Lighthouses were created to signal to incoming boats safely and were once found throughout the Southeast. Especially on the Atlantic coast, lighthouses aided in guiding ships into the harbor, but not without plenty of shipwrecks along the way.
Several have since been demolished or lost over the years, but there are plenty more you can visit and even climb. Note that some are currently under renovation and may operate in a limited capacity.
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Bald Head Light, Bald Head Island
The Bald Head Lighthouse, also known as Old Baldy, is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina. Set on the Cape Fear River, this version was originally lit in 1817. It was built with brick and stucco in a unique octagonal design, reaching 110 feet.
The lighthouse was officially decommissioned when the Cape Fear Light was built in 1935. Several locals sought refuge here in 1996 during Hurricane Fran. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views or learn more at the Smith Island Museum of History. The island is only accessible via ferry from Southport.
Bodie Island Light, Nags Head
The Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of the iconic lighthouses of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Built in its current form in 1872 on Cape Hatteras National Seashore, it reaches 156 feet and has an iconic striped design.
The lighthouse still serves as a working navigational aid, maintained by the National Park Service, automated since 1932. In 2013, after a major restoration, the lighthouse was opened to the public for climbing tours for the first time in its history.
Tickets are required for climbing, only offered in the summer. The lighthouse keeper’s quarters and its museum are currently closed for renovation after a 2025 fire.
Cape Hatteras Light, Buxton
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is known for its black-and-white spiral stripes, originally built in 1870. At 210 feet, it’s the tallest brick lighthouse in the country and one of the tallest in the world. In 1999, it was carefully moved inland because of the encroaching shoreline.
It’s been open to climbing in the past, but is currently closed for renovations, which will likely continue through 2026 (this is a recent photo). The Hatteras Island Visitor Center and Museum of the Sea offer additional information on the area. The lighthouse can be reached by ferry from Ocracoke or by car across the bridge from the mainland near Manteo.
Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Cape Lookout
Known for its bold black-and-white diamond pattern, the Cape Lookout Lighthouse was completed in 1859 and stands 163 feet high. During the Civil War, Confederate forces removed the lens to prevent the Union Navy from using the light. Union troops later occupied the area.
The diamond pattern also serves a purpose, with its black diamonds pointing north-south and white diamonds pointing east-west. You can also visit the Lighthouse Keeper’s house.
Island Express Ferry Service operates trips to Cape Lookout from Harkers Island and Beaufort, but you can also visit on a private boat. Once there, you’ll need an ATV or hop aboard the seasonal beach shuttle service.
Currituck Beach Light, Corolla
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse remains unpainted, showcasing its natural red brick exterior since its creation in 1875. It stands 162 feet tall and was electrified in the 1930s. Visitors can climb the 220 steps to the top for panoramic views of the Outer Banks and Currituck Sound.
The lighthouse grounds also include the keeper’s house, rebuilt in the 1980s, which serves as a museum and visitor center. Tickets are required to climb the lighthouse, which can be purchased when you arrive, not in advance. The lighthouse is accessible by car.
Oak Island Lighthouse, Oak Island
The Oak Island Lighthouse is one of the newest and most distinctive lighthouses on the North Carolina coast, completed in 1958. It spans 153 feet and is made with reinforced concrete, with three different banded colors.
It was built to replace the Cape Fear Light on Bald Head. It originally had eight 70-million candlepower aerobeacon lenses, making it briefly the brightest lighthouse in the country, but now operates with more energy-efficient LED beacons.
Visitors can access the interior by reservation only, and while it doesn’t have a traditional spiral staircase, climbers use ship-style ladders. Oak Island is accessible by car.
Ocracoke Light Station, Ocracoke
The Ocracoke Light Station claims to be the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina. It was built in 1823 and stands at a modest 75 feet. The current tower was constructed by Massachusetts builder Noah Porter.
It was electrified in 1934 and automated in 1955, and it remains an active navigational aid today, using a modern light source within the historic lens. Visitors cannot climb the tower due to its narrow, steep interior. The lighthouse is located on Ocracoke Island, which can only be accessed by ferry.
Have you visited any of these historic lighthouses?
Looking to learn more about the South’s lighthouses? Pick up a copy of Southern Lighthouses: Outer Banks to Cape Florida.
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