Cape Lookout National Seashore is a 56-mile stretch of wild, undeveloped barrier islands on North Carolina's Crystal Coast where nature writes the itinerary. Only accessible by boat, this remote coastal escape offers empty beaches, rolling dunes and some of the best shelling on the East Coast. The iconic black-and-white diamond-patterned lighthouse stands tall, a beacon for boaters and explorers alike. Wild horses roam the shores of Shackleford Banks, remnants of a centuries-old Spanish shipwreck. Whether you’re fishing, camping under the stars or just soaking in the solitude, Cape Lookout delivers the kind of quiet beauty that’s hard to find anywhere else.
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse’s black-and-white diamond pattern isn’t just for looks — it’s a navigational tool. The diamonds are arranged so that sailors can tell which direction they’re facing just by looking at the lighthouse.
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Horses with a History
The wild horses of Shackleford Banks are more than just a lucky accident. They’re descendants of Spanish mustangs that survived shipwrecks centuries ago, making them some of the oldest living links to early colonial history.
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A Beach with No Bridges
Unlike other coastal destinations, Cape Lookout has no roads, ferries or bridges. The only way to get there is by private boat or ferry, making it one of the most untouched and secluded stretches of coastline in North Carolina.
Leave No Trace
Caring for our Coast
It’s up to each of us to do our part and Join the Movement to protect these spaces for generations. The 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles provide a pathway for everyone to have amazing, responsible and safe outdoor adventures in North Carolina.
