Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a sightseeing stop in Buxton, NC, part of the Outer Banks guide. Cost: free. Closed for climbing in 2026 due to restoration.

46379 Lighthouse Road · Buxton, NC

Why you should go…

Completed in 1870, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse stands just over 198 feet from foundation to pinnacle and is painted with black spiral stripes on a white background. In 1999 the lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet in 23 days and now sits 1,500 feet from the shoreline. The tower is not open for climbing in 2026 because of restoration work, and the national seashore charges no entrance fee. There are 269 steps from the ground to the lens room.

#lighthouse
#outer banks
#national seashore
#maritime history

What's around here?

The closest stops to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sport & Outdoor
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Cape Hatteras National Seashore
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Bodie Island Lighthouse
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Wright Brothers National Memorial
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Stand where the Wright brothers first flew in 1903, walk the flight line and climb to the granite monument.
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