Posted by Bailey Wilson

Guide to Outer Banks Lighthouses


For centuries, the lighthouses of the Outer Banks have guided ships through the dangerous waters off North Carolina’s coast, earning the region its nickname as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Today, these historic beacons remain some of the most iconic landmarks on the OBX, offering visitors a chance to experience breathtaking coastal views, rich maritime history, and charming seaside communities. 

From the towering striped brick of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to the quiet harbor setting of Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, each lighthouse has its own unique story and character. This guide explores every lighthouse on the Outer Banks, including their history, visitor information, climbing details, and what to expect when you visit.



Built in 1875, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse was the last major lighthouse constructed along the North Carolina coast. Its purpose was to fill the long stretch of dark shoreline between the Cape Henry Lighthouse in Virginia and Bodie Island Lighthouse farther south on the Outer Banks. Unlike many other lighthouses, Currituck was left unpainted, giving it its distinctive natural red-brick appearance that still stands out today in Corolla.

The lighthouse rises 162 feet and features 220 steps leading to the top, where visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the northern Outer Banks, the Currituck Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. The original first-order Fresnel lens is still in use today, flashing every 20 seconds and visible for nearly 18 nautical miles offshore.

The lighthouse grounds are beautifully maintained and open to the public year-round. Visitors can explore the surrounding historic site, which includes the restored Keeper’s House museum, walking paths shaded by live oaks, and expansive green lawns perfect for photos or a relaxing stroll. The property is located in the heart of Historic Corolla Village, making it easy to pair your visit with nearby shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Climbing fees typically range from about $13 for adults and $6 for children ages 4–12, while children under 4 are not permitted to climb. The lighthouse is generally open for climbing from mid-March through late November, though hours and pricing can vary seasonally.



Standing tall at the northern entrance to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Bodie Island Lighthouse has guided mariners along the dangerous “Graveyard of the Atlantic” since 1872. The current lighthouse is actually the third to stand in the area after earlier versions were destroyed by poor construction, erosion, and the Civil War. Its striking black-and-white horizontal stripes make it one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Outer Banks.

The lighthouse tower reaches 156 feet and still contains its original first-order Fresnel lens, which flashes every 22.5 seconds and can be seen from nearly 19 miles offshore. The name “Bodie” is pronounced “body,” as a legend states the name came from the history of the shipwrecks off the coast.

The grounds surrounding the lighthouse are free to visit and offer one of the most scenic and accessible lighthouse experiences on the Outer Banks. Visitors can enjoy the paved boardwalk through the marsh, wildlife viewing areas, picnic spots, and stunning photo opportunities overlooking the Roanoke Sound. The Double Keepers’ Quarters is currently closed indefinitely due to a fire, but park rangers still offer education on the lighthouse just outside.

Climbing the lighthouse requires a ticket, and tickets can only be purchased online the same day beginning at 7:00 AM, as climbs frequently sell out during the busy season. Climbing fees are typically around $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children, and free for children under 42 inches tall, though seasonal pricing and schedules may vary.

Because of the lighthouse’s narrow stairwell, safety rules are strictly enforced during climbs. Only one person is allowed on each section of stairs at a time, helping maintain spacing throughout the ascent and descent. Visitors should also be prepared for 214 steep steps to the top and limited opportunities to stop along the way.


Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse


Unlike the towering coastal beacons found elsewhere on the Outer Banks, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse offers a unique glimpse into a different style of maritime history. The original lighthouse was built in 1877 as a small screw-pile lighthouse designed to stand in the shallow waters of Croatan Sound near the southern end of Roanoke Island. These compact lighthouses were used to guide boats through inland sounds and waterways where larger oceanfront towers were unnecessary.

The original structure was decommissioned in the 1950s and later destroyed, but the replica standing today in downtown Manteo was carefully reconstructed in 2004 to resemble the 1877 lighthouse. Perched at the end of a pier along the Manteo waterfront, the lighthouse has become one of the town’s most photographed landmarks.

The grounds surrounding the lighthouse are free and open to the public year-round. Visitors can stroll the scenic boardwalk along Shallowbag Bay, relax in nearby waterfront parks, and enjoy easy access to downtown Manteo’s shops, restaurants, and historic attractions. Inside the lighthouse, guests can explore exhibits featuring maritime history, lighthouse artifacts, and information about the region’s coastal heritage. The interior is small but charming, offering a closer and more intimate experience than many of the larger Outer Banks lighthouses.

Because the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is a small screw-pile style structure rather than a tall tower, there is no lighthouse climb or observation deck. Admission to visit the lighthouse and grounds is typically free, making it an easy stop while exploring historic Manteo.


Cape Hatteras Lighthouse


Arguably the most famous lighthouse in America, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has warned mariners away from the dangerous Diamond Shoals off the Outer Banks since 1870. Rising 198 feet tall, it is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States and one of the most recognizable symbols of North Carolina’s coast with its iconic black-and-white spiral stripes.

The original Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built in 1803, but increasing shoreline erosion and the need for a taller beacon led to the construction of the current tower. In 1999, the lighthouse made national headlines when it was carefully relocated 2,900 feet inland to protect it from the encroaching Atlantic Ocean — one of the most ambitious lighthouse preservation projects ever completed. There were even petitions and bumper stickers shared around the Outer Banks in protest of the move.

Visitors can explore the spacious grounds within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which include walking paths, interpretive exhibits, shaded picnic areas, and excellent photo opportunities. The nearby visitor center and museum offer exhibits on Outer Banks maritime history, shipwrecks, and the dramatic relocation of the lighthouse. The original first-order Fresnel lens is also on display nearby.

The lighthouse is currently undergoing an extensive restoration and preservation project, and climbing access is temporarily closed with no official reopening date announced at this time. Renovation work includes repairs to the interior ironwork, masonry, and lantern room to help preserve the historic structure for future generations.

Even though visitors cannot currently climb the tower, the lighthouse grounds remain one of the most popular stops on Hatteras Island. Guests can still walk the grounds, visit the museum exhibits, and photograph the iconic black-and-white spiral tower from nearby viewing areas.


Ocracoke Lighthouse


Standing quietly along the edge of Silver Lake Harbor, the Ocracoke Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina and the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the United States. Completed in 1823, the lighthouse has guided ships through Ocracoke Inlet for more than 200 years, helping mariners navigate one of the most important inlets along the North Carolina coast during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Unlike the striped brick towers found farther north on the Outer Banks, the Ocracoke Lighthouse is simple and elegant in design. The 75-foot whitewashed tower was built with solid brick walls and remains largely unchanged from its original construction. Its fixed white light continues to shine across Pamlico Sound and the surrounding waters today.

The lighthouse grounds are located just a short walk from Ocracoke Village and offer a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere that reflects the character of the island itself. Visitors can stroll around the exterior grounds, enjoy views of Silver Lake Harbor, and take photos of one of the most historic structures on the Outer Banks. The surrounding residential neighborhood and nearby shops, restaurants, and waterfront docks make it an easy stop while exploring the village.

While the grounds are open to the public, the lighthouse tower itself is not open for climbing due to the unsafe structure of the stairs and there is no observation deck. Because of its small interior and historic preservation concerns, visitors can only view the lighthouse from outside or view the ground level interior when open. Admission to the grounds is free.

The historic lighthouse keeper’s quarters adjacent to the tower are currently undergoing renovations following significant flood damage caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Restoration efforts have focused on preserving the historic structure while improving its resilience against future coastal flooding and storms.

Although the lighthouse is managed by the National Park Service, one long-running local rumor on Ocracoke claims that a resident somewhere on the island still has a special key to the lighthouse. Whether true or simply part of the island’s storytelling tradition, the tale has become one of the many bits of folklore that add to Ocracoke’s charm and mystery.



From the towering black-and-white spiral of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to the quiet waterfront charm of Ocracoke Lighthouse, the Outer Banks lighthouses offer more than just history — they provide some of the most unforgettable views and experiences along the North Carolina coast. 

Whether you want to climb to panoramic ocean vistas, explore maritime museums, or simply photograph these iconic beacons at sunrise and sunset, each lighthouse tells a unique story about the OBX and its maritime heritage. Staying near an Outer Banks lighthouse places you close to some of the region’s best beaches, historic villages, restaurants, and scenic coastal drives, making them perfect landmarks to anchor your OBX vacation.


Cagegory Outer Banks Travel Guide
Previous Outer Banks Fishing Piers

Search

Categories