Cape Cod lighthouses are true icons of the region. When you think of the Cape, what comes to mind? Perhaps miles of unspoiled beaches along the National Seashore, world-famous Wellfleet oysters, a homemade bowl of creamy clam chowder, or fresh local lobster.
The Cape’s history is rich with sailors’ tales, dramatic shipwrecks, and heroic rescues, giving rise to the romantic image we associate with its lighthouses. With 14 lighthouses scattered across Cape Cod, we always encourage our guests to visit a few and imagine the stories they could tell if their walls could speak.
As we start to plan our season and summer getaways, don’t forget these coastal landmarks. Here are six of our local favorites to add to your Cape Cod adventure.
Chatham Light
Just a short 20 minute ride from the Inn, the drive includes a glorious run through Pleasant Bay. Just before reaching the Lighthouse stop off at the Chatham Fish Pier and watch the trawlers offload their catch.
Almost 200 years ago, President Thomas Jefferson, appointed the first keeper of a lard-burning lighthouse to safely guide ships past Chatham. The present day lighthouse boasts an electric beacon and overlooks a beautiful ocean beach.
Chatham Lighthouse, known as Twin Lights before 1923, is in Chatham, MA near the “elbow” of Cape Cod. The original station was built in 1808 with two wooden towers that were replaced in 1841 even though there were questions as to why one tower would not be adequate.
Today, the former light keeper’s house is a U.S. Coast Guard station, and on-duty personnel living quarters. Search and Rescue, maritime law, and Homeland Security missions are carried out here.
The recent Disney movie, “The Finest Hour“, tells the story of a heroic rescue from the Coast Guard Station in the fifties, after a tanker had run aground during a ferocious storm off the Cape.
Highland Light
None other than President George Washington signed the bill on May 17, 1796, approving $8,000 for the construction of Cape Cod’s first lighthouse, Highland Light. Only the seventh to be constructed by the U.S. Government, it was situated on ten acres on the Highlands of North Truro and was usually the first light seen when approaching the entrance of Massachusetts Bay from Europe. Although Highland Lighthouse is officially known as Cape Cod Lighthouse, it remains “Highland” to locals. It is the oldest and tallest lighthouse on Cape Cod.
The grounds are open year-round and the light is open to from May – October, with guided tours available.
Race Point Light
As early as 1808, Provincetown’s residents asked for a lighthouse at Race Point. Travel was treacherous for vessels negotiating the bars near Race Point at Cape Cod’s northern tip. Race Point Lighthouse Three Sisters Lightwas first lighted on November 5, 1816.
By 1876, the old stone “tower” needed rebuilding, and was replaced by a 45-foot cast-iron lighthouse, lined with brick. The Fresnel lens was also installed. Today, the Race Point LightHouse optic is still an active aid to navigation, maintained by the Coast Guard.
Three Sisters Light
An 1836 petition by Eastham residents concerned about loved ones at sea caused the Boston Marine Society to recommend to the United States Congress the construction of the Nauset Lights. Congress granted $10,000, and the contract was awarded to Winslow Lewis, the lowest bidder at $6549.
Three 15-foot high masonry towers were built. The lights soon gained the nickname “The Three Sisters” because from sea they looked like women in white dresses with black hats.
Stage Harbor Light
Also known as Harding’s Beach Lighthouse, the Stage Harbor Lighthouse is one of the most noticeable landmarks in this area. It is the youngest lighthouse in Cape Cod having been built in 1880. It was discontinued in 1933 when it was replaced by a 200 foot skeleton tower which remains an active aid to navigation.
Today, the lighthouse is a private property and therefore, it is not open to the public. However, you can get the best views from Harding’s Beach in Chatham. From this point, you will see some of the amazing architectural work that is the lighthouse.
Nauset Light
Nauset Lighthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located just 14 miles from the Inn in Eastham. Made of cast iron with brick lining, the light stands 48 feet high. Coastal erosion meant that by 1996 it was dangerously close to the edge of the cliff. Less than 35 feet remained in November 1996 when Nauset Lighthouse was moved in one piece approximately 300 feet to a new site across the road.
Tours are available in summer from the Nauset Light Preservation Society which operates, maintains and interprets the site.
The Parsonage
Join us at the Parsonage, where you can enjoy one of the three options available to guests in East Orleans.
Located in East Orleans, and just minutes from both the ocean (Nauset Beach) and bayside beaches (Skaket and Rock Harbor), the Parsonage is opposite one of the best Farm shops on the Cape and walking distance to local gift shops and restaurants. We look forward to welcoming you to East Orleans Cape Cod soon.
The Parson’s House is a historic and stunning seven-bedroom home all with full ensuite bathrooms, a designer fitted kitchen, two large lounges, landscaped patio and garden with jacuzzi. Available from June 19 – September 5 only
Accommodating six guests, the Parson’s Cottage is a fully equipped cozy three bedroomed home, attached to the main 250-year-old Inn. Available year round.
During the shoulder seasons, January-June, and September–November, book one of our four guest bedrooms, and enjoy the Cape’s off-season delights and of course our breakfast basket delivered directly to your room.
Reserve your room today, we look forward to welcoming you to Orleans Cape Cod soon. Enjoy!!
Love the Inn. Love the Blog. Visited Nauset Inn today – awesome.