Lighthouse road trip: Here's how to visit each of NC's iconic lighthouses
North Carolina's coastal lighthouses provide some of the most iconic and historic views of the Carolina coastline.
Some of the oldest lighthouses are over 200 years old, while the tallest NC lighthouse reaches higher than any other in America at 210 ft. tall – offering a sweeping vista of the ocean and islands surrounding North Carolina.
Their unique designs provide a glimpse back in time to an era of ships, captains and pirates.
As summer approaches and people flock to the beaches and Outer Banks, you may want to climb to the top of one of North Carolina's most striking lighthouses – but they aren't always open for visitors and some require booking passage on a ferry. Here's a guide to the lighthouses of the Carolina coastline, including how to get tickets, what days they are open and how to get there.
Lighthouses are listed in order of the most 'easy' to visit to the most 'difficult,' or the ones that are not currently open for climbing.
1. Visiting Old Baldy Lighthouse
The Bald Head Lighthouse, also known as 'Old Baldy,' is the oldest lighthouse still standing in North Carolina. Over 200 years old, it was first illuminated in 1817 as a replacement to an even older lighthouse that had been destroyed due to severe erosion. Parts of Old Baldy were re-used from the previous lighthouse. Today, the lighthouse has a 'patchwork' appearance from decades of various repairs; however, the lighthouse used to be completely white. For several decades in the early 1900s the lighthouse was abandoned and left to ruin. Old Baldy is 109 feet tall, and the spiral staircase inside reveals brick walls and a very historic appearance.
Old Baldy Lighthouse summer hours (Starting the first Tuesday after Memorial Day):
- Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Old Baldy Lighthouse spring hours (Starting on the first Tuesday after Labor Day):
- Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
- Closed January and February
Old Baldy Lighthouse fall hours:
- Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Closed Sunday and Monday
How to visit Old Baldy Lighthouse
- Bald Head Island is only accessible by boat. The Bald Head Island passenger ferry is in Southport, NC.
- Tickets to the lighthouse are $8 for adults, $5 for kids under 12, free for kids under 3
- Old Baldy Lighthouse website has more details to plan your visit.
- Address: 101 Light House Wynd, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
2. Visiting Bodie Island Lighthouse
Completed in 1872, the Bodie Island Lighthouse is actually the third at this general location – built after the first two were destroyed. Helping provide light for the Graveyard of the Atlantic, it was considered the part of the NC coast in most desperate need of a lighthouse.
The first lighthouse was far smaller, reaching only 57 feet tall in 1848. Within only two years, the foundation had begun to sink. A second lighthouse was built, but it was destroyed during the Civil War. Finally, the current day Bodie Lighthouse was built as the largest of the three, reaching an impressive 156 feet tall. To climb to the top, you'll have to circle up 214 stairs.
The Bodie Lighthouse is recognizable for its black and white rings.
Bodie Lighthouse hours:
- The Bodie Island Lighthouse will be open for climbing April 26 through October 9, 2023.
How to visit Bodie Lighthouse:
- Climbing tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens, children 11 and under and people with disabilities.
- Tickets go on sale at 7 a.m. each day and must be purchased on the same day of your intended climb.
- Tickets are available to purchase on Recreation.gov.
- You must arrive at the lighthouse at least 5 minutes prior to your ticket time. No refunds.
- You do not need a boat to reach Bodie Island Lighthouse
- Address: 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road, Nags Head, North Carolina 27959
3. Visiting Oak Island Lighthouse
While some of North Carolina's older lighthouses have been standing for more than a century – or two! – the Oak Island Lighthouse is relatively new. One of few lighthouses built in the 20th century, construction was completed in 1958, and the lighthouse is still actively in use.
The difference don't stop there: Oak Island's lighthouse has unique, more modern architecture, including an LED light. It also doesn't have the traditional 'tapered' appearance or spiral interior staircases; instead, the stairs look more like something you'd find in a ship. It's 153 feet tall and has 131 steps to reach the lantern gallery.
The active lighthouse was built to guard the mouth of the Cape Fear River for boats passing through.
Oak Island Lighthouse summer hours:
- Top tours are open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday starting at 9:30 a.m.
- Summer hours run from May 1 through Sept. 30
- All tours are in the mornings
Oak Island Lighthouse year-round hours:
- From October 1 through April 30, tours are only offered Wednesdays and Saturdays
How to visit Oak Island Lighthouse:
- Reservations for top tours require an advance request – sometimes up to 6 weeks in advance during the busy summer season and holidays.
- Last-minute requests will only be considered if tours have already been scheduled and space still remains
- Maximum occupancy for a tour is 20 climbers
- Climbers must be at least 9 years old
- There is no fee to climb the Oak Island Lighthouse
- Grounds are open from dawn till dusk
- You do not need a boat to reach the Oak Island Lighthouse
- You can request a tour on their website
- Address: 300a Caswell Beach Rd, Oak Island, NC 28465
4. Visiting Currituck Beach Lighthouse
One of the state's last remaining brick and mortar lighthouses, Currituck Beach Lighthouse has a very different external appearance that most of North Carolina's iconic black & white striped towers.
Built in 1875, the lighthouse has a Victorian keeper house at its base. Reaching 162 feet tall, it takes 214 steps to reach the top.
Hours for 2023 season:
- Season runs March 18 to November 30
- Lighthouse is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
How to visit the Currituck Beach Lighthouse:
- Tickets are $12 to climb the lighthouse for ages 4 and up
- Admission is paid at the front door. Advance and online tickets are not available.
- Grounds are open to the public at no cost. Leashed pets are welcome.
- You do not need a boat or ferry to access the lighthouse.
- More information is available on the Currituck Beach Lighthouse website.
- Address: 1101 Corolla Village Rd, Corolla, NC 27927
5. Visiting Cape Lookout Lighthouse
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is known for two, very distinctive things: Its iconic black & white diamond pattern and being difficult to reach.
The lighthouse is at a remote location only accessible by ferry or a personal boat. There is a ferry that takes travelers from the Harkers Island Visitor's Center to Cape Lookout, with more information and tickets available here.
The current lighthouse was built in 1859, when the original tower, built in 1812, was converted into keeper's quarters.
For many decades, the lighthouse was inaccessible to the public. Restoration efforts allowed it to open for visitors to climb to the top in 2010. However, more recent restoration efforts have once again closed the lighthouse, with renovations expected to be complete in 2025. Until then, visitors cannot enter the lighthouse; however, you can still take a ferry to the beach and explore the outside of the lighthouse for some beautiful photos.
How to visit and hours for the 2023 season:
- The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is not open for tours. However, visitors can visit the beach to view the outside.
- Only accessible by boat or ferry, you can take a ferry from Harkers Island to reach the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
- Address: 1800 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531
6. Visiting Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
One of the most well-known and picturesque lighthouses in North Carolina, the Cape Hatteras lighthouse is the world's tallest brick lighthouse, reaching a startling 208' in height.
The present-day Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was lit in 1870, but it wasn't the first lighthouse at Hatteras. The first lighthouse was authorized in 1794 and made of sandstone – looking similar to present-day Old Baldy. However, after decades of damage and complaints about its ineffectiveness, it was abandoned and the new lighthouse was built.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is one of the biggest attractions to the Outer Banks, with over 100,000 people clamoring each year to climb to the top – a staggering 257 steps.
When the North Carolina icon was at major risk of being lost at sea due to beach erosion, in an incredible feat of engineering, preservationists rescued the historic monument by moving it to a safer location.
Sadly, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is currently closed for climbing and will likely not open in 2023 due to restoration efforts; however, outdoor areas near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are open 24/7 for public viewing.
How to visit and hours for the 2023 season:
- The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is closed for climbing and touring inside in 2023.
- Visitors can tour the outside and marvel at the scenic views from the ground.
- You don't need tickets to visit. Grounds are open 24/7.
- You don't need a boat or ferry to reach the lighthouse.
- View the National Park Service website for more details.
- Address: 46379 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, North Carolina 27920
7. Visiting Ocracoke Lighthouse
Much shorter than most of the other North Carolina lighthouses, the Ocracoke Lighthouse stands at 75 feet tall and was completed in 1823. It celebrated its 200th anniversary this year! The lighthouse is still in use to this day; in fact, according to the National Park Service, it's the oldest working lighthouse in North Carolina – and the second oldest in the United States.
Decades ago, the lighthouse provided a safe place for residents during hurricanes due to its sturdy walls and location on higher ground.
Though the lighthouse is not open for climbing, the site can be visited daily. During the summer months, the base of the lighthouse is open during limited hours.
How to visit and hours for the 2023 season:
- The lighthouse is not open for tours inside; however, the grounds are open to visitors.
- There is no cost for visiting.
- Because it is on Ocracoke Island, visitors from the mainland or the Outer Banks can only access the Ocracoke Lighthouse after a boat or ferry trip.
- Visit the National Park Service's website for more details on how to visit.
- Address: 360 Lighthouse Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960
