National Lighthouse Day commemorates the day in 1789 that Congress approved lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers for a young United States of America.

On Thursday August 7th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can climb the old and new Cape Henry lighthouses in Virginia Beach for National Lighthouse Day.

Please be advised, turnout for this event can be high. There is minimal parking and no off site satlite parking. But you can ride HRT’s Route 35 to Atlantic and 81st/82nd Streets. Bus information can be found here https://weloveshoredrive.com/bayfront-shuttle-route-35/

Anyone 18 yrs and older will need to present a valid REAL ID. More information about this event and how to access the base/lighthouses can be found here https://www.whro.org/arts-culture/2025-08-05/tour-the-historic-cape-henry-lighthouses-on-thursday-lighthouse-day