Six Must-See Lighthouses on Iconic Cape Cod, MA

Six Must-See Lighthouses on Iconic Cape Cod, MA

White lighthouse with red roof and attached house on an overcast day | Brewster By the Sea Cape Cod Inn | Brewster, MA

The iconic lighthouse. We all seem to be drawn to them – the romance, the nostalgia, the heroics. You may even wonder, who designed them, who built them, who kept them? During your next stay, you must include some time to check out at least one or two of our 18 lighthouses! Here are our top six favorites, all within a short drive of Brewster By the Sea Inn, the perfect home away from home for your next Cape Cod getaway! 

1. The Highland Light North Truro

Why We Love It: Picturesque, easy access, wonderful history (commissioned by George Washington as one of the first lighthouses in the United States), nice gift shop, interpreters, and a fabulous panoramic view from the top! 

Hours: Open between 10:00am and 5:30pm from May to October with reduced hours in the Fall.

2. The Nauset Light – Eastham

Why We Love It: It’s the lighthouse on the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory Bag!  Similar to the Highland Light, we love it because it is easily accessible, and the view from the top is gorgeous! Nauset is the “twin” that used to stand next to the Chatham Light but was eventually moved here. Located at the National Seashore, you will also enjoy the nearby oil house museum.

Hours: Open several days a week from May to October. Visit their calendar for exact days/times.

3. The Chatham Light – Chatham

Why We Love It: Conveniently located minutes from downtown Chatham, beautiful view of the ocean, just steps from the beach, near an active Coast Guard Station, renowned for the famous rescue of the S.S. Pendleton during the 1952 blizzard (check out The Finest Hours, the movie version of this event), and an extraordinary view from the top!

Hours: Open Wednesdays from 1:00 – 3:30pm, May through September. Tours are provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

4. The Stage Harbor Light – Chatham

Why We Love It: You feel like you’re stepping back in time as you approach the lighthouse at the end of a two-mile walk along a sandy jeep trail. Quite often you are the only ones there. (Note: please respect the privacy of the owners and do not disturb them). On the far side of the lighthouse is the entrance to Stage Harbor, and a perfect spot to sit and watch the small boats go by. Head back to the parking lot along the beach for a perfect loop trail experience.

Hours: Not open to the public.

5. The Three Sisters Lighthouses – Eastham

Why We Love Them: Great story of the light houses being constructed in 1838, falling into the sea in the late 1800’s, being sold to private owners for cottages in 1911, and then being reacquired, restored, and reunited in the 1970’s. Coined the “three sisters” by sailors who said that from the sea, they looked like three women dressed in white wearing black hats.

Hours: Open for tours periodically during the season. Note: these lighthouses are not on the shore – they are located on Cable Road near Nauset Beach, and are operated by the National Park Service. Stop by the Salt Point Visitor’s Center to check the schedule.

6. Race Point Light – Provincetown

Why We Love It: You feel like you’re at the end of the earth! This iconic lighthouse is well worth the hike from the lower parking lot at Race Point Beach. The classic Cape Cod setting of a gorgeous landscape of rolling sand dunes and beach grass is priceless! Note: it is a two-mile walk on sand. Or, if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle with a permit, you can also drive there.

Hours: Tours are given on the first and third Saturdays from June through October, 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Charming sided bed & breakfast surrounded by lush green grass and trees | Brewster By the Sea Cape Cod Inn | Brewster, MA

Recent Posts

 

Peter and I had an incredible time at the Inn. Amy, you were meant for Brewster By the Sea Inn. You bring warmth, a calming atmosphere and you are always here to help your guests. We can’t thank you enough. We will definitely be back.

— Peter & Pam October, 2021

 

We are so happy we found your B&B! It has been perfect – a week in paradise. Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality!

— Linda & Gary, California October, 2021

 

We had a wonderful experience in your B&B. The breakfasts were superb, the room was cozy and comfortable. Thank you for your excellent hospitality, you are so warm and a joy to be with.

— Debbie & Jerry, Illinois October, 2021

 

A pandemic escape!

Amy and her staff are incredible. The attention to detail is hands down the best. Given all that is going on in this Covid-19 world, we felt safe and comfortable. Check-in was contactless. Our room was perfect. The breakfasts were wonderful and loved the cookies in the afternoon. The icing on the cake was Sweet Pea, Amy's dog, an absolute love! Amy, thank you, we'll be back!

— TripleAMom, July, 2020

 

A very enjoyable and relaxing stay

We had another wonderful experience here at Brewster By The Sea.  Lovely walks on the Flats and enjoying the local food!  In spite of COVID, Amy & staff helped us feel SAFE and at home!

— Ross & Patricia, Delmar, NY    6/26/20

 

Another Memorable Weekend

Thank you for everything, Amy!  We had a wonderful getaway.  Your Inn and all of your extra touches make this place so special.  We look forward to returning soon. 

— Patti & Joe, North Readin, MA     06/14/20

 

Peter and I had an incredible time at the Inn. Amy, you were meant for Brewster By the Sea Inn. You bring warmth, a calming atmosphere and you are always here to help your guests. We can’t thank you enough. We will definitely be back.

— Peter & Pam October, 2021

 

Outstanding getaway!

This was our second time staying at this lovely inn. The rooms are tastefully decorated and the grounds are both spacious and tranquil. There is even a pool which is an excellent way to cool off after a day exploring the nearby trails or bike path. The breakfasts are creative and delicious and very filling. Amy, the owner and innkeeper is wonderful. She takes great care of the property and is so welcoming to her guests. She is very gracious in helping with advice on what to do in the area and making dinner reservations. We were among her first guests as Massachusetts began to "open up" during the Covid 19 crisis. She took great care to assure that everything was done to make her guests safe and comfortable. We look forward to returning.

— Pat I., June, 2020