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Climbing a Cape Cod Lighthouse: Getting Past the Nerves

You're standing at the base of a lighthouse, looking up, and thinking: "I bet the view from the top is amazing."

Then, if you're anything like me, a little anxiety creeps in. And you begin to wonder if the view is worth it. 

View looking up the side of Highland Light from ground level, with the lighthouse tower stretching toward a bright blue sky.

For me, it’s my fear of heights. For you, maybe enclosed spaces set your nerves on edge.

Either way, if the idea of climbing to the top of a lighthouse makes you a little skittish, this guide is for you.

A Quick Reality Check ...

And a bit of reassurance: There’s no pressure to climb.

If you decide to give it a try and change your mind a few steps in, that’s perfectly fine. You can turn around and head back down.

My First (and Almost Last) Lighthouse Climb

Let's set the stage ...

Nearly 20 years ago, my sister and her kids were here on vacation. They wanted to visit a lighthouse and climb the tower.

Not wanting to admit to the kids that I was afraid of heights, I said, "Sure, let's do it." And off we went to Highland Light.

Going up? Easy! The spiral stairway was long and kind of steep, but nothing I couldn't handle.

View from the base of the spiral staircase inside Highland Light, showing the brick interior walls and stairs winding upward toward the top of the tower.

At the top, the view was stunning! And I was fine — as long as I kept my eyes on the horizon and stayed at least a foot back from the windows.

Two children sitting by the windows in the lantern room of Highland Light on Cape Cod, view of Highland Links golf course and the Atlantic Ocean in the background.

The problem came when it was time to go back down.

I made the mistake of looking down that spiral staircase, and my stomach churned. I whispered to my sister, “Nope. I can’t do this.”

She calmly talked me through it: “Let Devon go first. Follow her. Hold the handrail, and don't look down.”

Woman and teenager partway down the spiral stairs inside Highland Light on Cape Cod, with the woman showing a nervous smile during the descent.

Down we went, slowly, step by step, pausing at the landing for me to take a breath. (Notice my "grin of terror" in the photo?)

Finally back on terra firma, I vowed I'd never climb a lighthouse again.

The Climb That Changed My Mind

Fast forward to a recent sunny day at Nobska Light in Woods Hole.

I was there to check out the newly restored keeper’s house. I had zero intention of climbing the tower. No thank you!

View of Nobska Light and the Keeper’s House from the parking lot, with a group of visitors and tour guides gathered near the lighthouse on a sunny morning.

When I explained to the tour guide why I didn't want to climb the tower, she invited me to listen in on the lighthouse talk. "Just the talk," she said. "No pressure to climb."

When the talk was over and the group started up the stairs, I heard a little voice in my head saying: “Hey, woosie. Put on your big-girl britches and do it!”. So ... I did. 

About 3/4 of the way up, we reached a lookout room with portholes and a gorgeous view of Vineyard Sound.

I stopped, heaved a sigh of relief, and started snapping photos out the porthole.

View through the porthole inside Nobska Light, looking out toward Vineyard Sound on a clear day.

Next: up a short ladder, through a hatchway, to the lantern room. Another challenge, but worth it for the panoramic views!

View from the lantern room at Nobska Light, showing the black railing, Vineyard Sound, a glimpse of Martha’s Vineyard, and the parking lot and road below.

Then it was time to go back down. Cue: Highland Light flashback.

I half-joked to the guide, “You might need to call a crane to get me out of here.”

But she reassured me: "Just hold the rail, and take your time. As soon as you take that first step, you'll be fine."

Believe it or not, she was right. 


Getting Through the Climb

A few tips to make the experience easier:

  • Don’t hesitate to let the guide know if you’re nervous. They’re there to help you feel comfortable and enjoy the tour.
     
  • Wear sturdy shoes. Flip-flops and strappy sandals are not your friends. You'll be much more confident knowing your footing is secure.

  • Stay focused on taking it one step at a time. Resist the urge to look down through the center of the staircase. And breathe!
Winding metal staircase inside a brick lighthouse tower with light showing through a window

How High are the Climbs?

These tower heights are approximate, but close enough to give you a good sense of what you’re dealing with:

  • Nobska Light (Falmouth) — 40 ft.

  • Race Point Light (Provincetown) — 45 ft. 

  • Chatham Light (Chatham) — 48 ft.
     
  • Nauset Light (Eastham) — 48 ft.

  • Highland Light (North Truro) — 70 ft.

Still Not Sure? Try a "Test Climb"

Not convinced that you're ready for a top-of-the-lighthouse experience? Swing by Scargo Tower in Dennis. 

I've climbed this tower more times than I can count. And I can assure you, it's a perfect place to test your tolerance for tight-ish interiors and moderate heights.

View of Scargo Tower in Dennis, Massachusetts, with two people looking down from the open-air lookout at the top, seen from ground level on a clear day.This historic stone tower is only 30 feet tall. It has an open-air lookout at the top, with beautiful views of Scargo Lake and Cape Cod Bay
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