I enjoyed visiting this lighthouse very much. It's only a few minutes away from the boardwalk.

It is located in Fort Story, an active military area. So to get to the lighthouse you have to go through security. Everyone in the car must give an id. Then everyone must exit the car so security can look through it. It seems like a lot of trouble, but it is worth it.

The lighthouse is very historic, it was built in 1791, and is the oldest lighhouse built by the US Govenment. Next to the Old Cape Henry Light house is the New Cape Henry Lightouse. You can only enter the Old one.

In order to climb to the top you buy your tickets at the gift shop($4).
The lighthouse is built ontop of a hill so in order to get to the base you have to climb a bunch af stairs. Then once at the base you can climb the spiral steps. The steps are small and there is not much room if you have to pass someone.

At the top there is a short ladder you have to climb. The observation level is small and enclosed in glass windows. The view is very nice. You can see Cape Henry, the beach, the Chesapeke Bay Bridge, and the New Lighthouse.

Across the street is a Memorial Cross where the English first landed before going to Jamestown in 1607.