Top Things to do in North Carolina Coast
Top Hotels in North Carolina Coast
- 1. Clarion Pointe New Bern
- 2. Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks / Corolla
- 3. Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront
- 4. Bridgepointe Hotel and Marina
- 5. Sea Ranch Resort
- 6. Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront
- 7. Best Western Ocean Reef Suites
- 8. Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront, an IHG Hotel
- 9. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rocky Mount, NC
- 10. Sanderling Resort
Countries
Top 10 Lighthouses in North Carolina Coast, North Carolina Coast
North Carolina's coast and 300 miles of barrier island beaches are filled with lovely state parks, top restaurants and world-class golf courses. Cape Fear's beaches attract surfers. Wilmington's downtown contains fine antebellum homes and exciting shopping and dining. The wind-swept Outer Banks offer historic lighthouses, mysterious Roanoke Island and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers hiking, biking and fishing. Ferry trips link islands with the mainland.
Restaurants in North Carolina Coast
1. Cape Lookout Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By loisp297 - Candler, United States
This was my second visit to the Cape Lookout lighthouse & I still haven’t climbed it! I was very disappointed last time, as I visited in April three years ago and found that it is only open for climbing from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Thus time, it was closed due to COVID. You can still take one of two ferry services to the island, the keepers quarters is open and manned by two very knowledge volunteers, the gift shop is open, but not very well stocked, and of course the beaches are open for swimming & fishing. Most importantly, the restrooms ARE open! This beautiful lighthouse sports a fresh coat of paint and is still operational, although it no longer has its first order fresnel lens. You can see it at a distance from the east end of Shackleford Banks and Harker’s Island. When in the area, don’t miss this regal lady!
2. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,566 reviews
The nation's tallest lighthouse was moved to a different location to preserve it.
Reviewed By GypsyJules1111 - Albany, United States
Was a great experience! Tour groups were formed quickly.. beautiful grounds around the lighthouse to explore, informative tour guide & well worth the climb to the top! Amazing views from the top deck! Just an awesome experience!
3. Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,160 reviews
Open for the 2021 season, daily, 9a-5pm, weather permitting. Climb the 220 steps to the top for a breathtaking view while learning from docents, brochures, and exhibits about shipwrecks, the lives of lighthouse keepers, the history of the tower (it filled the last remaining dark space on the east coast in 1875) and the original 1st order Fresnel lens. The beacon continues to be an active aid to navigation (3 seconds on, 17 off). The station is preservation effort of the Outer Banks Conservationists along with the State of NC and the USCG through the NHLHP Act of 2000. $10/person (card or cash); Children ages 0-3 may ascend (free) but only in a carrier with adult 18 or over. All other climbers $10.* Children 13+ may climb alone with parent signature.
Reviewed By rbrich - Cherryville, United States
This is a beautiful lighthouse that from the top you can see the ocean and the sound, it shows just how narrow the strip of land that makes up the outer banks is. This is the second time we have visited this lighthouse and it was just as fun this year as it was 12 years ago.
4. Oak Island Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
Reviewed By kaylas61289 - Saint Johns, United States
Did some research and reserved a spot to do the Top Tour. Well worth it, the light house is all volunteer run and they all seem to enjoy the lighthouse and all of the history. Will definitely be on our to do list in the future.
5. Bald Head Island Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Old Baldy, built 1817, is North Carolina's oldest lighthouse. Restoration projects by the not for profit Old Baldy Foundation allows visitors today to enjoy the tower and climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the island and surrounding area. Tickets available in the Keeper's Cottage, home to the Smith Island Museum of History and lighthouse gift shop.
Reviewed By navyprofessor - Vass, United States
Old Baldy Lighthouse (Bald Head Island Lighthouse)Is definitely worth the trip out to the island. The ferry is a bit pricey at $23, and the parking is nine dollars at the marina, but the lighthouse is a short walk from the ferry port. You can be there in 3 to 5 minutes from the port on foot. If you want to do other activities on the island, it would be helpful to rent a golf cart. Those rentals can be quite pricey. However, it is a lovely island with lots to do.
6. Bodie Island Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,067 reviews
An interesting and still important lighthouse that can be visited but not climbed. (NOTE: The lighthouse is currently under construction, and is expected to re-open in summer 2013, with the ability to be climbed for the first time)
Reviewed By Jake6279
We had an amazing time and it was a great tour of the light house, we had wait for our climb so we walked out on their boardwalk and outlook. I would do it again!
7. Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By ITRT
Small in size but nevertheless a nice lighthouse. The lighthouse jets out several feet into Roanoke Sound and can be found at the waterfront park in Manteo. The original lighthouse was located in Wanchese, NC for about 60 years and was decommissioned in 1955 and sold to a private individual. Before he could assume ownership, however, the lighthouse was lost in an attempt to move it to the new owner’s property. The current lighthouse is only 37-feet
8. 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
The 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse is a historic museum managed by North Carolina State Historic Sites. It is open from Tue-Sat, 10-4 for guided docent tours. The Historic Edenton Visitor's Center manages the lighthouse and is located at 108 N. Broad Street.
Reviewed By W3348KYbonnieb
Fascinating history lesson and great tour by Mr. Lee with 'insider info' on the lighthouse and history of Edenton.
9. Ocracoke Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,027 reviews
The oldest lighthouse still in operation in North Carolina.
Reviewed By LittlePaint - Urbandale, United States
With all of the current closures, there's not really a lot to see and do in the quaint village, so make sure you get off the beaten path and stop at the lighthouse. The parking area is small, but easily accommodated my 25' RV. It's a short walk to the light house and the plaque that talks about the structure and history was worth the read.
10. Price's Creek Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By niteowljune - Huntersville, United States
We were on the Southport to Ft. Fisher ferry and discovered this gem, just as you are approaching the Southport ferry landing. Aside from the fact that this is there, the ferry ride to Ft. Fisher is a wonderful outing!
