The Outer Banks is known for its beautiful beaches, wild horses, fresh seafood, and miles of beautiful coastline. But long before families like yours started making vacation memories here, the coast was known for something else entirely: its lighthouses!
For centuries, ships traveled the waters off North Carolina's coast, navigating strong currents and storms that earned this stretch of shoreline the nickname "The Graveyard of the Atlantic." The lighthouses of the Outer Banks helped guide sailors safely home, and today, they're some of the most recognizable landmarks in the region.
From the towering Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to the iconic red-brick lighthouse in Corolla, each one tells a different story about the history of the Outer Banks. Interested in seeing them for yourself? Here's a closer look at the North Carolina Outer Banks lighthouses and why they're worth adding to your vacation itinerary.
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Currituck Beach Lighthouse
If you're staying in Corolla, chances are you've already spotted the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Built in 1875, this striking red-brick tower was constructed to fill a dark stretch of coastline where ships had little guidance as they navigated the waters between Cape Henry and Bodie Island.
Unlike many lighthouses around the country, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse was never painted. Its natural brick exterior has become one of Corolla's most recognizable landmarks!
So what can you do here? Well, climbing the lighthouse is a must if you don’t mind heights. The 220-step climb has incredible views of Corolla, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Currituck Sound.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse Fun Facts
- Built in 1875
- Located in Historic Corolla Village
- The Currituck Lighthouse height is approximately 162 feet
- One of the few unpainted brick lighthouses in the United States
- Visitors can climb to the top seasonally
- Features a museum shop with gifts, books, and local history exhibits
Want to stay close to the lighthouse?
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Just south of Nags Head, you’ll find Bodie Island Lighthouse, surrounded by marshes, boardwalks, and some of the best birdwatching on the Outer Banks!
The current lighthouse dates to 1872 and is the third lighthouse built on Bodie Island after earlier structures were destroyed by weather and instability. Today, its distinctive black-and-white horizontal stripes make it one of the most photographed lighthouses on the coast.
You and your kids will love the boardwalk trails around the lighthouse grounds; you'll be able to spot herons, egrets, and other coastal wildlife if you’re lucky!
Bodie Island Lighthouse Fun Facts
- Built in 1872
- Located near Nags Head
- Open seasonally for climbing tours
- Popular spot for sunrise and sunset photography
- Part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
No article about Outer Banks lighthouses is complete without Cape Hatteras! Standing 198 feet tall, it's the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States and one of the most famous lighthouses in the world.
The lighthouse has watched over one of the most dangerous sections of the Atlantic coast for more than 150 years. In 1999, engineers completed an incredible feat by moving the entire lighthouse nearly half a mile inland to protect it from shoreline erosion.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Fun Facts
- It is the tallest brick lighthouse in America.
- The lighthouse was moved approximately 2,900 feet inland in 1999.
- More than one million bricks were used during construction.
- The black-and-white spiral pattern helps mariners identify the lighthouse during the day.
- It remains an active navigational aid.
Ocracoke Lighthouse
Built in 1823, Ocracoke Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina.
While you won’t be able to climb inside, it's still one of the most charming lighthouse stops on the Outer Banks. The white tower sits in the heart of Ocracoke Village, surrounded by historic homes, local shops, and waterfront restaurants. Plus, the ferry over to the island is beautiful in its own right!
Ocracoke Lighthouse Fun Facts
- Built in 1823
- Oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina
- Located on Ocracoke Island
- Still active today
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
Sometimes the Roanoke Marshes Ligthouse gets overlooked due to its smaller stature, but we had to include it! It's in a quieter section of Manteo, but it's still worth a visit.
This smaller structure juts out 40 yards into the Roanoke Sound, so you can't miss it if you're walking (or boating!) nearby. You may be surprised to learn that this lighthouse is not the original; it is a replica of the 1877 lighthouse, and one of several historical versions that stood at different times along the inland waterways. Due to the careful detail paid to the replica, you wouldn't even know by looking at it that this lighthouse is only about twenty years old!
Fun Facts About Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse:
- The original lighthouse was first built in 1877 to guide boats through Croatan Sound
- The current structure is a replica completed in 2004
- It is built in the screw-pile style, designed for shallow, soft-bottom waters
- The lighthouse extends roughly 40 yards over the water from the Manteo waterfront
- It is much smaller than the other Outer Banks lighthouses, but served a different navigational purpose.
Can You See All Five Outer Banks Lighthouses in One Day?
The short answer? Technically, yes. Seeing all five major Outer Banks lighthouses in one day is definitely possible, but you'll want to get an early start and be prepared for a full day of exploring.
Start in Corolla at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Begin your day at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Historic Corolla Village. If you're planning to climb the lighthouse, this is the perfect time to do it before it gets too hot later in the day.
Head south to Manteo and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
From Corolla, continue south through the central Outer Banks towns and cross onto Roanoke Island. In Manteo, you’ll find the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse right on the waterfront. It’s a quick stop compared to the taller coastal lighthouses, and easy to fit into the route without much extra time.
Head South to Bodie Island Lighthouse
Next, make your way south toward Nags Head and Bodie Island Lighthouse. The drive takes you through several popular Outer Banks towns, including Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills.
Continue to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
From Bodie Island, continue south along NC-12 toward Buxton. This stretch of highway is one of the most beautiful drives on the Outer Banks, passing through Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, and Frisco.
Finish Your Adventure at Ocracoke Lighthouse
For your final stop, hop aboard the ferry from Hatteras Village to Ocracoke Island. Once you arrive, it's a short trip to Ocracoke Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina.
A Few Tips for Your Lighthouse Road Trip
- Start as early as possible.
- Check ferry schedules before your trip.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb any lighthouse towers.
- Allow extra time for photos and sightseeing along the way.
Of course, there's no rule that says you have to see them all in one day! Many visitors prefer to spread their lighthouse adventures across their vacation, giving themselves more time to explore the beaches, shops, restaurants, and attractions near each stop. Either way, visiting these historic landmarks is one of the best ways to experience the rich maritime history of the Outer Banks.
Stay Near the Outer Banks' Most Iconic Landmarks When You Book Your Stay Directly with Carolina Shores
Featured Rental: KD 1905 - Summer Wind
After a day spent climbing lighthouse towers and taking in ocean views, there's nothing better than returning to the best vacation rentals on the Outer Banks. That’s where we come in!
At Carolina Shores Vacation Rentals, you'll find homes throughout the Outer Banks that place you close to many of the area's most popular attractions, including the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla and the other historic lighthouses that make this coastline so special. Whether you want to stay in a pet-friendly home or make your rental is located directly on the ocean, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect fit for you amongst our extensive catalog of Outer Banks rentals.
Ready to book your stay? Browse our collection of Outer Banks vacation rentals and start planning your next family getaway today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which Outer Banks lighthouses can you actually climb right now?
Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Bodie Island Lighthouse are typically open for climbing during their operating seasons (summertime). Cape Hatteras is temporarily closed for 2026, and Ocracoke is not open for climbing at all. Always check current status before you go, since access can change year to year!
What’s the best time of year to visit Outer Banks lighthouses?
Fall and late spring are the easiest times to plan a lighthouse-focused trip. You’ll get milder weather, fewer crowds, and better parking compared to summer, which is the busiest season by far.
How long does it realistically take to drive between all four lighthouses?
Driving from Corolla to Hatteras alone takes several hours, and the full north-to-south route can stretch into a full-day trip once you factor in stops. Expect at least 3.5 hours of driving plus a ferry crossing if you include Ocracoke
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