7 Coastal Lighthouses to Explore in North Carolina

A total of seven coastal lighthouses dot North Carolina's shoreline from the Outer Banks to the Brunswick Islands. Though long ago they protected adventurers from our treacherous shores, today they draw visitors for some of the most incredible views you’ll ever see.

1 Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Couple on top of lighthouse looking out onto land, marshes and water

1 Currituck Beach Lighthouse

CorollaSee on mapSee on map

Currituck Beach Light Station on the northern Outer Banks has protected North Carolina's shores since 1875. Made of roughly 1 million red bricks, this active lighthouse’s exterior differs from a more common black-and-white color scheme to the south.

Climb it: mid-March through December

2 Bodie Island Lighthouse

Black and white lighthouse surrounded by walking path, trees and marshes

2 Bodie Island Lighthouse

Nags HeadSee on mapSee on map

Continuing southbound on NC Highway 12 through Kitty Hawk and Nags Head, you'll reach Cape Hatteras National Seashore. At the entrance of this protected area is Bodie Island Lighthouse (pronounced “body”). Today’s structure is the third lighthouse to stand on this site. Take the 214-step trip to the top, then explore the lighthouse museum and bookshop in the former keeper's quarters.

Climb it: mid-April through mid-October

3 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

3 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

BuxtonSee on mapSee on map

Moving farther south through the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you'll come to Buxton, home of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. As the nation’s tallest and most recognizable lighthouse, it's commonly referred to as “America’s Lighthouse” and was completed in 1870. Please note: The lighthouse is currently closed for climbing due to ongoing restoration efforts.

4 Ocracoke Lighthouse

Aerial view of Ocracoke Lighthouse and green marshes and houses surrounding it

4 Ocracoke Lighthouse

OcracokeSee on mapSee on map

To reach the oldest still-operating lighthouse in North Carolina, you can take a free ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island. The whitewashed lighthouse is the nation’s second oldest still-active facility. The village is steeped in history, only accessible by water or air and was once a safe haven for the infamous pirate Blackbeard.

5 Cape Lookout Lighthouse

5 Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Harkers IslandSee on mapSee on map

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is most recognized for its large black-and-white diamond design. Originally rejected by 19th-century mariners, the structure was later used as the model for future Outer Banks lighthouses. It's the southernmost lighthouse on the Crystal Coast along the Outer Banks and is only accessible by private boat or ferry. Though the lighthouse is undergoing extensive renovations through 2025 and is currently closed to climbers, you can still admire it from the base.

6 Oak Island Lighthouse

6 Oak Island Lighthouse

Caswell BeachSee on mapSee on map

If you travel south of the Outer Banks to the Brunswick Islands beaches, you can cross onto Oak Island to see the Oak Island Lighthouse. With a light that can be seen for 16 miles, this lighthouse is one of the world’s most powerful. The area is open to the public, but it's best to call ahead to arrange your 131-step ascent up a series of ships ladders to the gallery level.

Climb it: all year on select days by appointment

7 Old Baldy Lighthouse

7 Old Baldy Lighthouse

Bald Head IslandSee on mapSee on map

North Carolina's southernmost lighthouse is visible from Oak Island. Return to the mainland and head to Southport where you can take the ferry to Bald Head Island. Similar to Ocracoke, Bald Head is only accessible by water or air. Old Baldy’s appearance is a result of decades of patchwork repair and its 200-plus years of existence. Climb to the top of its 108 steps to take in the view and explore the restored keeper’s cottage on the property.

Climb it: March through December

 

Updated January 5, 2024
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