HIGHLAND
LIGHT
NAUSET
LIGHT
NOBSKA
LIGHT
CHATHAM
LIGHT
RACE POINT
LIGHT
LOCATION: Provincetown, MA, at the tip or "hard fist" of Cape Cod. In the dunes of the Provincelands, about 2 miles from any 2-wheel drive roads. It is actually the westernmost point in Provincetown.
HISTORY: First built in 1816, things came slowly to this remote location. A 4th order fresnel lens was installed in the 1850's and then, reinstalled in the new tower of 1876. Electricity didn't arrive until 1957, and shortly after, the larger of the two keepers houses was destroyed. The other keepers house has been expanded, to house a Coast Guard family. The 1970's saw a new optic and automation replace the fresnel lens. Solar power and the present optic were installed in 1994. Restoration revived this lighthouse over the next 3 years, and a solar panel for the keepers house was installed in 2003.
DIRECTIONS: Take Route 6 to Provincetown and head to either of these 2 locations:
(1) Take Route 6 as far as you can go. Turn right and follow signs for Herring Cove Beach. You will race Race Point Lighthouse in the distance to the right as you look down the beach. If you hit the low tide, you can walk all the way to the lighthouse (Hatch's Harbor will dry up at low tide), or:
(2) At your first traffic light in Provincetown, turn right onto Race Point Road. Follow this road all the way to the end, past the airport, to the parking lot of the public beach. From here it is a 2-mile walk over sand to the lighthouse
Option #3 - If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you may purchase a weekly pass to drive right out to the lighthouse. (Be sure you have all the necessary safety equipment required to obtain an oversand pass).
OTHER INFO: Solar-powered aerobeacons and keepers house, flashing white light every 10 seconds. Light is 45' above sea level and visible for 16 nautical miles. Whale watch boats out of Provincetown pass by this light in season. Also, overnight stays are available at Race Point Lighthouse from May through early October. Call 508-487-9930 or write to Race Point Lighthouse, PO Box 570, N. Truro, MA 02652 to make reservations. Rooms start at around $150/night.
PHOTO TIPS: Dramatic lighting shots can be obtained at sunset and sunrise anytime of the year. If you want the sun hitting the front of the keepers house during the day, go during the winter months.