Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the world's tallest brick lighthouse at a 208' ft. tall, with its black and white candy-cane stripes, is one of the most famous and recognizable in the world. Protecting one of the most treacherous stretches of the Outer Banks, with a beam of light that spans 20 miles.

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194
ratings
  • Phone

    (252) 473-2111

  • Website

    nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/chls.htm

  • Facebook

    161383167259666

  • Type

    Lighthouse

Address

46379 Lighthouse Rd Buxton , NC 27920 United States

Comments / 39


Keywords:

scenic views stairs young kids lighthouses museums beach park oats ghost photography pets
Men's Health Mag

This 19th-century lighthouse soars 198 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, making it the tallest brick lighthouse in the US and the 2nd tallest in the world. Guests can climb to the top. Read more

The News & Observer

Attend a Full Moon Tour , where climbers will navigate the 257 stair staircase using handheld flashlights. During the climb, park rangers provide stories of the arduous duties of the lighthouse keeper. Read more

Brett Elliott

The lighthouse is not air conditioned and it can get very hot while climbing it so check the weather forecast before picking what day/time to do it.

Jeff Eckert

257 stairs to the balcony . Great view and lots of history. Lighthouse was moved due to beach erosion. The move itself was a marvel of engineering .

Russ ???? Cornett

Hatteras Lighthouse is home to the Ghost Cat, black & white and weighs over 15 lbs.. Ghost Cat will rub against visitors' legs and allow you to pet him. If you reach to pick him up he will vanish.

The Outer Banks page

If you want a great photo with sea oats and dunes in the foreground, walk out to the public beach access there at "old lighthouse location" and double back on the beach towards the south.

Smithsonian Channel

Built in 1870, this 210-foot brick lighthouse is still the tallest of its kind in the U.S. In perfect conditions, its beacon can be seen from as far as 20 nautical miles. (From Aerial America) Read more

Brianna Shannon

Make sure you stop and see the remnants of the old light house. They are lovely.

Meredith Hertzler

If its super hot, head into the museum and hang in the room with the photos of them moving the lighthouse . Wait for the air to come on and hog the air vent to cool off.

Jessica Sanchez

This lighthouse was used on the cover of "True Believer" written by Nicholas Sparks. Beautiful lighthouse . Second oldest lighthouse still being used in the United States .

The Outer Banks page

Often overlooked, this emblem recognizes the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse big move a half mile inland from its original location.

Marcel Jeannin II

8 dollars to climb 198 feet high wow awesome view .

Rick Anderson

Park the car & explore the area, for that unique photograph of the most recognizable lighthouse in the world awaits!

J.T. Sodano

Pack water for the walk up and pack light (just bring your camera ). The climb doesn't look that daunting and you don't feel it until you are about 3/4 of the way up and need to catch your breath.

Dama Flye

Second trip up the stairs ! Beautiful view and piece of history. Highly recommend!

Edwin Flow

The lighthouse is under renovation and shrouded in scaffolding and tarps till late 2025!

Suzanne N

$7 admission for adults to climb. Visitor center and grounds open 9-5 all year round.

Jason Dougherty

Great view , worth the climb

Brianna Shannon

Beautiful and definitely worth the trip!

Keith Ladd

Beautiful lighthouse ! Ready to walk to the top?

Jenny Stanek

Such a beautiful place and even my young kids loved the museum

Kevin G

They are pretty particular about the 42 inch height requirement to climb to the top.

David Trudo

This was fun. Aim for around lunchtime as the crowd lightens.

Maria Hancock

If you're claustrophobic, fear of heights or pregnant I wouldn't recommend the climb, otherwise the view is pristine!

Ashley Young

Love the view ! Doesn't open to climb until the third weekend in April

Craig A

If you are there and it is open for climbing, do it!!! What a view .

The Outer Banks page

Tallest Lighthouse on the OBX!

Keith Daulton

Not for young kids wanting to go to the top, 42" height requirement!

The Dr.

Great park for walking

Colin Lord

Windy up at the top. Hold onto your hat!

Local Hatteras Girl

Common sense would tell you, that when there are high winds. YOU DoN'T GO OUT ON THE BALCONY!! Nothing to do with Obama.

Jason P.

257 steps to the top, wear good walking shoes ....

Amanda Miller

Climb it! Tickets are timed in the summer, FYI.

Lee Yount

The stars are beautiful on a clear New Year's night!

Chaz Baz

42 inch height requirement to go up in lighthouse .

JT Statzer

Beautiful lighthouses

Ryan Turner

Babies who can't walk are not allowed in lighthouse .

Andrew Callaghan

Climb to the top!!

James Watt

They close the balcony if it is windy. :(

Similar places nearby :

6.8
Historic and Protected Site
Old Lighthouse Site

This is also an awesome spot to have beach fires if you get the permit. If you do it towards the evening a bunch of crabs come out and nice shells wash up on the shore. - Brianna Shannon

8.5
Beach
Buxton, NC

Orange Blossom is off the chain for breakfast pastries...be sure to get there early! - Dawn Hedgepeth

8.1
Beach
Frisco, NC

Fan Tip: Look into the Frisco Woods campgrounds! Great amenities and direct water access. - The Outer Banks page

7.1
History Museum
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Museum

Interesting lighthouse. Check out the keeper quarters and history too! - Keith Ladd

8.1
History Museum
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

The museum shows short maritime films during the day, from 10 am - 3:30 pm. It also has free activities for kids from 10:30 am - 12 pm Tuesday through Thursday. - The Outer Banks page

5.8
Seafood
Dirty Dicks Crab House

Gluten-Free? Go with the Creole Shrimp and Grits or Fish Tacos on corn tortilla. - Russ ???? Cornett