Ocracoke Lighthouse

Visit North Carolina’s oldest operating lighthouse located on Ocracoke Island. The original wooden sentinel was erected in 1798 on the point of Ocracoke Inlet to mark the channel. It was 54 feet tall.

With shifting inlets, the lighthouse soon became ineffective and was replaced in 1820 by a light vessel located in the inlet. Moving sands once again ruled in 1822, and the current beacon was built. It stands 75 feet tall and sends its light 14 miles out to sea. The picturesque, white structure emits a constant beam. Paired with a long picket fence and green grounds, it makes for a great photo opportunity, but it is not available for climbing.

Access Ocracoke by ferry and rent a bike while you are there. It is a delight to ride through or stroll the island roads. You will need a car to get to the ocean from the heart of the village. Downtown is graced with Silver Lake, and a host of shopping and dining adventures awaiting discovery. You can even rent a boat to go to the isolated Portsmouth Island.

The light is noy available for climbing, but the grounds are always open.  

Is this your business? Update your listing by messaging us

Ocracoke
Ocracoke Lighthouse map location
Categories
Activities
Outer Banks Map
Carova Corolla Duck Southern Shores Kitty Hawk Kill Devil Hills Manteo Nags Head Wanchese Rodanthe Waves Salvo Avon Buxton Frisco Hatteras Ocracoke
Salvo Day Use Area

Located just South of Salvo proper, the Salvo Day Use Area provides a peaceful haven for families, beachgoers, and watersports lovers. This park offers the perfect backdrop for taking in the Outer Banks' rich history and natural beauty. Everyone may...

The 11 Best Beach Games for Summer 2026

Many beachgoers enjoy the simplicity of soaking up the sun, sipping a beverage or reading a book. Sometimes we prefer a little friendly competition or just some play time in the surf. And of course, kids are always in motion on the sand. Here are...

Kite Point

Ask any crowd of visiting kiteboarders about Kite Point, and they'll readily give you exact directions to this unmarked but internationally renowned soundside beach. Located in between Avon and Buxton villages abutting the Pamlico Sound, Kite Point...

K8024 Eleanor Dare 8 Bedroom Oceanfront ...

Welcome to Eleanor Dare by KEES Vacations! Now available for 2026! Saturday check-in from 05/16/2026 to 09/05/2026 + Farmdog Cabana Services from 5/3/26 to 9/18/26. This eight-bedroom oceanfront rental in the Nags Head Shores community is gorgeous...

  • Nags Head
  • 8 Bedrooms
  • 10 Bathrooms