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 4-5 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. For full driving instructions and the map, visit Google Maps. Let’s hit the road!

Google Maps
1. Roanoke River Lighthouse, Edenton
Roanoke River Lighthouse, 7 Dock St, Edenton, NC 27932, USA
Flickr / Ron Reiring
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 pretty place can be found at 7 Dock St, Edenton, NC 27932.
2. Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Currituck Beach Lighthouse, 1101 Corolla Village Rd, Corolla, NC 27927, USA
Flickr / Michael Bentley
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 Rd, Corolla, NC 27927.

Or, visit the lighthouse from your couch in this delightful segment:
3. Bodie Island Lighthouse
Bodie Island Lighthouse, 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA
Flickr / Alistair Nicol
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, NC 27959.

Related Stories

This Road Trip To North Carolina’s Most Majestic Castles Is Like Something From A Fairytale

This Road Trip To North Carolina’s Most Majestic Castles Is Like Something From A Fairytale

 Take This Mini Road Trip To Climb Two Of North Carolina's Most Beautiful Lighthouses

Take This Mini Road Trip To Climb Two Of North Carolina's Most Beautiful Lighthouses

 These 10 Beautiful Byways In North Carolina Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive

These 10 Beautiful Byways In North Carolina Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive
4. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, 46379 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920, USA
Flickr / Alistair Nicol
It's not a lighthouse road trip without a stop by the tallest brick lighthouse in the US, 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 Rd, Buxton, NC 27920.

Tour the lighthouse at Cape Hatteras in jaw-dropping 4K with this wonderful video walkthrough:
5. Ocracoke Lighthouse
Ocracoke Lighthouse, 360 Lighthouse Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960, USA
Flickr / Bill Gracey
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 Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
6. Cape Lookout Lighthouse
Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Harkers Island, NC 28531, USA
Charles Boyer/Flickr
A local favorite, Cape Lookout is located on the gorgeous Crystal Coast. The southernmost lighthouse on the Outer Banks 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.
7. Oak Island Lighthouse
Oak Island Lighthouse, 300a Caswell Beach Rd, Oak Island, NC 28465, USA
Only In North Carolina / Jackie Frick Smith
Built in 1952 to replace the 'skeleton tower' (aka Cape Fear Lighthouse), this long, skinny, concrete tower had the brightest light in the US from 1958-1962. 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 Rd, Oak Island, NC 28465.

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. Have you ever traveled down the coast and visited all of the gorgeous local lighthouses? Are there any landmarks that should be added to this lighthouse road trip in North Carolina? Share your thoughts in the comments!

If you’re looking for another amazing way to explore the Outer Banks, feel like you’re driving through the middle of the ocean on this road to nowhere in North Carolina.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Lighthouse Road Trip

Nikki Rhoades | April 19, 2020

What is the most famous lighthouse in North Carolina?

Here in The Old North State, beaches abound. Our state is coveted by locals and tourists alike, both for our beaches and for our incredible landscape. However, we also have one fascinating landmark that is famous throughout the nation.

  • The Cape Hatteras light is the tallest in the nation, and many argue that it is also the most recognizable. This black and white edifice towers over what was formerly known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” a portion of the coast where the rough seas off of the Outer Banks have resulted in a number of shipwrecks.

 

Are there any other unique road trips to take in North Carolina?

There are a number of fascinating landmarks in The Tar Heel State.

  • If you are in search of a unique road trip on North Carolina, you might enjoy a tour of our roadside attractions. Who wouldn’t want to see a plastic flamingo petting zoo, or visit The Odditorium?
  • Road trips have long been a coveted pastime here, and locals and tourists both continue to appreciate them. If you’re looking for a modern take on this classic adventure, we have incredible restaurants that are worth road tripping to, as well! You can’t pass up our taco trail.

 

What else can I do along the coast in North Carolina?

Looking for things to do on the coast of North Carolina? The real question is what can’t you do on the North Carolina coast?!

  • There’s incredible dining here, there are beautiful beaches and parks, and the locals aren’t so bad, either.
  • While you’re here, let your mind be open to new experiences. You’ll fall in love with the local atmosphere!

Related Articles