Buckle up for this amazing adventure as we head to furthest East point of the USA. If you’re the type who loves a bit of history, a whole lot of scenic views, and some lip-smackin’ seafood served up with Southern charm, then you have found the right blog! It’s time for a lighthouse-hopping journey down North Carolina’s storied coast. These majestic beacons aren’t just for picture-perfect Instagram moments; they’re landmarks full of tales and tenacity, lighting up the path from past to present. Each one has a story as colorful as a Carolina sunset, and I reckon you’ll be captivated from the first flash to the last.

First Stop: Roanoke River Lighthouse – The Comeback Queen

Our adventure kicks off in Edenton, NC, where the Roanoke River Lighthouse shines as a true story of resilience. Originally built in 1886, it replaced a previous light that burned down, guiding ships through the winding waters of the Albemarle Sound. After being decommissioned in 1941, it fell into disrepair before the good folks of Edenton brought her back to life, restoring the lighthouse to its former glory. Now, she’s perched proudly at the harbor, complete with period furnishings that’ll whisk you straight back to 1886, and a Fresnel lens that still knows how to catch the light. For those who like a little grit with their glamour, this is a fitting start to a coastal adventure.

Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse – The Little Lighthouse That Could

Head southeast and you’ll find yourself in Manteo, where the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse stands at the edge of a tranquil boardwalk. She may be petite, but don’t let her size fool you—this replica of the original 1877 structure (lost to time and tides) captures the spirit of the island. Standing at a modest 37 feet, this lighthouse is a darling among photographers who appreciate its charm against the backdrop of the shimmering waters of Shallowbag Bay. It’s a place where you can slow down, take in the salty air, and let your thoughts drift like the boats that once sailed under its watchful eye.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse – A Beacon Built to Last

As you travel further south, the stately Currituck Beach Lighthouse greets you in Corolla, where it has stood tall since 1875. Unlike its flashier neighbors, this brick beauty proudly wears its natural exterior, standing as a testament to craftsmanship that didn’t need any dressing up. At 158 feet, this tower was the last of the Outer Banks lighthouses to be built, and her job has always been to fill the “dark space” between the Cape Henry and Bodie Island lights. Climbing the 220 steps to the top rewards you with breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the Currituck Sound, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the legendary Corolla wild horses roaming the dunes.

Bodie Island Lighthouse – A “Body” of Beauty

Keep heading south, and you’ll soon spot the distinctive black-and-white stripes of the Bodie Island Lighthouse, which has guided sailors since 1872. The story goes that its name is pronounced “Body” due to the many shipwrecks that once lined the shores, giving the area a rather macabre reputation. But these days, it’s more likely to be the sight of dolphins frolicking in the surf that’ll catch your eye as you take in the sweeping views from the observation deck. With its powerful First-Order Fresnel lens, it continues to cast its light 19 miles out to sea, a reminder that this “Body” is still full of life.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Standing Tall and Full of Stories

Ah, now we’re reaching the heart of the Outer Banks, where the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, with its iconic black-and-white spirals, towers over the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Since 1803, she has been the guardian of these perilous waters, though she was moved a remarkable 2,900 feet inland in 1999 to escape the encroaching sea. At 210 feet, it remains the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S., with a beam that stretches some 20 miles over the ocean, keeping watch over sailors and thrill-seekers alike. It’s a climb of 257 steps to the top, but trust me, the view of the endless sea and shifting sands is worth every breathless moment.

Ocracoke Lighthouse – A Beacon for Privateers and Pirates Alike

A ferry ride to Ocracoke Island lands you in a place that practically whispers tales of Blackbeard the Pirate. Here stands Ocracoke Lighthouse, the oldest operational lighthouse in North Carolina, built in 1823. She may be only 75 feet tall, but her importance to this community, where time seems to drift at its own pace, is undeniable. While you can’t climb this one, a stroll around its whitewashed exterior and a visit to Springer’s Point, Blackbeard’s final haunt, will more than satisfy any thirst for history.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse – The Stylish One

Standing proudly on the mainland, Cape Lookout Lighthouse isn’t just a guiding light—it’s a work of art. With its striking black-and-white diamond pattern, this lighthouse doesn’t just turn heads; it turns sailors in the right direction. The clever design doubles as a compass—black diamonds point north and south, while white diamonds guide east and west. Talk about multitasking!

Since its completion in 1859, these iconic diamonds have helped orient seafarers from miles away. Its light, flashing every 15 seconds, reaches up to 19 miles out, signaling that the North Carolina coastline is near. And for those who make the 163-foot climb to the top, a breathtaking view awaits. From there, the turquoise waters stretch out to meet the wide, sandy shores of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, offering a panorama that’s as unforgettable as the lighthouse itself.

Old Baldy – The Elder Statesman of the Coast

Now we find ourselves on Bald Head Island, where Old Baldy, the granddaddy of them all, stands proudly. Built in 1817, she’s not only the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina but also has the wrinkles to prove it. Her weathered appearance speaks of countless storms weathered and ships guided safely ashore. Though she retired in 1935, her 108-foot stature and Carolina yellow pine stairs still offer climbers a peek into nearly two centuries of history. When you reach the top, take a moment to admire the views of the island’s maritime forest, marshes, and Cape Fear River.

Oak Island Lighthouse – Shining Bright at Cape Fear

And now, dear adventurer, we’ve reached the southernmost point of our journey at the Oak Island Lighthouse in Caswell Beach. Nestled near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, this modern sentinel began its service in 1958, replacing the Cape Fear Light on Bald Head Island. At the time, its original aerobeacon lenses were the brightest in the U.S., casting their light from 169 feet above the ground. Though its claim to that title has since passed to others, Oak Island has no shortage of grit. When the adjacent Coast Guard station went up in flames in 2002, this steadfast structure stood unscathed.

Ownership passed to the Town of Caswell Beach in 2004, with a group of dedicated locals—Friends of Oak Island Lighthouse—taking on the care and maintenance of the property. The Coast Guard still operates the light itself, which now features 16 state-of-the-art LED bulbs that flash every 10 seconds, reaching 20.5 nautical miles into the dark Atlantic. In 2007, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and an exterior restoration in 2016 helped ensure it’ll keep shining for generations to come.

The Coastal Feast – Because You’ve Earned It

After marveling at the towering lighthouses that stand watch over North Carolina’s coast, it’s time to indulge in a true Southern feast. Picture this: a plate overflowing with fresh shrimp, sweet crab, and succulent oysters, all caught from the very waters that embrace the shore. The salt air sharpens your appetite as you sit in a cozy seaside café, where warm smiles and Southern hospitality make you feel like a long-lost friend returning home.

And don’t forget—you’re in Calabash country now, the Seafood Capital of the World, where seafood isn’t just a meal, it’s a tradition. Just south of Oak Island’s lighthouse, the town of Calabash is known far and wide for its legendary seafood. Here, fresh shrimp, fish, oysters, clams, and crab are lightly coated in seasoned batter and fried to golden perfection. Every crispy bite melts in your mouth, especially when paired with a side of hushpuppies—those irresistible little cornmeal bites that are a Southern staple. It’s said that once you’ve tasted Calabash-style seafood, you’ll understand why this small town is a culinary giant.

But the experience doesn’t end with the meal. No trip to the South is complete without a handcrafted brew in hand, brewed with all the charm and character the region is known for. And if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a spot where live beach music fills the air. Grab your partner and hit the floor for some Shagging—the official dance of the Carolinas—moving to the soulful rhythm that will transport you back to a time when beach music ruled North Carolina’s shores. With each beat, the golden age of coastal tunes comes to life, leaving you swaying to the rhythm long after the sun has set.

Explore these links and discover the best seafood and music on North Carolina’s coast:

• https://www.visitnc.com/story/YpEn/seafood-spots-on-the-north-carolina-coast
• https://www.ourstate.com/39-legendary-north-carolina-seafood-restaurants/
• https://www.ncbrunswick.com/islands-towns/calabash/restaurants/
• https://blog.twiddy.com/obx-live-music/

Your Perfect 55+ Getaway Awaits

From the majestic heights of Hatteras to the quaint charm of Ocracoke, each lighthouse is a tale waiting to be told, and every stop along the way has a little something to stir the soul. So, go ahead—pack your bags, dust off that camera, and embark on this journey down the Carolina coast. Your next adventure is ready and waiting, full of stories and sights that’ll stay with you long after the lights fade into the horizon.

Are you in?

For more detailed information on North Carolina’s Lighthouses, check out these wonderful resources-

• https://www.coastalguide.com/nc-lighthouse-history.html
• https://docsouth.unc.edu/commland/features/essays/webber/

How to get there~

• Google Map of North Carolina’s Coast

Want to help preserve our national treasures? Check these links out now:

• https://www.outerbankslighthousesociety.org/nc_lights.html
• https://www.outerbankslighthousesociety.org/links.html
• https://uslhs.org/
• https://lighthousefoundation.org/