The Cape Lookout Lighthouse, standing sentinel on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, is an iconic beacon within the Cape Lookout National Seashore, renowned for its striking black-and-white diamond pattern. It was originally built in 1812 and then rebuilt in 1859 to guide ships through the treacherous waters of the Outer Banks. This 163-foot-tall lighthouse casts a beam visible up to 19 miles. Located on the pristine, vehicle-free South Core Banks, it’s accessible only by ferry or private boat from nearby Harkers Island or Beaufort, offering visitors a rewarding adventure. Typically, from May to September, brave climbers can ascend its 207 steps for panoramic views of untouched beaches, wild horses on Shackleford Banks, and the Atlantic’s vast expanse; however, it is currently getting renovations, and it has not yet been noted when it can be climbed again. A symbol of maritime heritage, the lighthouse blends history and natural beauty, drawing adventurers and photographers to its remote, windswept shores.
Resources
National Park Service – Cape Lookout Lighthouse
Cape Lookout Lighthouse Ferry Service