There are many treasures to be found in the Outer Banks. While there are many fantastic things to see and do, one unique, historic thing that visitors can do is explore the area's five outstanding lighthouses!
OBX's lighthouses are peppered between Corolla and Ocracoke Island. They are close enough that they can all be visited in one day, but I recommend splitting them up so you can enjoy them more. Consider seeing Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, and Bodie Island Lighthouse on day one, followed by Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Ocracoke Island Lighthouse the next day! This will ensure that you have ample time to see each lighthouse.
Photo from https://www.outerbanks.com/currituck-beach-lighthouse.html
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
1101 Corolla Village Road
Corolla, NC 27927
Currituck is a 162 foot tall lighthouse that still functions as a guide for sailors. It stands apart from other OBX lighthouses due to its red color, which is the result of it being unpainted.
Its construction was completed on December 1, 1875. Since then, it has become an iconic local image. It is seasonally open to visitors that want to climb the 220 stairs to the top! If you're up for some light but brisk exercise, then you should check it out- the views from the top are stunning!
Photo from https://www.outerbanks.com/roanoke-marshes-lighthouse.html
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
300 Queen Elizabeth Ave
Manteo, NC 27954
Because it is small, Roanoke Marshes often gets overlooked. It's small size makes it unique, though! It is also unique in that it is the only river lighthouse in Dare County. It is tucked away in the east end of Manteo. Walk down the boardwalk to get a close view of this small but neat replica of an 1877 river lighthouse! Inside, you'll find exhibits that are open to the public.
Photo from https://www.outerbanks.com/bodie-island-lighthouse.html
Bodie Island Lighthouse
8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse
Nags Head, NC 27959
Bodie Island Lighthouse is easy to recognize, with its bold black and white stripes and 156 foot height. It began operating in 1872. Visitors can access the interior as well as explore the scenic grounds! Seasonally, visitors are able to climb the 214 steps to the top.
Bodie is one of only a handful of brick tower lighthouses still operating, and it is one of the few lighthouses using an original first-order Fresnel lens.
Photo from https://www.outerbanks.com/cape-hatteras-lighthouse.html
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
46368 Lighthouse Road
Buxton, NC 27920
Cape Hatteras is painted in black and white candy cane stripes. It is considered to be one of the most famous lighthouses in the world. At a stunning 208 feet, it is charged with protecting one of the most treacherous stretches of OBX shore. Annually, over 175,000 visitors climb the 257 steps to the top! You don't want to miss this national icon!
Photo from https://www.outerbanks.com/ocracoke-island-lighthouse.html
Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
Lighthouse Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
This little white lighthouse might not seem like much, but it is actually quite impressive! Built in 1832, it is North Carolina's oldest operating lighthouse- and the second oldest operating lighthouse in the United States! It is not open to climbers, but visitors are welcome to visit, take pictures, and explore the grounds! This nearly 200 year old structure is packed with history!
Which lighthouse is your favorite to visit? Let us know in the comments!
