Lighthouses of the Outer Banks

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.



Close View of the Light of the Corolla



Corolla or Currituck Beach Lighthouse

The 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.

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.



A Storm Sky Gathers at Kitty Hawk

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.



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

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.



Fishing Pier, Nags Head, North Carolina



Nags Head Pier



Beachfront Homes, Atlantic, Nags Head

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.



Bodie Island Lighthouse, Oregon Inlet



Bodie Island Lighthouse, Part of the ...



Man Paddling Canoe in Mist, Roanoke R...

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.



The 198-Foot Tall Lighthouse on Cape Hatteras



Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

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.



Ocracoke Lighthouse

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.



Cape Lookout Lighthouse Silhouetted a...