I recently ventured to the captivating Outer Banks of North Carolina, harboring an inkling of skepticism about what this famed destination had to offer. You see, my previous encounters with the state left me somewhat jaded, with the vision of endless forests, overpriced meals, and a surplus of PG-rated attractions. North Carolina was lovely, no doubt, but it never seemed to cater to the insatiable energy that surged within me.
Yet, as my tires met the welcoming roads of the Outer Banks, my perspective underwent a remarkable transformation. Suddenly, I felt like I could breathe freely, unhindered by the trappings of urban life. The landscape stretched out in pristine tranquility, and the calmness of the environment enveloped me.
But, enough about the destination; today, I want to shift the spotlight to the real stars of my journey – the lighthouses. Surprisingly, I found myself eagerly anticipating my encounters with these iconic structures, despite their humble simplicity and historical roots. After all, they are the stoic guardians of the past, standing tall as silent sentinels.
So, what do you think? To the locals of the Outer Banks Lighthouses hold more than just historical significance; they are beacons of tradition, resilience, and community pride. For generations, these towering structures have guided fishermen home through treacherous waters, warned of approaching storms, and signaled safe passage for countless vessels. They are more than bricks and mortar; they are a part of the local identity, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of those who call these shores home.
Bodie Island Light House
This of course does not fall in the most exciting things to do, but when looking for the top 15 Best things do in the Outer Banks, many of items on the list are about visiting this Light Houses!
Ocracoke Island Light House
If you search online, most of the blog posts talk about ensuring to get the ferry on time. Ocracoke is another island and well, they may be correct. There is only a single ferry at a time and during peak times the wait can be hefty. We were there just before the season started and waited around 30 minutes.
Currituck Light House
Cape Hatteras Light House
The picture is not the only thing that makes this lighthouse special. Did you know the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was relocated 2,900!
Manteo Light House
This last image, is the Manteo Lighthouse. When coming to the outer banks, this is one of the first lighthouses you will see. I wasn’t aware of it, and I did not carry my DSLR through town either, took a picture of the building with no zoom and nothing, so the below is an edit of a Samsung S21.
Make sure to check all the Outer Banks Light Houses and their timings and website to avoid any surprises when visiting!