeing. Your best view is from Barnstable Harbor. Take Route 6A to Mill Way (at the stoplight), continue past the Hyannis Whale Watcher to the Beach parking lot. A closer view requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle and a beach permit from the Barnstable Town Hall. (508) 790-6346.
• 3. Lewis Bay Light, Hyannis Harbor
  This private light is at the inner entrance to Hyannis inner harbor- you can get a view by walking along North St. and Lewis Bay Rd.
• 4. & 5. Hardings & Chatham Light, Chatham
  Built in 1881, Chatham Light was moved to its present location near the Coast Guard Station in the early 1920s. Nearby telescopes enhance the spectacular view of the North Beach breakthrough. Directions: Follow Main Street, Chatham to its end bearing right. There is yet another private light at the end of Hardings Beach in Chatham which can be viewed from Champlain Rd.
• 6. Nauset Light, Eastham
  This lighthouse was moved to its current location in 1996. Before 1923 it was three towers called the Three Sisters which are on display a hundred yards from the present light. Directions: Follow Route 6 to Eastham. Turn right onto Nauset Road (next to the Salt Pond Visitor Center) and follow to Ocean View Drive to Nauset Light Beach.
• 7. Cape Cod Light, Truro
  In 1797, the Cape's first lighthouse was ordered built by George Washington to warn sailor of the area known as the "Graveyard of Ships." The current beacon, with over 620,000 candlepower is the most powerful light in New England and ships from 30 miles away can identify this landmark. In July 1996, the lighthouse, then only 100-feet away from an ever-eroding cliff, was moved west 450-feet to its current location. Directions: Take Route 6 to Truro. Follow signs to Cape Cod (or Highland) Light off Highland Road near the Truro School.
• 8. Race Point, Provincetown
  This 40-foot beacon, built in 1816, helped guide ships around the tricky shoals for centuries before our canal was built. Directions: From Herring Cove Beach, the light is about a mile hike north across the sands.
• 9. & 10. Wood End Light & Long Point Light, Provincetown
  Wood End light, built in 1872, is an exact replica of Long Point Light, erected in 1822. You can see the latter from McMillian Wharf and the former at the end of Commercial St. Wood end is about a half mile walk across the breakwater; Long Point light is an hour's trek beyond.