Courtney K.
Yelp
Review #1,900
Bottom Line: A historical landmark and iconic structure surrounded by a prestige beach and nice National Park Infrastructure infrastructure. Even if you don't plan to climb the 257 steps for panoramic views you should still visit the grounds!
I've been fascinated with the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse since I was a little girl. As a kid I think it was because the historic lighthouse was synonymous with vacation and a bit of a curiosity. Plus, its pop culture icon on the East Coast. My appreciation for the impressive feat of engineering has only grown over time and my enthusiasm was significantly elevated when the lighthouse was moved in 1999. Fast forward another few decades and a handful more of climbs, and I still get giddy when I visit this "barber pole." For all these reasons, I'm glad to honor the 149 year old brick structure with my 1,900th Yelp review.
Enough about me, let's talk about you. . . if you are planning to visit Cape Hatteras Lighthouse here is what you can expect to find:
-The Lighthouse is operated by the National Park Service and is open for climbing during the late Spring to early Fall season. Tickets are only sold at the lighthouse and only for that day. Tickets are a very reasonable $8.
-You must be 42" to climb and it's good to be in reasonably good cardiovascular shape for the 12-story climb. If you're not, you can huff, puff and pant on the various landings on the way up. I think there are about seven or eight places to rest before getting to the top. Children cannot be carried so they'll need to hoof it on their own.
-The staircase is a narrow, single spiral staircase that hosts two way traffic. Those with claustrophobia might struggle with the tight stairs while those with acrophobia may find the walls more comforting than the open observation deck.
-In the summer I highly recommend climbing first thing in the morning for two reasons: (1) You won't have opposing traffic while climbing up and (2) If you climb the lighthouse in the middle of a hot summer day you'll feel like you are being baked inside a brick oven.
-Even if you don't want/plan to climb, still visit! The lighthouse is striking from the ground, the keepers' quarters has an informative museum and the National Park Service gift shop is nice. Inside the museum there is a video of a ranger giving a tour of the lighthouse so you can watch them exercise while you sit in the comfort of air conditioning. You'll get to see all of the details of those making the trek to the top. A win-win!
-The bathrooms are clean and very air conditioned in the summer. Ahhhh. There is new water bottle filling station and water fountain too. Over 4,000 plastic bottles saved so far!
-During the prime season there are daily talks from Park Rangers about beachy things like sea turtles, erosion, etc. The infrastructure surrounding the lighthouse is well thought out and all of those Ranger talks take place in a shady amphitheater.
-Speaking of the beach, it's just 1,500 feet away from the base of the lighthouse. Not only is the neighboring beach pristine, you can also see where the lighthouse use to be standing just 150 feet from the Atlantic's wrath.
Thanks to those who have advocated for the preservation of this wonderful piece of American history!