The 142-foot tall Assateague Lighthouse resides on the Virginia side of the Assateague Island National Seashore, a 5-minute drive from the nearby Chincoteague Island. Filled with rich history, this National Register of Historic Icon landmark is also an actively functioning lighthouse, aiding in the navigation of ships to this day under the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard.
The first version of the lighthouse was built in 1833, with construction starting on a taller, brighter version in 1860. This upgrade, however, was put on hold due to the outbreak of the Civil War. After the conclusion of the war, the building of the new lighthouse resumed and was completed in 1867.
Once you've entered the park, there is a small parking lot located at the trailhead to the lighthouse. There is a small trail through a wooded area, which opens into the lighthouse grounds. Visitors may enter the lighthouse through the front door, also doubling as a gift shop and informational center. You can take the stairs to the top and check out the expansive view, including Wallops Island Spaceport.
Visitors to the lighthouse must pay a fee to access Assateague Island, and can either choose to pay $20 for seven days or $40 for a one-year pass for $40. The passes are good for both the Maryland and Virginia sides of the island, and if you plan on visiting more than once a year, the $40 option is worth it.
The lighthouse is free, but donations are appreciated.
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