Built by hand in 1823, the Ocracoke Lighthouse is one of the island’s most cherished landmarks. In 2023, it celebrated its 200th anniversary—a testament to its enduring role in guiding mariners safely through the treacherous waters of the Outer Banks. It remains the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina and the second oldest in the nation. Its steady beam, shining at 8,000 candlepower, can still be seen up to 14 miles offshore.

Since the passing of its last keeper in 1951, the lighthouse and its keeper’s quarters have been lovingly maintained by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a division of the National Park Service. While you can no longer climb the 75-foot tower, the surrounding grounds are open to the public daily. Visitors are welcome to stroll the peaceful site, take photos beneath its striking whitewashed walls, and imagine the centuries of sailors who once depended on its light.

Parking is available on site, and the lighthouse is just a short walk or bike ride from the heart of the village. A stop here is more than a photo opportunity—it’s a step back in time and a chance to connect with one of the oldest living symbols of Ocracoke’s maritime heritage.