Welcome to the land of lighthouses and southern charm – Eastern North Carolina!
The North Carolina Lighthouses have a special place in my heart. I have fond memories of visiting as many lighthouses as we could fit in on family vacations.
If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about coastal adventures, picturesque views, and the rhythmic dance of lighthouse beams cutting through the night, then you’re in for a treat.
North Carolina boasts not one or two, but eight lighthouses waiting to be explored. From historic structures steeped in maritime tales to breathtaking panoramas that will make your heart skip a beat, these beacons of the Tar Heel State are a lighthearted invitation to embark on a journey filled with coastal wonders.
So, buckle up your sea legs and get ready to discover the enchanting world of North Carolina’s iconic lighthouses and be sure to add them to your NC sight seeing bucket list!
North Carolina Has 8 Active Lighthouses:
1. Bald Head
Bald Head Island, NC. The Oldest Standing Lighthouse in NC. Accessible only by boat. Click here for ferry schedules and information.
Open Spring, Summer & Fall
Closed Dec. 24, 25 & 26
Closed all January and February
2. Bodie Island
Bodie Island Nags Head: The 170-foot structure is one of only a dozen remaining tall, brick tower lighthouses in the United States. It’s also one of the few with an original first-order Fresnel lens to cast its light.
Open for climbing April-October with Full Moon Tours available on select nights. Tickets must be purchased the same day of your visit and updated schedules can be found at recreation.gov
3. Cape Hatteras
Cape Hatteras, Buxton NC: The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse protects one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coast and is the tallest brick lighthouse in North America.
Climbing is open from Apirl-October but the grounds near the lighthouse are open 24/7.
Tickets can be purchased 1st come 1st serve onsite on the day of your climb. No advanced or online ticket purchases are available.
4. Cape Lookout
Cape Lookout, Harkers Island: One of the most visited attractions on the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accessible only by a privately owned boat or ferry from Beaufort or Harkers Island, the lighthouse may be a little hard to reach, but it’s well worth the trip.
Climbing the lighthouse has been closed for repairs since 2021 with hopes of reopening by the 2025 climbing season. However, access to Cape Lookout is available year round and Nite at Cape Tours are available to see the lighthouse alight at night.
5. Currituck Beach
Currituck Beach: Currituck Lighthouse still functions as a guide for passing mariners. At 162′ feet tall, the lighthouse’s First Order Fresnel light, (the largest size available for American lighthouses), can be seen for 18 nautical miles.
6. Oak Island
Oak Island: The only Lighthouse in NC operated 100% by Volunteers! Also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
7. Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island: Built by hand in 1823, the Ocracoke Lighthouse celebrated its 200th birthday in 2023! It is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina and the second oldest in the nation.
8. Roanoke River
Roanoke River: Built in 1886, the Roanoke River Lighthouse is a popular visitor attraction in Edenton, North Carolina’s first Colonial capital. It is one of the last surviving screwpile lighthouses of its kind in the United States.
North Carolina Lighthouse Road Trip Map
North Carolina Lighthouses Deactivated, Destroyed, Romoved or Demolished:
