Cape Lookout National Seashore

National Seashore · NC · nps.gov page

: Black & white patterned tower of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands against a blue & white cloud f
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is still an active aid-to-navigation, warning ships of the nearby shoals. Climbing to up to see the view from the gallery level, 14 stories above the ground, is also a popular activity by visitors during the summer.Photo: NPS photo

A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there’s something for everyone at Cape Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beaches.

Larger map

News

Photos

A bird with orange bill and orange legs runs along the tide line. Waves in the background
The American Oystercatcher, one of the protected species in the park, forages along the shoreline.Photo: NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A red light illuminates a tent on the sand, with a star filled sky behind it.
Campers enjoying the preserved night sky at Cape Lookout National Seashore.Photo: NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A seashell lays in the sand, with the sun setting in the background.
A perfect shell waits to pick up by a sheller.Photo: NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A sand covered turtles flings sand on the beach while laying eggs.
A Loggerhead sea turtle, one of 4 species that nest at Cape Lookout, crawls on the beach.Photo: NPS Photo
A Jeep drives on the sand in between grass covered dunes.
Visitors drive on the beach at Cape Lookout National SeashorePhoto: NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A angler sits in a chair, with two fishing poles in the sand. Lighthouse in background.
An angler enjoys the remoteness of South Core Banks.Photo: NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.