Cape Lookout National Seashore • North Carolina

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

A bird with orange bill and orange legs runs along the tide line. Waves in the background

A red light illuminates a tent on the sand, with a star filled sky behind it.

A seashell lays in the sand, with the sun setting in the background.

A sand covered turtles flings sand on the beach while laying eggs.

A Jeep drives on the sand in between grass covered dunes.

A angler sits in a chair, with two fishing poles in the sand. Lighthouse in background.

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.

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.
NPS photo

The American Oystercatcher, one of the protected species in the park, forages along the shoreline.
NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin

Campers enjoying the preserved night sky at Cape Lookout National Seashore.
NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin

A perfect shell waits to pick up by a sheller.
NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin

A Loggerhead sea turtle, one of 4 species that nest at Cape Lookout, crawls on the beach.
NPS Photo

Visitors drive on the beach at Cape Lookout National Seashore
NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin

An angler enjoys the remoteness of South Core Banks.
NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin

Aerial view of Lighthouse Keeper's house with boats in the water

Current Conditions

Be prepared for changing conditions. Many park facilities are open seasonally. Click here to see what is currently open

Visitors enjoy the view from the top of the lighthouse

Visit Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Thinking about visiting Cape Lookout Lighthouse? Learn about the different activities you can do while on South Core Banks.

Ferry boat passing by a stone barrier with grass in the foreground

Getting to the Islands

Find information on the ferry services that provide transport to and from the islands. Learn about how to navigate around Cape Lookout

A painting of a beach truck between the dunes with a NPS ranger standing beside it/

Off Road Vehicle Beach Driving Permit

An Off-Road Vehicle Beach Driving Permit is required before driving on the barrier islands. For more information follow the link.

Milky Way arcs over the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the Keepers' Quarters

Cape Lookout is an International Dark Sky Park. Enjoy the stars on your own or join us on a public astronomy program

Black and white Cape Lookout Shoals Lightship in the water

History & Culture

Take a moment to journey through the human struggles and triumphs that occurred on these islands

A angler sits on a chair with fishing poles in front of him.

Looking to surf fish at Cape Lookout? Read about regulations.

A Loggerhead sea turtle nesting on the sand. NPS staff blurred behind the turtle

Protected Species

Cape Lookout is home to a multiple protected species. Learn about the park's monitoring efforts.

2 people consult a map

Volunteer with Us

Want to volunteer for the National Park Service? Check out opportunities at Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Aerial view of Portsmouth village.

Historical Villages

Did you know Cape Lookout has two historical villages within the Park? Learn more about Cape Village and Portsmouth Village.

Last updated: March 13, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

131 Charles St
Harkers Island, NC 28531

Phone:

252 728-2250

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected

Birds & Birding

Oceans, Coasts & Seashores