Lighthouses. They dot the New England coast. Like most people who ignore the touristy things to do in their area, I took them for granted. One day, while my wife and I were out adventuring on Cape Cod, we came across the small parking lot near Nobska Lighthouse on Nobska Road. I needed to get out and stretch my legs. I’m glad I did.
The current Nobska Lighthouse, located in Falmouth’s village of Woods Hole, has been standing guard over the waterways south of Cape Cod since 1876. It’s main job was to warn ships about the shoals south of the Cape. If you’re not sure what a shoal is, don’t be embarrassed. I had to look it up too. A shoal can refer to either an area of a body of water that’s shallow, or a sandbank/sandbar. Thank goodness for dictionary.com!
Currently, it belongs to the federal government, but the town of Falmouth is responsible for maintaining the facilities. This works out wonderfully for Uncle Sam, as he doesn’t have to pay to keep his lighthouse open but still retains ownership. In 2016, the town then passed the responsibility to The Friends of Nobska Light. This non-profit organization plans on having a museum open at the site by 2020.
The Views!
Looking south from Nobksa Lighthouse, you can see miles and miles of ocean. Across Nobska Road, there’s a short path that will lead you to a spectacular view of Vineyard Sound. On the day we went, we were able to see Martha’s Vineyard and a few of the Elizabeth Islands.
Tips for visiting:
- The parking lot is very small. It has room for maybe five or six cars. In the summer, it can fill up fast. If you go in the off-season, you’ll have a better chance of getting a spot.
- Parking on the road is prohibited.
- Nobska Light is open during the summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check here for more info and times: http://www.friendsofnobska.org/Visit
For more information about the Nobska Lighthouse, go to: http://www.friendsofnobska.org
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Looking for more things to do on the Cape? Check out these posts:
- The Knob, Falmouth
- Hidden Lawrence Island, Bourne
- Nobska Lighthouse, Falmouth
- The Sandwich Boardwalk, Sandwich
- Sagamore Hill, Sandwich
- Seal Watching
- 5 Free Things to do in Falmouth
- The Cape Cod National Seashore
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Nobska Light is located at 233 Nobska Road, Falmouth, MA
Check out our map of places we’ve been in New England!
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I found this very interesting and will make plans to see it.
It’s worth it!
You’re absolutely right- that is Martha’s Vineyard across Vineyard Sound. At its nearest, it’s only 7 miles away fro Falmouth. Some days it looks even closer!
I thought so! I wasn’t sure if it was the Vineyard or one of the ELizabeth Islands.