Cape Hatteras Lighthouse near Buxton on Hatteras Island, North Carolina is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States at 198 feet and one of the most recognized maritime structures on the East Coast. Built between 1868 and 1870, it was designed to warn ships away from Diamond Shoals — a 14-mile reef extending offshore from the cape where hundreds of vessels have run aground over the centuries, earning the area the nickname Graveyard of the Atlantic. The lighthouse's distinctive black-and-white diagonal spiral pattern serves as a daymark, allowing mariners to identify it visually from at sea during daylight. In 1999 the lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet inland from its previous position, where ocean erosion had brought the sea within 120 feet of the foundation. The engineering relocation project captured international attention and is considered one of the most complex historic building moves ever executed. The lighthouse is open for climbing from mid-April through mid-October; the 257-step climb rewards visitors with panoramic views from the watch room gallery across Diamond Shoals, Pamlico Sound, and Hatteras Island's narrow silhouette. Grounds include the adjacent double-keepers' quarters, now a museum with exhibits on the lighthouse's history, the Graveyard of the Atlantic, and the 1999 move. The grounds and museum are free year-round; climbing requires a separate timed-entry ticket. The beach at the cape is accessible by foot from the lighthouse and offers some of the Outer Banks' most dramatic surf and open ocean conditions.
Good to know
- Hours
- Grounds: daily 9am-sunset; climbing open mid-April to mid-October 9am-4:30pm
- Best time
- Sunrise or golden hour for photography; spring/fall for climbing without heat
Location
46379 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920
35.2506, -75.5288 View on map
Highlights
- 198-foot black-and-white spiral brick tower — the tallest lighthouse in the United States
- 257-step climb to the gallery deck with views across Diamond Shoals, Pamlico Sound, and Hatteras Island
- 1999 relocation of the entire 198-foot structure 2,900 feet inland — one of the most complex building moves in history
- Double-keepers' quarters museum with exhibits on the Graveyard of the Atlantic maritime history
- Dramatic ocean beach at the cape accessible by foot from the lighthouse grounds
Tips for visiting
- Climbing is seasonal (mid-April through mid-October); tickets ($10/adult) sell out quickly — purchase online at recreation.gov before arriving.
- The grounds and keepers' quarters museum are free and open year-round; the lighthouse exterior is always visible.
- Arrive at sunrise or in the late afternoon for the most dramatic photographs of the spiral-painted tower.
- The beach at the cape is a 0.5-mile walk and is exposed with no facilities — bring water and sun protection.
- Combine with a visit to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore visitor center (0.3 miles north) for full coastal park context.
- Strong wind and lightning cause temporary closure of the climbing program; check conditions on arrival at the site.
When to visit
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best climbing conditions with mild temperatures and manageable crowds. Sunrise visits in fall provide the clearest air and the most photographic light on the spiral-painted tower face.
Accessibility
The lighthouse interior and 257-step tower climb are not accessible to wheelchair users. The surrounding grounds are relatively flat and partially paved, providing accessible viewing of the exterior. The keepers' quarters museum has a ground-floor accessible entrance; upper floors may involve stairs. Accessible parking is available in the main lighthouse lot.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse year-round?
No — climbing is open mid-April through mid-October only. During the off-season the tower is closed to interior access, though the grounds and keepers' quarters museum remain open free of charge.
How many steps are in Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
There are 257 steps to the watch room gallery. The climb takes most visitors 10–15 minutes at a moderate pace and requires reasonable cardiovascular fitness.
Why does Cape Hatteras Lighthouse have a spiral pattern?
The diagonal black-and-white spiral serves as a daymark — a visual identification code allowing mariners to distinguish Cape Hatteras from other lights in the region during daylight hours when the light itself is not visible.