Cape Lookout National Seashore


A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there’s something for everyone at Cape Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beaches.

Only two areas of Cape Lookout National Seashore can be reached without taking a ferry: the Visitor Center on Harkers Island and the Visitor Information Center in Beaufort, NC. Please note: the park mailing address does not bring you to the Harkers Island Visitor Center parking lot. If you are using a GPS device - use the parking lot coordinates (34.68494, -74.52725) or the following "address" which approximates the location of the parking lot entrance: 1800 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531

  • Auto and ATV
  • ATV Off-Roading
  • Auto Off-Roading
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Fishing
  • Saltwater Fishing
  • Hunting and Gathering
  • Hunting
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Swimming
  • Saltwater Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • Maritime
  • Lighthouses
  • Military
  • US Coast Guard
  • Animals
  • Horses (wild)
  • Tortoises and Turtles

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

: Black & white patterned tower of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands against a blue & white cloud f

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is still an active aid-to-navigation, warning ships of the nearby shoals. Climbing to up to see the view from the gallery level, 14 stories above the ground, is also a popular activity by visitors during the summer.

Sea Oats

Mature sea oat plant seed heads gracefully drooping in the sun

In late summer, Sea Oats are the most conspicuous plant growing on the sand dunes with their graceful, drooping seed heads.

Sanderlings

small sandpipers poke their bills in the sand while waves break in the background

Small sandpipers, called Sanderlings, are common sights on the ocean beach as they search for food in the sand between waves

Relaxing by the Ocean

2 ladies sit in beach chairs on the sand with their feet in the water

Watching the waves, feeling the cool sea breeze and the warmth of the sun make for a relaxing day.

Surf fishing

A surf fisherman stands in the water holding his surf rod and watching the waves

Surf fishing is a popular pastime at the beach