The Lighthouse Road Trip On The North Carolina Coast That’s Dreamily Beautiful

Along the coast and on the Outer Banks, North Carolina is dotted with gorgeous and historic lighthouses. We're home to the largest brick lighthouse in the U.S., a Gothic revival lighthouse, and some that date back to the early 1800s. It's crazy to think of the history, and all of the ships that have been guided, by North Carolina's lighthouses. What better way to experience the beauty than to make a whole road trip out of it? Our suggestion? Take around 4 to 5 days for the entire trip, stop along the way in the quaint coastal towns, and make the most out of this lighthouse road trip in North Carolina.

Roanoke River Lighthouse, Edenton

The Roanoke Lighthouse dates back to 1866. In 1955, it was moved to Edenton as a private residence. After being sold the city, interior and exterior renovations breathed a second life into this gorgeous, charming inland lighthouse. This charming site can be found at 7 Dock Street, Edenton.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Currituck stands out from the rest. As the only natural-brick lighthouse on the coast, it's a gorgeous example of Gothic revival architecture. Find it at 1101 Corolla Village Road, Corolla.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Bodie Island Light Station was originally built in 1872. Today, you can't see the original but you can see the (third) exact replica. Located among gorgeous marshland, the view from the top is incredible. This landmark is located at 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

It's not a lighthouse road trip without a stop by the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S., Cape Hatteras. Originally built as a 'guiding light' to help sailors navigate through the graveyard of the Atlantic, this stunning structure stands at 210 feet tall. It continues to impress visitors time and time again. Visit it at 46379 Lighthouse Road, Buxton.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

Ocracoke Light Station might seem simple, but it's been guiding sailors and boats since 1823. Located in one of the most remote stretches of the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Light Station is worth going out of your way for. Make a whole day out of the experience and explore Ocracoke Island. Visit it at 360 Lighthouse Road, Ocracoke.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

A local favorite, Cape Lookout is located on the gorgeous Crystal Coast. The lighthouse is painted for directions, with black facing north and south and white facing east and west. You might even spot a wild horse or two.

Oak Island Lighthouse

Built in 1952 to replace the 'skeleton tower' (aka Cape Fear Lighthouse), this long, skinny, concrete tower had the brightest light in the U.S. from 1958 to 1962. Standing on Bald Head Island since 1817, Old Baldy has rightly earned its nickname. As the last stop on your trip, it's only right you visit the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina. Visit it at 300a Caswell Beach Road, Oak Island.

What a beautiful, fun, and coastal road trip! By now you should have salt in your hair and sand in your toes. This is a road trip we could do time and time again. Plan your own with Only In Your State's itinerary planner.