Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Core Banks in North Carolina is a 163-foot (50 m) lighthouse in Cape Lookout National Seashore. It went into service on November 1, 1859, replacing a shorter tower from 1812. Its black-and-white diamond pattern dates from 1873. The island can only be reached by boat: Island Express passenger ferries leave from Harkers Island or Beaufort, and it is best to reserve tickets early.

The tower has 207 steps, but climbing has been closed since 2021 for safety reasons. A stabilization project is under way; according to the February 2026 update, the National Park Service expects construction to last at least 24 months, and there is no reopening date (as of October 2026). The Keepers' Quarters Museum in the 1873 keeper's house is open from mid-March to the end of October (as of October 2026); the visitor center is on Harkers Island. Even without a climb, the beach and shelling are worth the trip.

For campers: the park rents rustic cabins on South Core Banks and allows beach camping; both require a reservation through Recreation.gov. If you want to bring your own vehicle, vehicle ferries run from Davis (to South Core Banks) or Atlantic (to North Core Banks); the crossing must be reserved.