I previously mentioned the National Lighthouse Day and talked about my trip to Morris Island Lighthouse, South Carolina in my last post. The trip was indeed very memorable and the Morris Island Lighthouse was one of the best lighthouses I have ever seen. Everything about the place was perfect, from the beautiful landscape to the warm weather that goes along with it!
Photo by Ted Van Pelt
After that trip, I started thinking about more lighthouses and how they are often very beautiful. Through some thorough research, I have discovered several gorgeous lighthouses in North Carolina that are definitely on my to-visit list.
Currituck Beach Light Station
The Currituck Beach Light Station was built in 1875. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the area and is certainly one of the most rare for several reasons. First of all, the exterior of the lighthouse is very unique to the region, featuring exposed red bricks, instead of the more common black-and-white colors I saw on my last trip. This particular lighthouse is open for the public from Easter to Thanksgiving. You can choose to climb the steps to reach to the top. This is also an active lighthouse that still guides ships and boats along the shore.
Cape Lookout
Among the many lighthouses I have discovered, this is perhaps the most recognizable one and the most famous too. Cape Lookout is the southernmost lighthouse along the Crystal Coast. It is famous for its black and white diamond-patterned wall and special structure. Starting from the middle of May all the way to September each year you can climb the 216 steps of Cape Lookout to reach the top. This is a climb worth completing simply because the view that will greet you at the top is too good to miss.
Cape Hatteras
We cannot talk about lighthouses without talking about America’s lighthouse. The title “America’s Lighthouse” was given to Cape Hatteras a long time ago for being the tallest lighthouse in the country. It is also the most recognizable lighthouse in the United States, making this one a must-visit for sure. Cape Hatteras has a total of 257 steps you can climb. The lighthouse is open for the public from April all the way to Columbus Day, so be sure to time your visit correctly. At night, you can still see its light going as far as 20 miles up the coast. Cape Hatteras is located within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which means there are more things to explore in the area too. The lighthouse is a great spot to do some whale watching; pilot whales are known to pass the area quite frequently during warmer days.
Visiting these lighthouses is very easy to do. There are plenty of Outer Banks beach house rentals, as well as luxury accommodations depending on how you travel and how long you want to stay in the area. There are various amenities to make your stay more enjoyable too. I know I will be going on another trip really soon, thus be sure to check back for more stories and updates right here on My Beautiful Adventures.
I’ve lived in Charleston, South Carolina, most of my life, and I STILL haven’t been to Morris Island Lighthouse! ::hands head in shame:: Incidentally, I have been to the others you mention in NC, and they are stunning. Now, I just need to get to work on visiting the one in my own backyard! 🙂
Yes, you do! Morris Island is AMAZING!!! Go at sunset. Wait until you see my post about my experience there with my son at sunset. 🙂