Currituck Beach Lighthouse

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse was commissioned in 1872 to light the North Carolina coast between Cape Henry and Bodie Island—the last remaining dark stretch on the East Coast. Today, the lighthouse’s original light still flashes in periods of 20-second intervals.

Though most North Carolina lighthouses are black and white, this one’s red—one million unpainted bricks make up the 162-foot (49-meter) lighthouse. Inside, 220 spiral steps lead to the top, where visitors are rewarded with excellent views of the Outer Banks and beyond. Also on the grounds are the original lightkeeper’s quarters, plus a small museum shop.

• The lighthouse is open from late March to late November, weather permitting.

• While the grounds and museum shop are free to explore, climbing the tower requires an admission fee.

• Climbing to the top typically takes visitors anywhere from 5–20 minutes, and resting platforms are available along the way.

To reach the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, take the NC Highway 12 either north from Kitty Hawk or south from Corolla. Situated in Historic Corolla Village, the lighthouse is easily accessible by car and has ample parking. Visitors can also join guided tours or utilize local transportation services to explore this coastal landmark.

If you’re aiming to climb the tower and get great bird’s-eye views and photos, there’s nothing like an early-morning or late-afternoon visit in spring or fall. Not only will you get smaller crowds and more elbow room, but the shorter days mean you’ll catch warmer, golden hues over the Atlantic during the lighthouse’s business hours.

North Carolina is famous for its treacherous waters—they’re even nicknamed the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”. Lighting this stretch of coast was, and is, integral for maritime safety—indeed, all North Carolina lighthouses still operate today. In part, that’s why Currituck Beach Lighthouse has such a massive lens: It can be seen (and needs to be seen) from 18 nautical miles away.