Cape Cod has long been known for its coastal beauty and historic charm, and nothing captures that better than its iconic lighthouses. Among the many lighthouses on Cape Cod, the Stage Harbor Lighthouse in Chatham stands out. Built in the 1800s, it remains a favorite stop for history lovers, photographers, and anyone who appreciates the dramatic mix of sea and sky. Visiting the Stage Harbor Lighthouse is a timeless Cape Cod experience that connects you to both the natural setting and the maritime history of New England.
When you’re in this area, there are countless unique things to do on Cape Cod. Harwich and Chatham are full of art galleries, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants, like the Chatham Pier Fish Market, where you can enjoy fresh local seafood. Stroll through downtown Chatham for a day of shopping, or stop by local museums to dive into the region’s past. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures on the water or indoor discoveries on a rainy afternoon, you’ll find plenty of things to do to fill your itinerary.
At the end of the day, the best place to stay is our stylish Bed and Breakfast on Cape Cod. Centrally located, it makes visiting places like the Stage Harbor Lighthouse and other Cape Cod lighthouses incredibly easy. After checking off your list of things to do, you can return to our adults-only retreat, with contemporary amenities and warm, inviting hospitality. Stage Harbor Lighthouse may be the highlight of your day, but our Bed and Breakfast on Cape Cod ensures the whole trip feels special. Book your getaway today!
Discover Stage Harbor Lighthouse
The Stage Harbor Lighthouse, also called Stage Harbor Light, was first lit in 1880 and has watched over mariners for more than a century. While the lighthouse is no longer active, it remains a powerful symbol of Cape Cod’s maritime past. It is privately owned today, so you can’t climb inside, but you can still enjoy spectacular views. Many visitors head to Harding’s Beach, which is a great spot for a walk and offers one of the best vantage points of the Stage Harbor Lighthouse across the water. The view is especially stunning at sunset, when the light softens over the coastline. Accessing the Stage Harbor Lighthouse involves either a walk from Harding’s Beach or, if you’re adventurous, kayaking or boating nearby for a different perspective. The lighthouse sits at the entrance to Stage Harbor, and its white tower, framed against the deep blues of the Atlantic, is one of those classic Cape Cod sights. For anyone planning their list of things to do in Chatham, Stage Harbor Lighthouse belongs right at the top.Other Nearby Lighthouses to Visit
You’ll love exploring the best Cape Cod lighthouses. Here are a few others worth adding to your day trips from Harwich:- Check out the Chatham Lighthouse. Just a short drive from Stage Harbor Lighthouse, Chatham Lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in the region. Still active and part of a Coast Guard station, it offers guided tours during certain times of the year. Its dramatic location overlooking the Atlantic makes it a must-see.
- Located at the southern tip of Monomoy Island, the Monomoy Point Lighthouse is a bit harder to reach, but the adventure is worth it. Accessible by boat or a long hike, it offers sweeping views and a chance to experience Cape Cod’s more remote and wild side.
- Known for its striking red and white stripes, Nauset Light in Eastham, just 30 minutes away, is one of the most recognizable lighthouses on Cape Cod. It’s open for tours and sits within the Cape Cod National Seashore, where you can pair your visit with a day at the beach.
- Located a little bit further away in Truro, Highland Light is the oldest and tallest lighthouse on Cape Cod. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the Atlantic. It’s also connected to Henry David Thoreau, who once wrote about the area’s beauty.
- Tucked away in Provincetown, one of the best Cape Cod towns, Race Point Lighthouse is surrounded by dunes and stunning ocean views. You can reach it by hiking along the sand, and it’s one of the most peaceful spots to take in Cape Cod’s coastal scenery.