Nobska Lighthouse
Iconic 1876 lighthouse on a bluff in Woods Hole, offering stunning views of Vineyard Sound and Martha's Vineyard.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Magical light for photos
Nobska Lighthouse
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 1876 lighthouse on a bluff in Woods Hole, offering stunning views of Vineyard Sound and Martha's Vineyard.
"Possibly the most perfect place on earth. Go. Sit. Stare. Think."
🎯 Limited Parking Alert!
Parking is scarce (approx. 5 spots) with a 1-hour limit. Arrive early or be ready to park roadside.
🌅 Sunrise is a Must-See
Many visitors rave about the magical light and peaceful atmosphere during sunrise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ocean Views
Bluff overlooking Vineyard Sound
Breathtaking vistas of Martha's Vineyard, ferries, and the vast Atlantic. A photographer's paradise.
Historic Lighthouse Structure
Main lighthouse building
Iconic 1876 white lighthouse with a black lantern, a classic New England maritime landmark.
Sunrise Serenity
Lighthouse grounds
Experience a peaceful, magical start to the day with stunning coastal light.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Nobska Light
Parking & Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Limited Parking Alert!
Parking is scarce (approx. 5 spots) with a 1-hour limit. Arrive early or be ready to park roadside.
🌅 Sunrise is a Must-See
Many visitors rave about the magical light and peaceful atmosphere during sunrise. 
🚶♀️ Explore Across the Street
Don't miss the overlook across the road for a different perspective and potential rock exploration.
🧥 Bring Layers
It can get breezy by the water, so pack an extra layer for comfort.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Limited Parking Alert!
Parking is scarce (approx. 5 spots) with a 1-hour limit. Arrive early or be ready to park roadside.
🌅 Sunrise is a Must-See
Many visitors rave about the magical light and peaceful atmosphere during sunrise.
🚶♀️ Explore Across the Street
Don't miss the overlook across the road for a different perspective and potential rock exploration.
🧥 Bring Layers
It can get breezy by the water, so pack an extra layer for comfort.
📸 Photographer's Dream
Ideal for capturing stunning coastal landscapes and lighthouse shots, especially during golden hour.
📅 Check Tour Schedules
Tours inside the lighthouse are limited and often only available on specific days. Book online!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nobska Lighthouse is widely praised as a beautiful and peaceful historic landmark offering stunning ocean views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Visitors appreciate its scenic location and the opportunity for photography, though the extremely limited parking and specific tour hours are noted drawbacks.
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nobska Lighthouse – A Must-See Cape Cod Gem
📍 Location & Accessibility
Nobska Lighthouse is perched atop a bluff in Woods Hole, Falmouth, offering one of the most breathtaking views of Vineyard Sound and the Elizabeth Islands. It’s easily accessible by car, with a small parking area nearby. While limited, the lot turns over quickly, and roadside parking is also available.
🏞️ Scenic Views
The panoramic vistas are stunning—especially at sunrise or sunset. You can see Martha’s Vineyard, the ferries passing through the Sound, and a dramatic meeting of sea and sky. It’s a photographer’s dream and a peaceful place to sit, reflect, and take in the coastal beauty of Cape Cod.
🕰️ Historical Significance
Originally built in 1876, Nobska Light has rich maritime history and served as a key navigational point for sailors around the Cape. The site is well-maintained, and the Friends of Nobska Light have done an amazing job preserving its legacy. The lighthouse structure itself—white with a black lantern—is classic New England.
🧭 Guided Tours (When Available)
Tours inside the lighthouse are occasionally offered by the non-profit organization managing the property. If you get a chance to go inside, the spiral staircase and the lantern room offer a deeper appreciation for the role this lighthouse played in maritime history.
📸 Great for Families & Visitors
Nobska is kid-friendly and an excellent stop for families looking for a quick but meaningful activity. Whether you're touring Cape Cod or doing a day trip from Boston, it’s a worthy detour. Picnicking on the grassy knoll nearby is a simple joy.
💬 Final Thoughts
Nobska Lighthouse isn’t just a beautiful photo op—it's a serene, historic landmark that captures the spirit of Cape Cod. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just passing through, don’t miss it."
Ravi Singh
"One of the most fascinating and peaceful places we have visited in recent times. The 360 degree view is enormous. Martha's Vineyard can be seen from here vividly. The Nobska Lighthouse is open only Teo days a week : Tuesday and Thursday from 10.00 AM to 1.30 PM. Tickets only available online. Parking is available for just 6 cars and parking is allowed for one hour only, no charges though. There is a bushy area just across the road where there is a lovely bench hidden and an excellent spot for photographers. Watching the sunset is a must. Roads are very narrow and extremely curvy. Please be careful."
Bharat Bhandare
"Possibly the most perfect place on earth. Go. Sit. Stare. Think. Bring a couple layers because it's breezy. Bring some art supplies. Bring a blanket. A great place for star gazing at night. (Photos from Easter 2023)"
Lindy Dietrich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nobska Lighthouse is located in Woods Hole, Falmouth, MA. It's easily accessible by car. Be aware that roads in the area can be narrow and curvy.
Parking is very limited, with only about 5-6 spots available and a one-hour time limit. Roadside parking is also an option, but be cautious.
While there isn't direct public transport to the lighthouse itself, you can take a bus or ferry to Woods Hole and then it's a short walk or taxi ride.
The grounds around Nobska Lighthouse are generally accessible, but the rocky shoreline and the lighthouse structure itself may present challenges.
Navigating to Nobska Lighthouse is straightforward, but the local roads can be narrow and winding. Using GPS is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can walk the grounds of Nobska Lighthouse for free. However, if you wish to tour the inside of the lighthouse, tickets are required and can only be purchased online.
Tours inside Nobska Lighthouse are limited, often only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. It's essential to check the Friends of Nobska Light website for current hours and availability.
Visiting the grounds of Nobska Lighthouse is free. There are no charges for the limited parking. Tour tickets, if available, will have a separate cost.
The grounds of Nobska Lighthouse are generally accessible during daylight hours. However, interior tours have very specific operating hours and days.
Tickets for Nobska Lighthouse tours must be purchased online. Check the official Friends of Nobska Light website for booking information.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography at Nobska Lighthouse. Golden hour provides a warm glow.
Yes, the bluff offers stunning panoramic views. The area across the street also has an overlook, and brave photographers can explore the rocks below.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or at specific times. Always check local regulations and consider the privacy of others before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details of the lighthouse or distant islands. A tripod is helpful for low-light conditions like sunrise/sunset.
Capturing the lighthouse with the ferries to Martha's Vineyard in the background, or during a vibrant sunrise/sunset, are popular photo opportunities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the grounds, enjoy the scenic views, learn about its history, and if tours are available, go inside the lighthouse. Picnicking on the nearby grassy knoll is also popular.
Yes, Nobska Lighthouse is considered kid-friendly. It's a great spot for a quick, educational, and scenic stop for families.
The grassy knoll near the lighthouse is a perfect spot for a picnic with beautiful ocean views.
Built in 1876, Nobska Light served as a crucial navigational aid for ships entering Vineyard Sound and heading towards Woods Hole.
From Nobska Lighthouse, you can see Vineyard Sound, Martha's Vineyard, the Elizabeth Islands, and the ferries traveling between the mainland and the islands.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Explore different vantage points, including the overlook across the street, and be prepared for potentially windy conditions. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light shots. 🚗 Day-Trippers from Boston
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Preservation of Nobska Lighthouse
Today, the Friends of Nobska Light, a dedicated non-profit organization, plays a crucial role in preserving this historic landmark. Their efforts ensure that Nobska Light remains a cherished part of Cape Cod's heritage, offering educational opportunities and maintaining the site for future generations. Visitors can learn about its rich maritime past and the importance of lighthouses in coastal history.
Capturing Nobska Lighthouse: Photography Tips
+2 These times provide the most dramatic and soft lighting, ideal for capturing the lighthouse and the surrounding seascape.When composing your shots, consider the lighthouse itself as the main subject, or use the expansive ocean views as a backdrop. The area across the street offers an alternative perspective, and for the adventurous, exploring the rocks below can yield unique angles, though caution is advised due to slippery surfaces and prickly bushes.
Experiencing Nobska Lighthouse with Family
+1 It's a great place for a short, educational outing that sparks curiosity about maritime history and coastal environments.Beyond just viewing the lighthouse, families can enjoy a picnic on the grassy knoll overlooking the water, making for a memorable and relaxed experience.
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