America's second-oldest lighthouse, plain white and unclimbed, since 1823
Ocracoke Lighthouse has stood at the edge of Silver Lake Harbor since 1823, making it the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the United States and the oldest in North Carolina. Where the Outer Banks' other lights lean on bold graphics to stand out — Cape Hatteras' black-and-white spiral, Bodie Island's horizontal bands, even Currituck Beach's choice to leave its brick unpainted as its own kind of signature — Ocracoke's short, whitewashed tower keeps things plain. That simplicity is the point: this was a working aid to navigation for the village below, not a roadside spectacle.
The lighthouse is not open for climbing and never has been, so plan on viewing it from the grounds rather than from the top. The grounds keep limited hours: Monday through Saturday, 10am to noon, closed Sunday.
There's no bridge or road to the island. Most visitors take the free NC ferry from Hatteras village, about an hour each way; longer toll ferries run from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter on the mainland, roughly 2.25 hours. A private plane can also land at the small island airstrip.
Because Ocracoke has no evacuation route by road, hurricane season (June through November, with the sharpest risk in August through October) can bring mandatory evacuations and ferry suspensions with little warning — check conditions before you travel.
No, Ocracoke Lighthouse is not open for climbing and never has been. Visitors view it from the grounds rather than from the top.
The lighthouse grounds keep limited hours: Monday through Saturday, 10am to noon, and closed on Sunday.
There's no bridge or road to Ocracoke Island, so most visitors take the free NC ferry from Hatteras village, about an hour each way. Toll ferries also run from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter on the mainland, roughly 2.25 hours, and a private plane can land at the island's small airstrip.
No separate admission fee is specified for the lighthouse grounds. The main cost to plan around is getting to the island itself: the Hatteras village ferry is free, while the longer ferries from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter charge a toll that can change, so check current ferry schedules and fares before you go.
Ocracoke Lighthouse has stood at the edge of Silver Lake Harbor since 1823, making it the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the United States and the oldest in North Carolina.
Yes. Ocracoke has no evacuation route by road, so hurricane season (June through November, with the sharpest risk in August through October) can bring mandatory evacuations and ferry suspensions with little warning — check conditions before you travel.
2,848 reviews
a month ago
Nicely kept Lighthouse , the lighthouse keepers house is currently undergoing restoration. No tour available but u can scan a QR code for a virtual tour. Small parking area on corner street a short walking distance away. Enjoy
3 months ago
The lighthouse looks small but mighty and beautiful. That is a gorgeous beach area with a small town relaxed vibe.
5 months ago
Nice little lighthouse. They are doing construction on the visitors center next to it. Looks like they are past the completion date, so no idea when it'll be done. Can't go into lighthouse because it needs some reconstruction. Good size parking lot near by. Quick 15 minute stop
5 months ago
All white lighthouse, located at the very point/end of the island. A drive once you get off the ferry, but a short distance if you’re just in the passenger ferry, not the car ferry. Super cute and quaint town, can see the light house from the beach and ramps. We loved the nostalgic feel of the Ocracoke and love light houses. This one isn’t too fair from OBX itself, and would just cost fuel to get there! A must visit if you have the time.
4 months ago
There’s a restoration underway, so you can only walk to see the light house’s exterior at this time. There’s still signage to explain the history. Fairly large (for ocracoke) parking lot just before the lighthouse.