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Lighthouses of the Outer Banks

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Plan An Outer Banks Lighthouse Tour

 

If you love the East Coast, and you love lighthouses, why not plan a lighthouse tour for your next family vacation?   The lighthouses featured in this tour are located on a series of long narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, known as the Outer Banks.  The Outer Banks is known for its beautiful lighthouses, rich history, and pristine beaches.  There are more activities listed here than you will be able to do in one trip.  Pick your favorites of these options, and you will have a wonderful, custom-made lighthouse vacation for you, and your family.  Enjoy this guide to some of the best activities available in the Outer Banks, visit the lighthouses, and see the other great sights the East Coast has to offer.

The Outer Banks area is so fascinating you can plan a vacation centered on any one of the lighthouses, or plan to visit them all in one trip.  Just a warning if you are planning on seeing them all in one trip, there are so many other fascinating things to do in the area you will easily get sidetracked, and wish you could increase the length of your stay!

The Outer Banks area is so fascinating you can plan a vacation centered on any one of the lighthouses, or plan to visit them all in one trip.  Just a warning if you are planning on seeing them all in one trip, there are so many other fascinating things to do in the area you will easily get sidetracked, and wish you could increase the length of your stay!

 

 

Rent a House On The Beach in the Outer Banks 

If you want to make a week of it (or two), check out the house rentals along the beach. Depending on the season, you can rent a house to fit most budgets. From single family homes, with an ocean view, to multi-family homes with pools, and hot tubs, located right on the beach. Here are a couple of the realtor's sites to check out for house rentals in the Outer Banks:
Joe Lamb Jr. Realtors
Plug in the date and location you're looking for and find the perfect rental vacation house.
Village Realty of the Outer Banks
Another great place to find the perfect house to rent for your Outer Banks vacation.
Twiddy
These are just a couple of the many vacation house rental companies available.
Beach Realty & Construction/ Kitty Hawk Rentals
View some of their fine Outer Banks vacation rentals for the perfect family beach vacation or browse their real estate listings for great investment opportunities.

Outer Banks Information Links 

If you rent a house you may want to come a couple days early, and get a hotel for a night, or two while you check out the northern, or southern areas. This will allow you to check out the outermost lighthouses with a minimum of travel time.

If you would like to make this a learning tour, or just find out more information about the area, check out the following sources:
Lighthouse Society Lighthouse Tour
Find out more information on the Lighthouses in the Outer Banks.
Outerbanks.org
Get a free travel guide, and find more information on the Outer Banks and what you can expect to find there.
Outerbanks.com
A free map of the North Carolina coast. Information on the towns of the Outer Banks, and what's great to see.

Currituck Beach Light Station 

The first stop on the tour is the Currituck Beach Light Station, which is located in Corolla, and was built in 1875. It was the last of the tall lighthouses built in the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks Conservationists worked very hard to restore this rustic lighthouse to it's original splendor. You can climb this lighthouse during the day if you visit between March and Thanksgiving. Enjoy the spectacular view of the beach and ocean from the top of the lighthouse.

While you are here check out the nature reserves, and the local beaches. Currituck County's northern beaches are majestic, and relaxing. They have been listed by USA Weekend as ''one of the 10 best undiscovered beaches on the East Coast.''

If you enjoy nature visit the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, or the Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve. The Coastal Estuarine Reserve is only accessible with a four-wheel drive vehicle. If you can access this portion of the island it is worth the effort, to see the natural, untouched, rustic environment.

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Close View of the Light of the Corolla

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Corolla or Currituck Beach Lighthouse

A View From The Currituck Light Station Window

Currituck Beach Light Station ~ Outer Banks Lighthouse Gifts 

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The Town of Duck 

Image and video hosting by TinyPicThe next spot on the map when you are traveling through the Outer Banks is the town of Duck. Like its name implies, Duck is famous for it's abundance of water-fowl. It is listed as a natural bird sanctuary. If you enjoy bird watching check out the beaches, woodlands, inlets, and ponds around this small town to find the best birding locations.

Kitty Hawk 

The town of Kitty Hawk is famous for being the home of the Wright Brothers while they were working on the discovery of flight. Kitty Hawk is also famous for its delightful beaches on both the ocean, and sound side. While you are there visit the Albemarle Sound, and submerge yourself in the rustic town, of this quaint fishing area.

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A Storm Sky Gathers at Kitty Hawk

A Wright Brothers Replica Plane At The Wright Brothers Memorial

Outer Banks Lighthouse Photos from Flickr 

Outer Banks Lighthouse by Brit.

Bodie Lighthouse in the Outer Banks. I should photoshop the date off... heh.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Outer Banks, North Carolina by bridgepix

Currituck Lighthouse, built 1875, 150 feet high, on the Outer Banks of North Car...

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Outer Banks, North Carolina by bridgepix

Looking towards the sun, a silhouette of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on the Out...

Lighthouse, Outer Banks, North Carolina by thepenartist

Lighthouse, Outer Banks, North Carolina

Outer Banks Lighthouse 1 by dmichie

The Outer Banks is a fascinating area on the Atlantic coast of North Carolina. T...

Kill Devil Hills 

Kill Devil Hills was the location of one of the Wright Brother's earliest flights, this flight has been immortalized by the Wright Brother's Memorial. The Memorial was constructed in the 1930's it is located at the top of the Kill Devil Dune. This famous landmark can be seen for miles. Stop by, take a hike to the top of the dune, and check out this piece of history.

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The Wright Flyer I in Which the First Powered Flight was Made in Kill Devil Hills...

The Wright Brothers Memorial

Nags Head 

Just down the road from Kill Devil Hills you will find the town of Nags Head. Nags Head features several unique shops including the artists shops in Gallery Row, where you can purchase a beautifully framed print, or painting of your favorite lighthouse. Another great find is Jennette's Fishing Pier, it is the oldest fishing Pier in the Outer Banks. You and your family can enjoy an afternoon of fishing, or just check out the coastline view from the pier. http://www.jennettespier.net/

If you enjoy flying kites pick up a new kite at Kitty Hawk Kites, and visit Jockey's Ridge State Park. Here you can enjoy kite flying, hang gliding or go hiking in the sand dunes. When you are done flying kites, drive over to watch the charter fishing boats come in, and unload their catch. It may inspire you to take your own charter-fishing trip, when you see all of the interesting catches others haul in.

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Fishing Pier, Nags Head, North Carolina

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Nags Head Pier

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Beachfront Homes, Atlantic, Nags Head

Outer Banks Lighthouse Flags 

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Bodie Light Station 

Continue through the islands in the Outer Banks, to the Bodie Island Light Station built in 1872. While they were building the Bodie Island Light Station five ships wrecked on the coast nearby, reinforcing the need for a lighthouse in this location. This lighthouse is located in the center of a natural wildlife preserve. While you are visiting the Bodie Island Lighthouse, take a walk along the grass pathway, and check out the bird observation decks. Cross the road to Coquina Beach, and discover a unique, beautiful beach where you can spend the afternoon with your family.

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Bodie Island Lighthouse, Oregon Inlet

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Bodie Island Lighthouse, Part of the ...

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Man Paddling Canoe in Mist, Roanoke R...

Outer Banks Information 

Hidden Carolinas: Including Ashville, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Great Smoky Mountains, Outer Banks, and Charleston

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Insiders' Guide to North Carolina's Outer Banks

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Outer Banks Mysteries and Seaside Stories

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The Outer Banks of North Carolina, 1584-1958

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Insiders' Guide to North Carolina's Outer Banks, 28th (Insiders' Guide Series)

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Cape Hatteras Light Station 

The Cape Hatteras Light Station, located in Cape Hatteras is the next lighthouse on the trail. This tower was built in 1870, and is the second tower built in this location, the first tower was built in 1803. The Cape Hatteras Light Station is the tallest lighthouse made of brick in the US.

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The 198-Foot Tall Lighthouse on Cape Hatteras

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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Outer Banks Lighthouse Guides 

Southern Lighthouses, 3rd: Outer Banks to Cape Florida

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Outer Banks Architecture: An Anthology of Outposts, Lodges, and Cottages

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Southeastern Lighthouses: Outer Banks to Cape Florida (Lighthouse Series : the Life and History of America's Waterways)

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Ocracoke Light Station 

The Ocracoke Light Station, built in 1823, is located on Ocracoke Island. This rustic lighthouse can only be reached by ferry. Ocracoke is a wonderful island to visit. To get the full affect of the island you will want to put on your walking shoes. It is a quaint little island with a unique collection of specialty shops, take a walk around the town, the lighthouse and the museum. You can dine outdoors at an open-air dockside bar, or check out Blackbeard's Museum, and immerse yourself in the life of a pirate.

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Ocracoke Lighthouse

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Cape Lookout 

Cape Lookout Light Station was built in 1859, and is the most remote; and difficult lighthouse to travel to. From Ocracoke Island, take the Cedar Island Ferry. This ferry requires an advance reservation, call 1-800-BY-FERRY to reserve your spot. After your ferry ride you will need to travel another thirty minutes by car, and take another 20-minute boat ride to reach your final destination. While you are visiting the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, check out the impressive, remote beaches, and the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum.

This lighthouse tour does not cover every activity there is to do in the Outer Banks, but it gives you a great start on planning a wonderful vacation. There are several fine restaurants to check out during your stay, and unique shops to stop at along the way. If you are not concerned about sunbathing, check out the islands during the off season. There are still many activities, and you will get the full affect of the rustic history of this natural historic area.

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Cape Lookout Lighthouse Silhouetted a...

Featured Lenses 

Have You Been To The Outer Banks? 

Share your favorite places, lighthouses, and things to do.

JaguarJulie

Ah, we love lighthouses and have a friend that also is a big fan -- he makes it a point to visit lighthouses. I've got a few pictures someplace of several lighthouses we've visited -- Hawaii, Hilton Head, St. Augustine.

Posted September 14, 2008

Been a number of years now but used to spend a good deal of time on the Outer Banks. My favorite area was from Cape Hatteras to Ocracoke. Grreat lense. Thanks!

Posted August 19, 2008

totalhealth

beautiful lens. nice information on lighthouses.

Posted August 01, 2008

MusicMadness

That's some great lighthouse information you have there. I've always enjoyed seeing lighthouses, and about five years ago, became an avid sail boater. Sailing all around Lake Huron and Georgian Bay in Ontario, has given me plenty of opportunities to see even more lighthouses. I wrote a blog post about lighthouse posters on my website a while a ago. You may enjoy giving it a read.

Posted July 18, 2008

GypsyOwl

Oh My! I adore this lens. :D Is this room available? "A View From The Currituck Light Station Window"! That is just where I want to be sitting with a cup of tea looking out over the tree tops. :D I love lighthouses! This is such a beautiful lens Thank You 5* FAV

Posted July 14, 2008

 
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