Outer Banks Lighthouses

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Outer Banks Lighthouses — lighting the way for mariners and vacationers for over a hundred years.

Standing tall against tides and weather, the lighthouses of the Outer Banks are more than just navigational beacons — they are enduring symbols of the region’s rich maritime history and resilience. From the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S., to the charming Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse on the Manteo waterfront, each tower has a story to tell. Whether you're climbing to the top for breathtaking coastal views or admiring their historic architecture from below, these lighthouses offer a glimpse into the past while remaining some of the most picturesque landmarks on the Outer Banks.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse was the last large lighthouse tower constructed on the Outer Banks. By its completion in December 1875, its beams stretched 18 nautical miles, its shine stewarded by loyal keepers. 

This unpainted red brick lighthouse can be found in Historic Corolla Village. Climb the 220 spiral-staircase steps to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Currituck Sound, and the charming Corolla village. 

Read more about the Currituck Beach Lighthouse.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

The Bodie Island Lighthouse, located just south of Nags Head within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, was built in 1871, its powerful beacon guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”  

Today, the Bodie Island Lighthouse stands as a beautifully restored, still-operational navigational aid, open seasonally for public climbs. Nestled among pine trees and marshland, it offers a unique setting unlike many coastal lighthouses. 

Visitors can explore its rich history, tour the keepers’ quarters, and take in breathtaking views from the top. 

Climbing the Bodie Island Lighthouse is available in the summer months. Tickets must be purchased online, and certain safety restrictions apply.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, first authorized in 1794, was built in 1868 following an earlier failure to build a substantial enough tower. The new 198-foot brick tower was lit in 1870, and received its iconic black-and-white spiral daymark in 1873, making it one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the world. 

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has undergone multiple changes over the years, including the electrification of its beacon in 1934 and a temporary decommissioning in 1935 due to erosion concerns. After decades of efforts to stabilize the shoreline, the lighthouse was famously relocated in 1999, moving 2,900 feet inland to protect it from encroaching waters. 

As the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S., it continues to guide mariners and serves as a beloved symbol of the Outer Banks' maritime heritage.

Normally open for climbing, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will likely not open for climbing until the summer of 2026, due to restoration efforts.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

After the 1794 Ocracoke Inlet light station was destroyed by lightning in 1818, the current tower was completed on Ocracoke Island in 1823. Standing at 75 feet tall with its distinctive solid-white exterior, the Ocracoke Lighthouse has guided mariners for nearly two centuries. 

The lighthouse evolved over the years, from the installation of a Fresnel lens in 1854 to electrification in 1929. It remained manned until 1954. The lighthouse and its surrounding buildings, including the historic keepers’ quarters, have withstood hurricanes and changing tides. As the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina, Ocracoke Light remains a steadfast guide for passing boats and a cherished symbol of the island’s maritime heritage.

The lighthouse is not open for climbing, but the base of the lighthouse is open with limited hours during the summer months. 

Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse (replica)

The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, nestled in Shallowbag Bay, stands out with its charming coastal cottage design featuring a white exterior, black shutters, and a brick-red roof. Unlike traditional towering lighthouses, this compact beacon is topped with a Fresnel lens and offers stunning views of the Roanoke Sound from its weathered boardwalk. 

The original Roanoke Marshes Lighthouses, built in the 1800s, were lost due to environmental challenges and neglect. The third version, constructed in 1877, once guided sailors through the Croatan Sound near Wanchese until its decommissioning in 1955. An attempt to relocate it failed, causing the structure to be lost to the water.

The current replica, completed in 2004, now serves as a historical landmark, housing maritime exhibits and an original 1800s Fresnel lens on loan from the U.S. Coast Guard. Though small in size, this lighthouse plays a significant role in preserving the nautical heritage of the Outer Banks.