Ocracoke Lighthouse

Pretty cute lighthouse. Can see from far offshore. It’s unfortunately closed due to not being safe to climb, however outside structurally it’s beautiful. Again, an unfortunate moment was a man and his preteen and younger children trying to break in, then walking on the land that’s gated off.

A must-see piece of history on Ocracoke Island! The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse is a beautiful and well-preserved landmark that offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the Outer Banks. While you can’t climb the steps to the top, you can walk inside the lighthouse, which is a rare treat! Access is easy via a short boardwalk, and it’s open to the public and completely free. A friendly and knowledgeable volunteer was on site during our visit to share fascinating stories about the lighthouse’s construction, its keepers, and its role in guiding mariners for over a century. The whole experience is peaceful, educational, and doesn’t take long — plan for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend soaking it all in. You can ride your bike or drive there while exploring Ocracoke, and it makes for a perfect little side trip. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just looking for a quiet and scenic stop, this lighthouse is absolutely worth a visit!

Not very photogenic at the moment with the ongoing preservation efforts to the keepers quarters, but you can go inside (a relatively recent change) the base of the tower. Climbing is currently not allowed. It's the oldest lighthouse on the Outer Banks and not in the greatest of shape.

Actual working light house so no entry. Lighthouse keepers dwelling, under renovation at the moment. Still great view and reading materials available on the history of this iconic piece of North Carolina’s !

Last lighthouse on our OBX visit worth the trip to the quaint island 🏝️ village. We have completed all OBX main attractions.

There were renovations happening during our visit. However ...we enjoyed talking to the volunteer there and seeing the inside of the lighthouse

Cool for a quick visit. You can’t go to the top but it’s pretty and makes for a good family photo along the walkway.

Beautiful historic lighthouse with a charming old village surrounding it. The area is well-maintained, with several nearby places to grab a bite to eat. A great spot to explore and soak in some local history.

This was the number one thing I wanted to see on Ocracoke and now that I've seen it, I'm happy! I love lighthouses, having visited 128 lighthouses across the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland and even a lightboat in Sweden. Do lighthouses in Oklahoma (Lake Hefner), West Virginia (Summersville) and Vermont (Shelburne) count? They do for me! Ocracoka's lighthouse is easy to access with parking lots nearby and it's maybe a one mile walk from the ferry terminal. It was built in 1823 by Massachusetts builder Noah Porter and is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina and the second oldest still standing in the state. It was constructed to guide ships safely through the treacherous Ocracoke Inlet into Pamlico Sound, a vital route for maritime trade and military supply lines. Standing 75 feet tall with a conical brick structure, the lighthouse was automated in 1955, and while visitors can access the base during summer months, the tower itself is not open for climbing. Its enduring presence and simple elegance make it one of the most beloved landmarks on the Outer Banks. [Review 775 of 2025 - 4207 in North Carolina - 24335 overall]

Well it's another lighthouse. There is free parking a block down, or park at the church just past the lighthouse for a donation. There is a boardwalk to the lighthouse that keeps your feet dry. Can't climb the stairs. Basically this is a 5 min visit, take some pics, read the history sign, then leave. I guess once the light keepers house is done with restoration there may be a museum to see?

Meh. It's a pretty white lighthouse on Ocracoke. You can't go up, sometimes it's staffed. Sometimes you're just on your own to walk down little path, past the two light Keepers houses and Peak your head up. Sometimes it's not very well maintained other times the path is cleared. Today it was flooded. What can you do?

This lighthouse is nice but the grounds are definitely not as expansive as the museum components and great explanations at the visitors centers found at other OBX lighthouses. Given the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke is ~75 minutes each way, this is like a bonus thing to see if you have the time. Not something I would go out of my way for.

Very easy to access. This is a stop using the golf cart service around town. When compared to all the other lighthouses in the area, off the island, this one is very underwhelming. I would not go out of my way to visit but if you find yourself on the island go ahead and take the five seconds to look at it.

As always, let's bring this one up to the current. Last week we made our triumphant return to the Isle of Ocracoke and any visit to Ocracoke should include a stop at the lighthouse. Many other Yelpers, self included, have covered the age and history of the structure so I'm not going there but where I am going to go is to a few of the detail points of note before making a visit. Of the five lighthouses in the OBX, this is only one that you cannot climb due to the stairs and other parts not being structurally sound. This is not a new thing (more on this later). The other four barring long term maintenance projects (of which Hatteras and Cape Lookout currently have going on) are climbable at some point during the year. The best you're going to get is that if you check one of the Ocracoke-centric websites that are actually updated, you might find a time when NPS volunteers will have the base open and you can get a brief look inside. As an example, the week after Christmas, the base was open Wed-Fri from 1pm-3pm. We had a long talk with the volunteers there and they said that while a final plan and funding isn't set at this time, this year marks the lighthouse's 200th birthday and plans are in the works for multiple future possibilities for both the lighthouse and the adjacent keepers quarters. Some of them include the ability to allow limited climbing of the lighthouse but any of this (final funding appropriations/contracts/repairs) are still years off. If you go: The lighthouse has a few parking spaces on the grounds and significantly (by Ocracoke standards) more parking is available down the road at the Ocracoke Assembly of God Church for a small donation in their drop box. Even if the base is open, this is by no means a stop this takes anything more than a few minutes. But it's still worth it especially if you're into Pharology to see the major difference in this one compared to ones in Hatteras or Bodie Island.

Visited all the lighthouses on the Outer Banks and each one has its own unique qualities. I live the layout of the Ocracoke lighthouse and the walk leading up. The view is scenic and the lighthouse is pretty to view. An easy and small location to get around. Definitely worth viewing.

Ocracoke Island lighthouse is one of seven located in North Carolina. It was built in 1823. And is the second oldest in the US. Believe it's only 75 feet to the top, but it's closed for climbing to the top. They are currently doing repairs. Which once again was a bit of a bummer. Pro tip... Check the website beforehand to see if it's open.:(

Closed to climbers to the top of the lighthouse, but the Park Ranger was there to greet visitors and eager to tell the visitors about the history of this 2nd oldest working lighthouse in the USA. We were able to go inside and look up. It's worth the 7-minute walk from the main road in Ocracoke. There is no need to drive. Everything is walkable in town on Ocracoke. Fun Facts: The lighthouse stands about 75 feet tall. Its diameter narrows from 25 feet at the base to 12 feet at its peak. The walls are solid brick - 5 feet thick at the bottom tapering to 2 feet at the top. An octagonal lantern crowns the tower and houses the light beacon. The exterior's solid white colouration serves as its identifying mark to mariners by day. The original whitewash "recipe" called for blending lime, salt, spanish whiting, rice, glue, and boiling water. The mixture was applied while still hot.

My wife and I took the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke to see this lighthouse! We loved it and the little boardwalk area around it. We both just wish there was a little more to it, like being able to go in the lighthouse or being able to go in a gift shop there.

Ocracoke Island Lighthouse stands at 75 feet tall. It is the second oldest lighthouse in the nation and the oldest operating lighthouse . It was built in 1823. It is not open to be climbed because of its age. There was very little parking and the road was closed because they wanted the trees to grow. The lighthouse doesn't have restrooms, a museum, information center or gift shop. I wouldn't make a special trip to see this lighthouse but it is worth a visit in your are nearby.

We went to all of the lighthouses in the Outer Banks and this one wasn't one of our favorites. There is a small parking lot right in front of the path to it. We were there in the off season and had to wait for a spot, so I'd imagine it's really hard to find a spot in the summer. There are a few signs with information about the lighthouse. You can't climb the lighthouse. I found it kind of strange that the lighthouse was in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I wouldn't come to Ocracoke just to see the lighthouse, but if you're there, it's worth a quick stop.

This is the forth and last lighthouse that I can reach by car at Outer Bank (OBX). This lighthouse is the oldest at OBX and one of the oldest in the US. This light original built next to Ocracoke Inlet. But the inlet move and damage the original light house. Now the current light is located at much better location. This light house was build 1823. It is second oldest function light house. The light can reach 14 mile even though it is not the tallest in OBX. The current light cannot allow visitors to climb. You allow to visit the outside and take pictures. It has limited parking spot. Many visitors reach here by bike.

Standing only 65' tall the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse may not be the most imposing lighthouse on the outer banks but it's one of the most beloved. Still towering over the 4 square miles of Ocracoke Village its beacon can be spotted up to 14 miles into the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. That's impressive. This unique Lighthouse is a must see. Once you arrive on the island it's not very hard to find. Just look for Lighthouse Rd. Several parking spots. It's not open to climbers and there is no gift shop but you can explore and take photos of the white beacon of light. It's nestled behind the keepers quarters and cluster of Live Oaks.

Bottom Line: A historic 195 year old lighthouse that can be visited but not climbed. Unlike other lighthouses on the Outer Banks, the Ocracoke Island Lighouse was built to warn mariners in the Pamlico Sound rather than in the Atlantic Ocean. For that reason, it is short compared to its companions like Hattersas, Bodie, Currituck and Cape Lookout. Responsibility for the lighthouse is shared between the National Park Service and the United States Coast Guard. The USCG ensures the automated light is working properly while the NPS conducts daily operations like hosting visitors and educating the public. The light house is not open for climbing but the doors are open at select times to allow visitors to take a peak inside and to chat with a Park Ranger. You can find out when the lighthouse will be open by calling or visiting the Ocracoke Visitors Centers. The lighthouse is probably about 1/2 mile from Ocracoke Village. It is best accessed on foot or bike since there is not much parking at the lighthouse - maybe just three or four spots. Access between the parking lot and the lighthouse is via a very nice boardwalk that I suspect is ADA compliant. The Keeper's quarters are still on site too. My recommendations for visiting this lighthouse in the summer months is to to wear OFF! and to find out when the doors will be open and a Ranger present so you can learn more. This is a lovely piece of American history and certainly worth a visit when visiting Ocracoke Island.

If your taking a trip to Ocracoke Island the Ocracoke Island Light house is a must see! It's a 200 year old lighthouse in a beautiful location.

I don't think that this little lighthouse gets enough 'light'. It's a cute little lighthouse on Ocracoke Island. Yes, it isn't as grand as it's nearby competitor The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, but it's still worth seeing. My husband and I were visiting the area for our anniversary and took the ferry over to Ocracake Island, just to see this lighthouse. It was worth the trip over. Although we didn't get to climb it (I'm not sure that anyone gets to climb it or if it wasn't in season), we got to take a looksy on the outside and ground level. If you're going to be in the area anyway, it's worth the stop. Parking is a beast! We were just touring the island for an hour or two and had our car, but next time we visit the island, we are going to park and rent a golf cart and some bikes like the rest of the island does. There are truly maybe 4 spots to park off this small side street. The good news is, that there is a time limit of 15 minutes for parking, but I'm not so sure it's enforced. Back to the lighthouse, there isn't much to say about it. Walking up to it, there is a wooded path surrounded by long grass. It's quite lovely. The lighthouse was never made to be a lighthouse for distress, but rather a welcoming light. There was a park ranger there who was willing to talk about the lighthouse and answer any questions you may have. We didn't stay long. We got a look, grabbed a photo opportunity and was on our way.

Cute little lighthouse you can walk up to but can't climb. Worth a stop if you're on Ocracoke.

Not at all what you would think. There are only 3 parking spaces that are 15 minutes. There is no gift shop or exhibits. Don't get me wrong; neat experience but was expecting more after we had waited over an hour and a half for the ferry. Then the hour ferry ride. It's nice to check off your bucket list if you have one; otherwise don't bother. You can go in but that's it.

As a tourist attraction, it's not something that will take a lot of your time to explore all that is there. The parking area is for 15 minutes only and that is more than enough time to see everything. What's special is that this lighthouse is still operating and serving its purpose. Take a few minutes and enjoy your visit.

beautiful lighthouse!! the grounds were very well kept, the lightkeepers quarters were beautiful. not being able to go inside and tour it is a bummer but still worth stopping by!

The lighthouse was pretty cool. You are unable to enter the lighthouse which is the biggest downfall. The is a nice path way up to it and a nice stop for pictures, but the way is very hot to walk on without shoes.

Nice lighthouse, but not much to look at or do. Don't come to Ocracoke just to visit this site, you will be disappointed. Parking available for five cars maximum, although spaces open up quickly as visitors do not stay longer than 10 minutes. Visitors can not climb to the top. Sometimes NPS opens the door to the lighthouse for a quick peek inside. However, it's rarely open.

It's nice to visit the oldest operating lighthouse in the US. My sister and I didn't do much here, but snap a few photos and crash a few wedding photos, but really enjoyed the view and nice walk. It's worth a stop if you find yourself on this island. My advice would be to rent some bicycles and trek down here. I don't think you can go inside, although sometimes I've read that the door is open but the area outside the lighthouse is very nice and picturesque and how cool that you're standing outside the oldest operating lighthouse in the US?!

Beautiful lighthouse and grounds. A must see if in the area due to the history that was made and memories that can be made while visiting. Taking at ferry to get there offers great views as well.

Very nice lighthouse. A lot of historical significance, being the second oldest lighthouse in the US. Rated 4-stars due to being out of the way from other main OBX locations. A ferry is required to get to the island. If you have time, I would definitely recommend going to see this lighthouse and the island as a whole. Much less busy than other parts of the OBX. There is only 15-minute parking for cars. But there is a nice grassy area to walk dogs.

First of all, don't plan a visit to Ocracoke *just* to see the lighthouse. I guarantee that you will be disappointed if that's your main reason for going to Ocracoke, because it's not a major attraction like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is. However, the Ocracoke Lighthouse is a good thing to stop and see if you're already doing other things in Ocracoke. It's worth about 5-10 minutes as a side trip while doing other things, though, since Ocracoke is full of other interesting things to do. The lighthouse itself is not particularly tall, and there is no access to the interior. Basically, all you do is walk along a raised path up to the door, and look at the outside. Parking is extremely limited, with only about five spaces. There is no visitors' center, and there are no restrooms. Again, it's worth a few minutes while you're already out doing other things, but don't plan a trip around it specifically.

Reading some of these reviews are hilarious! I look at a lighthouse as a memorial to a lifesaving team . A historic significance that save countless of lives ! No gift shop or it's not tall enough is a insult to the lives this building has helped saved ! Wouldn't it be ironic, if the people who were complaining about this light , that there ancestors safely sought passage through the waters in this area ! I certainly digress. I enjoyed the visit and gave my respects for the people who passed away providing a very important service ! Thanks !

When on Ocracoke Island, this is a must see. We went early, so we had the place to ourselves. It's easy to find, easy to park, and easy path to the lighthouse. The kitty welcomed us with open meows. You can't go inside. It's private. But taking a few photos of the outside is all I wanted anyway.

A beautiful lighthouse to visit while on vacation at Ocracoke Island. It's a classic, nice little white light house surrounded by neatly trimmed green grass, white picket fences, and beautiful pink flowers on the left side of the wooden walk way, depending on the time of year I suppose. It's something you would see on a painting at somebody's house, it's stunningly beautiful. It actually works by lighting up at the night time. Except a nice walk and checking the lighthouse out, there's not much else to do here. But I still give it 4 stars because it's nicely maintained and just a beautiful walk to start of your day.

Nice lighthouse but you cant get in. Parking is horrible but just wait a few minutes and it only a few minute wait as tourists come back right away. Circle the corner if you cant find a spot

This lighthouse is so pretty. They have old trees out front that make a good background for pictures. There is someone stationed inside the lighthouse that gives you a little historical information. Please note that you cannot climb this lighthouse as the top is very small.

A private lighthouse but, good photo ops from the outside. The trail is easy and I rented a bicycle to tour the island and I think that is truly the best way to see everything since this isn't closely located to other attractions. I came out on a fall day with the warm sun and a nice cool breeze which made for the perfect backdrop to view this piece of history. There is short time parking and spaces that are dog friendly if you bring your pup. I could have spent hours here just staring at this lighthouse but, that may be just me and my love of history. If you are spending the day here make sure you check this place out.

The lighthouse is fun to see and especially if you can see the Ocracat Thurstan that lives there. We love it both day and night.

The Ocracoke Lighthouse is North Carolina's oldest operating lighthouse.The present (and 3rd) lighthouse was approved for construction in 1822 and was built and lit by 1823. This lighthouse only cost $11,359.35 to build, and this included a three room keeper's quarters. The lighthouse stands sixty-five feet tall, and rises seventy-five above sea level. The current lighting apparatus has 8,000 candlepower and can be seen from fourteen miles out to sea

Short white lighthouse that fits the area. Not the tallest or coolest lighthouse of them all, but getting to Ocracoke is an adventure. Took the ferry from Hatters across the ocean and enjoyed it. Plan your time wisely or you'll be stuck there for the night

I've been here many times on vacation and it is just a perfect getaway if you need a vacation and the lighthouse is for sure the first thing you must visit when visiting the island such a good vacation spot

Though not nearly as majestic as its more famous OBX counterparts, Ocracoke Island Lighthouse stands as a testament to functionality and historic significance. It is a quaint little stop during your Outer Banks vacation. Parking is indeed limited so plan accordingly.

If you go to Ocracoke you need to go see the lighthouse. If the door is not open there is not much to see there, but it is interesting to see since it is so different than the others in the area. Getting to go inside was a treat. See my pictures of inside.

We took a ferry over to Oracoke Island which was nice as you put your car on the ferry. However, there is nothing to do on this island other than tourist trap little shops and this not so pretty lighthouse. The parking for the lighthouse is 15 minutes only which tells you something about how much time you need to check it out. Save yourself some time and skip this boring island!

Neat little lighthouse! It's a short walk from the parking lot and handicap accessible. It's close to all the restaurants and stores and easy to miss. While you can't go up in the lighthouse, it is well worth the side excursion while on Ocracoke.

We were lucky to have a Forest service person there allowing us to enter the base. Nice that there are going to be volunteers to allow this occur

Best lighthouse there is, on the best vacation spot there is! I am getting an Ocracoke Lighthouse tattoo in honor of all of the childhood memories I have there with my family from growing up and watching the island grow into what it is today as well! Can't wait to go back.

This started my love for lighthouses. You can walk around inside the bottom of the lighthouse. I took this trip along time ago.

To visit this lighthouse, you'll have to take one of the 3 ferries to get here from either Cedar Island, Swan Quarter (both are toll ferries with set schedules, see the NCDOT Ferry division website for more info on schedules and fares) or the free ferry from Hatteras Village to Ocracoke Island. It is free to visit and your time to stop and get a peak inside is limited to 15 minutes due to the VERY limited parking spaces. There are only 4 or 5 near the lighthouse so if you find a spot, you're lucky! Otherwise, you're s.o.l unless you rent a bike or golf-cart or walk from the visitor's center parking lot near the ferry docks. Parking can be difficult to come by especially during the peak of the tourist season so plan ahead if you plan to visit this lighthouse. I'd recommend walking or renting a cart or bike (both are expensive to rent for a day). The walk is a bit of a long one if you choose to, be forewarned though. However, in the off-season, you won't have trouble getting a space at the lighthouse. It was built in 1823 and is the oldest operating lighthouse in NC according to the guide. You are allowed to briefly step inside and look around at the base but climbing it is closed to the public. It is also another camera-worthy stop on Ocracoke and the southern Outer Banks. You should also check out the British Cemetery on the island as well for another historical site on Ocracoke

If you're already staying on hatteras island, then visiting Ocracoke island & the lighthouse is definitely worth the trip. 1st of all, the car ferry is free & the scenery is beautiful. You don't need to stay here long because the island is tiny. I went midweek & it wasn't crowded at all. I drove in my car with no problem, but you can rent bikes if you want to. I ate @ Howard's pub & had coffee @ a cool little shop attached to a thrift store.

Very picturesque and worth a quick visit. You can walk inside at the bottom but are not allowed to the top.

The lighthouse was beautiful! It was amazing to stand there and know it was over 200 years old and think of how many people have passed through its tiny interior. It was cool talking to the ranger about the original lens that is still in use today, since 1823. The only disappointment is that you can't climb to the top. I understand the reasoning. Maybe rather than a binder full of poorly printed photos and facts, they could modernize it and show a video of the views and the lens. Overall, it was enjoyable but I think the presentation could be updated.

Cool. Grounds nicely maintained. You can go in, but can't climb the stairs which is disappointing. Saw a nutria just outside which was almost as cool as seeing the lighthouse itself. Park at the lighthouse and walk to nearby springer's point to see the site where blackbeard was murdered. It's a neat walk through the old trees and plants...kinda creepy too. A zillion mosquitoes on the short trail to springer's point so be prepared with spray, or be in good shape so you can run for it!