How to Visit the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, NC
Day Trip from Beaufort
Seven magnificent lighthouses guard North Carolina’s coast. All of them have character and charm, but I believe the Cape Lookout Lighthouse is one our country’s most stunning beacons. Its visually striking black and white diamond pattern provides a gorgeous back drop to the surroundings. You can view the lighthouse from many scenic angles. It is a photographer’s dream! My hubby and I were spending the long Fourth of July weekend in Beaufort. Read about our trip to ‘America’s Coolest Small Town’ HERE. I knew Cape Lookout would be an easy visit from there.
Getting There
The trip to Cape Lookout National Seashore is fun! You need to go by ferry or private boat. The ferry service from Beaufort or Harkers Island is typically a calm ride and only for passengers. It docks near the lighthouse. Dogs are permitted and need to be on a 6′ leash. Our dog Reese was nervous on the boat at first, but settled down quickly. May to September you can explore the island’s distant end with the hourly beach shuttle. Or you can rent a UTV. Check out the ferry, UTV and beach shuttle costs and schedules with this link to Island Express.
If you need your car for camping or a cabin stay, take the vehicle ferry from Davis or Atlantic, NC. The car ferries are small and carry only 4 – 6 vehicles per trip. They do not run in bad weather. Thus, you will need to have some flexibility in your schedule. There are no paved roads. Four wheel drive is recommended, as is deflating your tires when driving on the sand.
What to Bring
I have been to all the other NC lighthouses and was excited to finally see this beauty! Hubby and I got up early, packed a backpack with a beach towel, dog treats, water-bowl and leash, waters, sunscreen, bug spray, hats and a trash bag. There are no waste receptacles on the island. You must bring out all that you carry in. We drove the thirty scenic minutes to Harkers Island for the earliest ferry. The National Park Service runs a fantastic visitor center there. I wanted the first arriving boat to ensure photo opportunities with clear morning light and few people. Passenger ferry service from Beaufort takes 45 minutes. The ride from Harkers Island is 20 – 25 minutes.
Things to Do
The lighthouse’s calm sound-side is a good swimming beach. A boardwalk leads to the rustic ocean. The day we visited the water was rough and the current was strong. There are no lifeguards and no shade. Rescue buoys are located on occasional wooden posts.
The end of the island is known for excellent shelling. It’s a ways from the lighthouse. It would be best to take the hourly beach shuttle. Or better yet, camp overnight to get first dibs!
Plan ahead and reserve early, if you’d like to rent a UTV. Supply is limited.
The Keepers Quarters houses an interesting museum with lots of historical photos and artifacts. While visiting we met a friendly, informative NPS volunteer who lives there over the summer. Unfortunately the lighthouse is closed for climbing until 2023 due to a restoration project.
If you are on the island at night, stargazing conditions are some of the best in the country. In December 2021 the International Dark Skies Association awarded dark sky status to the Cape Lookout National Seashore. It is one of 63 parks in the US with that designation and the first dark sky park on the Atlantic coast.
The Great Island is undeveloped and there are no restaurants or stores near the lighthouse. There is a small concession stand open during the summer high-season. Restrooms are available at the lighthouse and the ocean boardwalk.
Shackleford Banks
Shackleford Banks is a neighboring island in the Cape Lookout National Seashore. A herd of wild ponies calls it home. Our ferry captain drove close to give us a view of several horses. If you are interested in learning more about visiting Shackleford check out Misadventures with Andi’s post. We spent half a day at Cape Lookout. It was Fourth of July and we had to get back to Beaufort for the parade and fireworks. I can’t wait to go back when I have more time to explore. I think a cabin stay or camping trip would be a unique, special trip. I can just imagine how stunning sunrise or sunset here must be!
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