Drive Through North Carolina And Discover 9 Dreamy Lighthouses
North Carolina’s coastline is dotted with magnificent lighthouses that have guided sailors for centuries.
These towering beacons stand as both historical landmarks and breathtaking attractions, each with its own unique story to tell.
Pack your camera and hit the road for an unforgettable journey along the Carolina shores to discover these maritime treasures.
1. Currituck Beach Lighthouse: The Red Brick Giant
Standing tall at 162 feet, this distinctive unpainted red brick lighthouse has been warning ships away from the treacherous shoreline since 1875.
Unlike its whitewashed cousins, Currituck proudly displays its original brick exterior.
Visitors can climb the 220 steps to the top for panoramic views of the Outer Banks, Currituck Sound, and Atlantic Ocean.
2. Bodie Island Lighthouse: The Striped Sentinel
What a sight to behold! With its distinctive black and white horizontal stripes, Bodie Island Lighthouse stands majestically against the backdrop of marshlands and maritime forests.
Originally built in 1872, this 156-foot tower replaced two earlier lighthouses that fell victim to war and poor construction.
The surrounding wildlife refuge offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography, making it a perfect stop for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: America’s Tallest Brick Lighthouse
Soaring to an impressive 210 feet, this iconic spiral-striped giant is America’s tallest brick lighthouse and perhaps North Carolina’s most famous maritime landmark.
In 1999, Cape Hatteras underwent an extraordinary engineering feat when it was moved 2,900 feet inland to protect it from shoreline erosion.
The distinctive black and white candy-cane spiral pattern makes it instantly recognizable to lighthouse enthusiasts worldwide.
4. Ocracoke Lighthouse: The Oldest Operating Lighthouse in NC
Imagine stepping back to 1823 when this charming white lighthouse first cast its beam across Ocracoke Island. Though modest in height at just 75 feet, it’s the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina.
Accessible only by ferry, the journey to this historic beacon is part of its allure.
While visitors can’t climb to the top, the picturesque grounds and quaint keeper’s quarters provide perfect photo opportunities on this enchanting island.
5. Cape Lookout Lighthouse: The Diamond Lady
Affectionately known as the ‘Diamond Lady’ due to its distinctive black and white diamond pattern, Cape
Lookout has been guiding mariners since 1859. Located on the Southern Outer Banks, this 163-foot beauty is accessible only by boat.
The remote location offers visitors an unspoiled natural experience. Wild horses roam freely on nearby Shackleford Banks, adding to the magical atmosphere of this pristine coastal area.
6. Oak Island Lighthouse: The Modern Marvel
Unlike traditional lighthouses, Oak Island’s unique design features three bold horizontal stripes – gray, white, and black – created during construction with colored concrete rather than paint!
Built in 1958, it’s one of North Carolina’s newer lighthouses, utilizing modern construction techniques.
Instead of a spiral staircase, brave visitors climb a series of ship ladders to reach the top. Its distinctive appearance and engineering make it a fascinating stop on any lighthouse tour.
7. Old Baldy Lighthouse: North Carolina’s Oldest Standing Lighthouse
Weathered and worn like an old sea captain, Old Baldy has stood on Bald Head Island since 1817, making it North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse.
Its unusual octagonal shape and somewhat lopsided appearance give it undeniable character.
The lighthouse earned its nickname from its bald appearance – the stucco coating has partially worn away, revealing the brick underneath.
8. Roanoke River Lighthouse: The Floating Beacon
How fascinating that this charming lighthouse once actually floated!
Originally built in 1866 and reconstructed in 1887, this screwpile lighthouse once stood offshore in the Albemarle Sound, marking the entrance to the Roanoke River.
After years of neglect, it has been lovingly restored and relocated to Edenton’s waterfront.
The hexagonal cottage-style structure now welcomes visitors to explore its interior, offering a glimpse into the life of lighthouse keepers from a bygone era.
9. Price Creek Light: The River Guide
Only the weathered brick foundation remains of this once-important river lighthouse near Southport.
Built in 1850 as part of a network of lights guiding ships up the Cape Fear River, Price Creek Light operated until the Civil War.
Though largely forgotten, this humble lighthouse played a vital role in the region’s commercial development, helping cargo ships navigate safely to Wilmington during the antebellum period.
