Lighthouse near me – Cape Cod
Lighthouse near me in Falmouth, Cape Cod
Our guests frequently ask what is the best lighthouse near me. We are very fortunate to have Nobska Light just a couple of miles away from the Inn.
Driving down Surf Drive around the corner from the Inn is one of the most scenic routes to take if you truly want to see the beauty of Falmouth. You will travel along the ocean of Vineyard Sound for part of your drive and see ferries and kayaks along the way. You then travel through a lush wooded area and about 2 miles into the drive the view opens up to your left with miles of beautiful beach in view as you approach Nobska Lighthouse.
We highly suggest you take a walk around the 2.3 acre property. It is truly a sight to see! The grounds are open for you to visit, photograph and enjoy from dawn until dusk. If you are interested in learning more about the history or if you would like to go all the way up into the light room at the top you can go on a walking tour. For a schedule of tours click here.
Beacons of Light Art Exhibit
A fantastic artistic endeavor to celebrate Nobska Lighthouse and help to preserve its legacy is the Beacons of Light Art Exhibit featuring 30 decorated lighthouses created by local artists. For a schedule of where this traveling exhibit will be located click here.
Nobska Lighthouse is at the very southwestern tip of Cape Cod up on a knoll. The light station includes four different buildings to include the tower, the keeper’s house, a radio beacon house and a small oil house. The present tower was built in 1876 along with a portion of the keeper’s house and the oil house. In 1985 the lighthouse was automated and the last keeper retired. At that time the house was then converted into the residence for the regional area coast guard commander. Then in 1987 the Nobska lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historical Places.
The upkeep of the lighthouse is expensive as the weather certainly takes a toll on the buildings. As time went on many strategic discussions were held regarding the future of the lighthouse.
We were very happy when in 2016, the property was sold to the Town of Falmouth and the non-profit group ‘Friends of Nobska Light’. The ‘Friends of Nobska Light’ was founded in 2015 to preserve the lighthouse as an educational resource for the community.