Top Things to do in Harkers Island
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Top 5 Budget-friendly Things to do in Harkers Island, North Carolina Coast
Discover the best top things to do in Harkers Island, United States including Cape Lookout National Seashore, Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center, Shackleford Banks, Harkers Island Visitor Center.
1. Cape Lookout National Seashore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 322 reviews
Popular recreation area for surf fishing and shelling, these 28,500 acres of undeveloped barrier islands are accessible only by boat
Reviewed By dbaaronson - Asheville, United States
This is one of the must-do experiences in my hone state of NC. You can literally have a ferry drop you off on a deserted island for the day. Cape Lookout is not quite as deserted although it can feel that way on the inlet side. On the ocean side there are cars that can access the island from farther north. Despite that it's a pretty remote place, the lighthouse is very scenic and if you're looking for a wild beach with no frills, this is the place for you.
2. 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!
3. Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
The museum houses the region’s largest collection of decoys (old and new) along with changing exhibitions of workboats, community history, commercial fishing, and wildlife photography. It also offers a stunning view of Cape Lookout Lighthouse from the third-story tower. Willow Pond includes an interpretive hiking trail through maritime forest that leads to the Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitors Center next door.
Reviewed By loisp297 - Candler, United States
This free museum will give you a true taste of local “Down East” culture. It pays tribute to the local pastime of duck hunting with a substantial collection of local decoys & such, has a very impactful display of hurricane history of the region and other local history. There are plenty of clean bathrooms. The upstairs is a heritage museum for the Down East communities. It really is quite fascinating, and you will leave feeling like you understand the local culture. There is a third floor overlook with viewing balcony. Bring your binoculars to se the distant South Core Banks & Cape Lookout Lighthouse! You can take the stairs, and an elevator is also available. There are nature trails, including a short one around a pond behind the museum that highlights local water fowl. There is an overlook right behind the museum that is basically a “duck blind” for viewing the waterfowl. We saw quite a few birds there. Plenty of free accessible parking.
4. Shackleford Banks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By mikeandterri - Vienna, United States
Took the Island Express ferry with Captain Amy to the island. She was funny and informative and the trip was pleasant even though we had to wear a mask. The island was beautiful and the horses were pure bred Spanish Mustangs. If you want shells, go early or on the first boat after high tide. The best shelling is when the tide is going out.
5. Harkers Island Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By loisp297 - Candler, United States
Informative displays & friendly volunteers. This is also a site to catch the Island Express ferry to Shackleford or Cape Lookout. There are trails, one leading along the sound. Fishing is allowed, but there are no piers. There are nice restrooms and an informative video about the ecology of the Down East region. Also a gift shop. Enjoy views of South Core Banks & the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Plenty of free parking.
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