For centuries, lighthouses have stood as a beacon for travelers along Virginia's coast. While they serve an important purpose, they also stand as a testament to coastal living. Rarely do we get an opportunity to dedicate our time to learning about the lighthouses of Virginia, and yet these are sites that hold so much history.
The motivation behind this road trip is to see these beautiful structures, either up close or from a distance, and learn a bit about their past. At 7 and a half hours, this lighthouse road trip in Virginia will provide some breathtaking views of the coast. You'll even have the opportunity to cross the most iconic underwater tunnel in Virginia: the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Of course, it will make sense to break up the drive and go at your own leisure. You can also consider this a bucket list of some of the state's most impressive lighthouses. While this itinerary doesn't include all of Virginia's lighthouses, you will find no shortage of history or beautiful scenery along the way. (For the interactive map, click here.)
1. Jones Point Lighthouse
The Jones Point Lighthouse in Alexandria is perhaps the most unique destination on the lighthouse road trip in Virginia. Built in 1855, it isn't much more than a wooden one-story house with a lantern on its top. It's the last remaining river lighthouse in Virginia and historically was used as a warning for naval ships approaching Washington's Navy Yard. The lighthouse was discontinued in 1926 and is now owned by the National Parks Service.
2. New Point Comfort Lighthouse
Located off the tip of the Chesapeake Bay's middle peninsula stands the New Point Comfort Light. It was completed in 1804 and stands at 58 feet tall. This picturesque lighthouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been renovated many times, most recently in 2016 to replace the access pier. This lighthouse was once located on the southernmost point of Mathews County. Today, it can be seen hundreds of yards from the mainland.
3. Cape Henry Lighthouse
Located in Fort Stony, the Old Cape Henry lighthouse (first picture above) is also among the oldest lighthouses in the country. Built in 1792, the tower stands at 90 feet tall and was checked for maintenance by George Washington himself. Less than 400 feet away stands the new Cape Henry Lighthouse (photographed directly above) which was completed in 1881. This newer building is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard and, although it is not open to the public, can be seen from the old lighthouse.
4. Cape Charles Lighthouse
The Cape Charles Lighthouse is technically just a light, although its purposes are the same. This octagonal skeleton-like tower is located on Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay. The original lighthouse was built at this site in 1828 but was insufficient due to poor visibility. The structure that stands today is actually the third rendition and the second-tallest lighthouse in the entire country. The Cape Charles Lighthouse was officially deactivated in 2019, although it remains a noteworthy landmark along the lighthouse road trip in Virginia.
5. Assateauge Lighthouse
Located along the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the Assateague Lighthouse stands at an impressive 145 feet tall. The original lighthouse was built in 1833, rebuilt in 1866, and has recently undergone maintenance and has been repainted. Today, the light continues to warn ships off any danger that may lie off the nearby barrier islands. It's possible to climb to the top of the lighthouse, but sometimes it's closed to the public. It's a remarkable finish to the lighthouse road trip in Virginia.
Along your drive, be sure to spend time in some of the nearby towns that are equally charming as the lighthouses themselves. Have you visited any of these historic lighthouses in Virginia? Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below!
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