Lighthouses Near Provincetown (15 Minutes or Less)
Cape Cod’s northern tip is home to several accessible lighthouses. For adventurous walkers, the Provincetown Causeway leads to two.
Long Point Lighthouse
Located at the far end of Provincetown’s long sandy arm, Long Point Lighthouse is reachable by foot via the breakwater and beach. The walk is about six miles round trip. The lighthouse itself is not open for climbing, but the view from the tip of the Cape is worth the trek. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.
Wood End Lighthouse
This smaller beacon is along the same walking route and offers peaceful coastal views. Like Long Point, Wood End is not open to the public, but it's a favorite for photographers and birdwatchers.
Race Point Lighthouse
On the opposite side of town, Race Point Lighthouse is situated near the beach within Cape Cod National Seashore. It’s reachable by a 45-minute walk through soft sand or by over-sand vehicle with a permit. The lighthouse offers seasonal tours from May through October, with opportunities to climb the tower and visit the keeper’s house. Secure footwear is required—no flip-flops.
Lighthouses Near Eastham and Truro (15–40 Minutes Away)
Traveling a short distance south brings you to more of Cape Cod’s best-known lighthouses.
Nauset Light
One of Cape Cod’s most iconic structures, Nauset Light is instantly recognizable for its red and white paint. It’s open for public tours during the summer and early fall. Visitors can climb the tower and learn about its history and restoration efforts. The lighthouse is also close to Nauset Beach and seasonal food trucks.
Highland Light (Cape Cod Light)
Located in North Truro, Highland Light is Cape Cod’s oldest and tallest lighthouse. After recent renovations, the lighthouse is open for seasonal tours. Visitors must be at least 48 inches tall to climb the tower, and bags and food are not permitted inside.
Three Sisters Lighthouses
These short, wood-frame lighthouses—named for their original appearance in a row—are tucked inland in Eastham. Though no longer active, two of the three are open for guided tours on select summer days. They offer insight into 19th-century coastal navigation and lighthouse design.
Lighthouses Further South (40+ Minutes Away)
While farther from Provincetown, these southern lighthouses make a great addition to a full-day Cape Cod driving tour.
Nobska Point Lighthouse (Falmouth)
Overlooking the waters between Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard, Nobska Light is one of the Cape’s most picturesque spots. The tower and adjacent keeper’s house are open seasonally, with tours offered weekly in summer. The grounds are also open year-round for views and photos.
Chatham Lighthouse
Situated on the elbow of the Cape, Chatham Light is an active U.S. Coast Guard station. While interior tours are currently paused, the lighthouse remains a popular stop for scenic viewing, and updates on future tours are available through the town or Coast Guard Auxiliary websites.
Plan Your Visit
Most lighthouse tours are seasonal and weather-dependent. It's a good idea to check each site’s official website or local visitor information before planning your trip. Some locations request a small donation to support preservation efforts, while others operate free of charge. Whether you're walking the breakwater in Provincetown or exploring the bluff-top views in Truro, Cape Cod’s lighthouses are more than just landmarks—they're windows into the region's maritime past.
