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!
1. 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 pretty place can be found at 7 Dock St, Edenton, NC 27932.
2. 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 Rd, Corolla, NC 27927.
Or, visit the lighthouse from your couch in this delightful segment:
3. 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, NC 27959.
4. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
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 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
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
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.
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