Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, with black-and-white spiral stripes. It was moved inland as a whole in 1999.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built in 1870. It stands about 60 metres tall and is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. Its black-and-white spiral paint is the symbol of the Outer Banks. Because of coastal erosion, the entire lighthouse was moved about 880 metres inland to its current site in 1999, an engineering feat. During the open season, you can climb 257 steps for a view over the waters known as the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic'. Climbing may be suspended during maintenance, so check NPS announcements before you go. From Nags Head, it's about 1 hour 15 minutes south on NC-12.
Opening hours
Park open all day; climbing season approx. 09:00–16:30 (check NPS)
Nearby sights
- Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
- Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Ocracoke Island
- Bodie Island Lighthouse
- Coquina Beach
- Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
- Jennette's Pier