• Cape Lookout Lighthouse from Barden Inlet

    Cape Lookout

    National Seashore North Carolina

  • Tropical Storm Alberto

    Based on the current projected track of Alberto, park will continue operations as normal. We will continue monitoring this system and update this alert as necessary. More »

History & Culture

Although Cape Lookout National Seashore is well known for its surf fishing, wide beaches, and as a home for wild horses and shore birds, the area also boasts a rich and colorful human history.  These islands have been home to fishermen, whalers and stockmen and have borne witness to shipwrecks and daring rescues.  Take a moment to journey through the human struggles and triumphs that occurred on these islands.
 
 
 

Did You Know?

Portsmouth villagers stand on the steps of their newly completed church in 1915.

Portsmouth Village had as many as 685 people living there near its height in 1860.  Buildings still standing there today include a church, Life-Saving Station, post office and school. Cape Lookout National Seashore More...