Cape Lookout Lighthouse

I had a phenomenal time out here exploring the island today. My husband and I decided to rent ATV's and explore the area! The ferry ride was super quick, 15 minutes tops & the captain was cool. I am hopeful that the lighthouse will soon again open for the public to tour! I would highly recommend visiting & spending the day w family here. Shackleford banks is a SHORT ferry ride away, the ferry actually drops you off there first if you wish!

10/10

This is a great lighthouse. The light blinks every 15 seconds. The Keeper's Quarters are a museum.

We really enjoyed our day on Harkers Island!

While waiting for our UTV rental appointment we walked along the boardwalk from the visitor center to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The staff at the museum was friendly and knowledgeable, it was lovely to feel the warm breeze through the open windows and doors as we listened to the tales of the times.

The lighthouse itself is a beautiful black and white beacon against the fluffy cloud sky.

Next time we visit we will be sure to take the ferry to see the beautiful horses of Shackleford Banks.

Beautiful island. We took the ferry over which was a short ride. Checked out the light house and inn keeper house. Took beach shuttle to the point and enjoyed a few hours on the beach. Lots of shells and great fishing.

It was a very short ferry ride from Harkens to the cape Lookout. The last ferry back is at 545pm, so unfortunately we didn't get much time to enjoy the area, I'm sure the kids appreciated it tho! Lol. we will be back once they finish their renovations in 2025! May even camp on the island! Ferry cost about$20 per person, lovely captains, friendly and took group photos for us

This was amazing! I love all the history displayed here. It's really well maintained and there are lots of placards with info and cool facts. There's an audio tour you can do by calling in and it'll have posts with numbers for prompts. It's definitely worth a stop. There's boardwalks for a lot of the pathways and beach access to the sound and the ocean. The have opened up the old keeper's quarters and turned it into a museum (free entry) with information about the lighthouse and some history of the barrier islands.

If using Google Maps and without vehicle that has 4WD, use 131 Charles St, Harkers Island, NC for ferry that will transport you directly to lighthouse. Great water that is very clear and Undisturbed.

Beautiful place to relax for the day - but didn’t care for all the beach campers and vehicles permitted on the island now - south toward the point - kind of takes away from the experience

I highly recommend camping here. Two ways to do that. 1 pack everything with you and take the ferry, you also have to take water. Or there is a vehicle ferry on the north side of the island and you can drive on the beach. Drift wood fires are allowed as long as it is below the tide line. Great shelling and the surf is nice. Beware of mosquitos and ticks however.

Very nice area to look around or spend a day on the beach. Even were lucky enough to see some dolphins swimming around on our way back to the mainland.

You can not climb the lighthouse but all other parts of Island and Visitors center are open and running

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is on South Core Banks, part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. It is only accessible by boat. You can take a passenger ferry from Harkers Island, or a vehicle ferry from Davis. The Visitor Center is on Harkers Island and is open from 9-5. The volunteers and rangers are all nice and helpful!

Best vacation ever. FYI….The lighthouse is closed for climbing for approximately the next 3 Years for repairs!

I love going to Cape Lookout. Especially when it is off season. I live on Harkers Island and can watch the lighthouse every night that it can be seen.

Met some great people and captured some great photos!

This place is a must see, the side the boat dock is on has clear water so I kind of wish I brought some snorkeling gear. ATV rentals available, I didn’t know about that but next time I will be trying that out. Great place for camping, on the ocean side of the island is perfect. I didn’t get to see everything but you can bet I’ll be going back.

really cool old lighthouse we went on a sunset cruise the boat staff were very knowledgeable and told us a lot of history and stories

A special place. The beach is beautiful.

This entry is misleading. The lighthouse is on South Core Banks which is a 20 minute ferry ride from this location on Harkers Island. This location is for the Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitor Center. The visitor center is open 9-5 daily. The lighthouse is closed for climbing. Please visit the park website for full up to date information.

Limited hours to visit the lighthouse. Check the website so that you don't go on the wrong day or time.