Phylicia StitzelThe Outer Banks lighthouses are more than scenic backdrops for beach selfies—they are working pieces of history that tell the story of survival, navigation, and resilience along one of the most dangerous stretches of coastline in the United States. As a Sailor in a past life, or what feels like it, I have always had a love for lighthouses, even when I was a kid. It was fascinating to me that long before GPS and radar, these towering beacons were the difference between safe passage and shipwreck in the waters known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic.
Today, visiting the lighthouses of the Outer Banks offers travelers an experience that blends education, nature, and jaw-dropping coastal views. Whether you’re traveling as a family or want to understand why this region feels so different from other beach destinations, my guide helps break down which Outer Banks lighthouses to visit, which ones you can climb, and how to plan your route—with special emphasis on my personal favorite: Bodie Island Lighthouse.
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- Why the Outer Banks Has So Many Lighthouses
- Bodie Island Lighthouses
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (The Icon)
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse (Village Charm & Wild Horses)
- Ocracoke Lighthouse (Small, Historic & Underrated)
- How to Visit the Outer Banks Lighthouses (Logistically Speaking)
- Which Outer Banks Lighthouse Is Right for You?
- Final Thoughts: Why the Lighthouses Matter
Why the Outer Banks Has So Many Lighthouses
The Outer Banks is a narrow ribbon of barrier islands constantly reshaped by wind, waves, and storms. Shallow shoals extend far into the Atlantic, creating invisible hazards that once doomed hundreds of ships in the days before the assistance of technology. To reduce maritime disasters, a chain of lighthouses was built—each with its own distinctive design so sailors could identify where they were even at night.
That’s why no two Outer Banks lighthouses look the same. Their stripes, colors, and locations weren’t chosen for aesthetics, but for location identification that could have meant life or death for Sailors.
For modern travelers, this means lighthouse visits are:
- Educational (especially for kids)
- Naturally spaced out, making them ideal road-trip stops
- Usually uncrowded compared to beaches, especially early or late in the day
- Perfect for pairing with wildlife spotting, boardwalks, and short hikes
Bodie Island Lighthouses
If you only visit one lighthouse during your Outer Banks trip, make it Bodie Island Lighthouse—pronounced Body, because the Outer Banks enjoys keeping visitors on their toes.
Located just south of Nags Head, Bodie Island Lighthouse sits within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, surrounded by open marshland instead of busy roads or packed beach access points. The result? A lighthouse visit that feels peaceful, spacious, and deeply connected to the landscape.
Why Bodie Island Lighthouse Stands Out
- Its black-and-white horizontal stripes make it one of the most photogenic lighthouses on the East Coast (one of my best photos I’ve ever taken was here, i.e., the header image of this blog)
- The setting feels wild and untouched, with water, grasses, and sky stretching endlessly in every direction
- It’s accessible without feeling commercialized
This is the lighthouse that converts casual visitors into history lovers.
Can You Climb Bodie Island Lighthouse?
Yes—but only seasonally, and it’s absolutely worth it if you plan your visit around the open season.
- 214 steps lead to the top
- Best suited for school-age kids and older
- Toddlers may prefer exploring the grounds and nearby boardwalks
The climb is manageable, and the reward is panoramic views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound—a visual reminder of just how narrow and vulnerable these islands are.
Best Time to Visit
- Sunrise for photographers and early risers
- Mid-morning for families looking for ranger programs and cooler temperatures
- Golden hour if you want that cinematic coastal glow
Don’t Miss This
After your visit, walk the nearby boardwalk trails. You’ll often spot birds, turtles, and marsh wildlife—and kids somehow learn things without realizing it, which is the holy grail of family travel.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (The Icon)
No lighthouse is more synonymous with the Outer Banks than Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Towering at 198 feet, it’s the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States—and possibly the most dramatic.
Why It’s Famous
- Instantly recognizable black-and-white spiral pattern
- In 1999, the entire lighthouse was moved nearly 3,000 feet inland to protect it from erosion—a feat of modern engineering
- Offers sweeping ocean-to-sound views from the top
The Climb
- 257 steps
- Not ideal for very young children
- Fantastic for teens, history buffs, and travelers who enjoy a physical challenge
Crowd Strategy
This lighthouse draws big crowds in summer. Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want space actually to enjoy it.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse (Village Charm & Wild Horses)
Located in Corolla, Currituck Beach Lighthouse breaks from tradition with its natural red-brick exterior—no paint required.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
- Still stands in its original 19th-century location
- Offers panoramic views of the northern Outer Banks
- Easy to pair with a Corolla wild horse tour
Family-Friendly Bonus
Short walking distances, nearby shops, and ice cream options make this one of the easiest lighthouse visits with kids. A wonderful day trip excursion!
Ocracoke Lighthouse (Small, Historic & Underrated)
The Ocracoke Lighthouse may be small, but it holds big historical significance as the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina.
What to Know
- You can’t climb it
- It’s located right in Ocracoke Village
- Best experienced as part of a slow island day
Pair this visit with ferry rides, local seafood, pirate history, and the kind of wandering that reminds you vacations don’t need schedules to be meaningful.
How to Visit the Outer Banks Lighthouses (Logistically Speaking)
Best Order (North to South)
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse (Corolla)
- Bodie Island Lighthouse (Nags Head area)
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (Buxton)
- Ocracoke Lighthouse (via ferry)
Tips for Visiting With Kids
- Bring water, sunscreen, and hats—shade is limited
- Check seasonal climbing schedules before planning
- Use lighthouse stops as reset breaks between beach days
Which Outer Banks Lighthouse Is Right for You?
| Travel Style | Best Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| One must-see stop | Bodie Island Lighthouse |
| Iconic views & history | Cape Hatteras |
| Easy family visit | Currituck Beach |
| Quiet, low-effort stop | Ocracoke |
Final Thoughts: Why the Lighthouses Matter
The Outer Banks lighthouses shouldn’t be just an optional add-on to a trip—they’re the backbone of the region’s identity. They explain the landscape, the history, and the resilience of communities shaped by wind and water.
And Bodie Island Lighthouse, in particular, offers something rare: beauty without chaos, history without crowds, and a sense of place that stays with you long after you leave.
If you’re building an Outer Banks itinerary, anchor it with at least one lighthouse visit. You’ll walk away with better photos, smarter kids, and a deeper understanding of why this stretch of coast feels so unforgettable.
