Three Sisters Lighthouses
Three historic wooden lighthouses, once coastal sentinels, now stand inland as a charming testament to Cape Cod's maritime past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Three Sisters Lighthouses
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Three historic wooden lighthouses, once coastal sentinels, now stand inland as a charming testament to Cape Cod's maritime past.
"These charming sisters offer a unique glimpse into Cape Cod's maritime history, a quick and free stop."
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Nauset
Walk or drive from Nauset Lighthouse; there's a free parking lot for the Three Sisters too.
🦟 Beware of Mosquitoes!
Mosquitoes can be active, especially in the early evening. Bring repellent if you plan to linger.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Three Sisters Lighthouses
Eastham, MA
Three charming, historic wooden lighthouses standing together in a field, a testament to Cape Cod's maritime past.
Nauset Lighthouse Proximity
Eastham, MA
Easily accessible from the Three Sisters, this iconic lighthouse is famous for being featured on Cape Cod potato chip bags.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Three Sisters
Understand Their Unique Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Nauset
Walk or drive from Nauset Lighthouse; there's a free parking lot for the Three Sisters too.
🦟 Beware of Mosquitoes!
Mosquitoes can be active, especially in the early evening. Bring repellent if you plan to linger.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great for capturing the unique setting and history of these iconic structures.
⏳ Short Visit Recommended
The site is small with limited parking (30 min limit). It's a quick, worthwhile peek.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Nauset
Walk or drive from Nauset Lighthouse; there's a free parking lot for the Three Sisters too.
🦟 Beware of Mosquitoes!
Mosquitoes can be active, especially in the early evening. Bring repellent if you plan to linger.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great for capturing the unique setting and history of these iconic structures.
⏳ Short Visit Recommended
The site is small with limited parking (30 min limit). It's a quick, worthwhile peek.
💡 Learn Their Story
An informational kiosk provides history, explaining their move inland due to erosion.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Three Sisters Lighthouses to be a charming historical site, appreciated for their unique story and proximity to Nauset Lighthouse. While some find them small and a bit underwhelming due to their inland location and current condition, others enjoy the quick, free visit and photographic potential. The limited parking and potential for mosquitoes are minor drawbacks.
"While visiting Nauset Lighthouse in Easton, MA, you can walk from the parking lot about 5 to 7 minutes to the Three Sisters Lighthouses. There are direction signs. Or you can even drive there, as there is a free parking lot there too. The lighthouses are very small, and non functional. In the past, they were placed closer to the ocean, and helped the sailors to understand that they were exactly at the Cape's mid point."
Rose Davis
"We visited on a late Monday afternoon in mid-June 2025.
We were the only car in the parking lot and there were probably 6 spots total include a ADA spot.
There were signs that said Visitor parking only and only for 30 mins. No beach access. So I guess sometimes people try to park here and walk down to the beach.
There is a short walking trail to the 3 lighthouses. Sadly it looked like only one of the tops survived. They look really cool and I like how they were spread out across the the field area.
There is a paved asphalt path to two of the lights so it's ADA accessible. There was one kiosk explaining the history. There was also a picnic table. I guess you could eat here but the parking is only 30 mins so it be a quick picnic.
Overall it was wroth the one visit, not sure we'd visit again as there isn't much here other than the 3 light houses and mosquitos. If you're walking and moving it's fine but they got us while we were reading the kiosk. It was early evening when we visited so they were probably extra active."
David L.
"These lighthouses look to have been placed in a field just to see how small they were. 2 of them do not even have lights. It was close to Nauset Light so you might as well see them"
Larry Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Three Sisters Lighthouses are located in Eastham, MA. You can drive directly to them, and there is a free parking lot available. Many visitors combine a trip here with a visit to the nearby Nauset Lighthouse.
Yes, there is a small, free parking lot at the Three Sisters Lighthouses. However, it has a 30-minute limit and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Absolutely! You can easily walk from the Nauset Lighthouse parking lot to the Three Sisters Lighthouses, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Signs are usually posted to guide you.
No, the original lighthouses were lost to coastal erosion. The current structures have been moved inland and are nestled in a field, a unique aspect of their history.
For visiting multiple lighthouses like the Three Sisters, Nauset, Chatham, and Nobska, driving is the most practical method. Consider planning your route to maximize your time. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Three Sisters Lighthouses is completely free. They are accessible year-round without any admission fee.
The Three Sisters Lighthouses are an outdoor historical site and are open to visitors year-round, 24 hours a day.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Three Sisters Lighthouses. It's a free historical attraction on Cape Cod.
The Three Sisters Lighthouses are non-functional and primarily for viewing from the outside. Tours of the interior are not typically available.
While there isn't a formal guided tour service for the Three Sisters Lighthouses themselves, you can learn about their history from an informational kiosk on site.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the charm of the lighthouses. Weekday mornings can offer fewer people for unobstructed shots.
Yes, they offer a unique photographic opportunity due to their historical significance and inland setting. Capturing them with the surrounding nature can be very picturesque.
You can capture wide shots showing all three lighthouses in their field setting, as well as closer details of their weathered structures.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check local FAA and town ordinances before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the group of lighthouses, while a telephoto lens can isolate details.
🎫 ℹ️ History & Significance
Originally built in the 1800s, these three wooden lighthouses were nicknamed 'The Three Sisters' for their appearance from the sea. Due to coastal erosion, they were moved inland to their current location in Eastham. +1
The original towers were lost to the sea. The current structures are historical replicas or relocated towers that are no longer operational as active navigational aids.
The name 'Three Sisters' comes from their appearance when viewed from the sea, resembling women in white dresses with black hats.
The lighthouses were moved approximately 1/3 of a mile inland from their original cliffside location to escape the encroaching Atlantic Ocean.
They stand as a preserved piece of Cape Cod's maritime history, symbolizing the challenges faced by sailors and the ingenuity of lighthouse keepers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine this visit with the nearby Nauset Lighthouse for a double dose of lighthouse fun. Pack some snacks and enjoy a brief picnic at the designated table, but be mindful of the 30-minute parking limit at the Three Sisters lot. Remember to bring mosquito repellent, as they can be present, especially during warmer months.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to minimize crowds and ensure unobstructed shots. While the lighthouses are no longer functional, their weathered textures and unique setting provide ample detail for close-ups, while wider shots can capture their historical context within the landscape.
🚗 Day-Trippers
+1Pairing this visit with Nauset Lighthouse and perhaps a stroll on a nearby beach like Nauset Beach (check parking availability) offers a well-rounded Eastham experience. Remember the parking limitations at the Three Sisters and be prepared for potential mosquitoes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of the Three Sisters
However, the relentless power of the Atlantic Ocean posed a significant threat. Coastal erosion gradually claimed the cliffs where the lighthouses stood, forcing their relocation inland. This move, approximately one-third of a mile from the shore, is a crucial part of their narrative, highlighting the dynamic relationship between human structures and the natural environment. Today, they stand as a testament to this history, preserved in a tranquil field.
While the lighthouses are no longer functional, they remain a beloved landmark. Visitors can explore the site, read the informational kiosk detailing their history, and appreciate their unique placement. It's a poignant reminder of Cape Cod's seafaring heritage and the efforts made to preserve its iconic structures.
Visiting the Three Sisters and Nauset Lighthouse
+1 The proximity makes it easy to experience two significant historical landmarks in one outing. Many visitors find it convenient to park at either location, as there are free parking lots available for both, though the Three Sisters lot has a 30-minute limit. When exploring the Three Sisters, it's important to note that they are smaller than one might expect and are no longer operational. Two of the three towers may appear to be missing their lights.
Travelers often remark on the peaceful atmosphere of the Three Sisters site, though some mention the presence of mosquitoes, especially in the early evening.
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