Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Category: Historical landmark

Address: 46379 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920, USA

Phone: +12524732111

Opening hours

Sunday: Open 24 hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Reviews

Steven Hudson

Jul 3, 2022

Didn’t get to enter any of the structures but enjoyed the walking tour. One of the best beaches anywhere is within walking distance. I would recommend visiting anytime you’re even remotely close to Virginia Beach.

Nikki

Jun 22, 2022

I have loved going to the lighthouse since I was a little kid. It is currently closed for renovations so do not go expecting to climb up it right now. It is still nice to go see and walk around. It's also nice to look through the museum in the old lighthouse keepers station across the way from the lighthouse. Make sure you take some time to learn about the wildlife (maybe see some of you're lucky) and learn about some ocean safety if you plan on swimming while you're on the island. Rip currents are real ... be safe!

Bill Ruffalo

May 13, 2022

What an experience! The Lighthouse is iconic, the grounds are immaculate, and the programs, which are free and run throughout the day are informative and interactive. I could probably upload a hundred pictures of this place and not a one would do it justice. It's a hike from Nags Head, etc., but it's totally worth the drive. Plan to explore, because it's the OBX experience at its best

Bill Harker

Mar 29, 2022

The crown jewel of the Outer Banks lighthouses. Located just inland after the incredible move in 1999. The tree line which was cut is still visible and gives a great view of the original location. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse remains the most popular and tallest lighthouse in the US standing at 208 ft!y

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Questions & Answers

Can you still climb to the top of the Hatteras lighthouse?

Molly Boylan | Feb 26, 2019
Terry | Feb 27, 2019

Yes

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How late can someone stay on the lighthouse grounds and parking area? Is it closed like most parks and no night time access is available?

Anthony Kago | Feb 26, 2019
Kelly Challand | Feb 27, 2019

The buildings all close at 5:00 PM, but the site is open all night. You can drive in and walk around, but you won't be able to go inside.

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Is it possible to spread the ashes of a loved one at the lighthouse

Robert jennings | Feb 26, 2019
Christine Shields | Feb 27, 2019

I'm not sure I would call

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Can I paint a picture on location

randy perkins | Feb 26, 2019
Dana Wood | Feb 27, 2019

Yes. There is a couple good distance vantage points outside. But im not sure you can at the top of the lighthouse

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When was cape hatteras built

Avril Olais | Feb 26, 2018
Scott Meister | Feb 27, 2018

1802 original tower, 1870 current tower.

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Who built it

LIL HAWK40 | Jul 30, 2021
Photis Pascali | Jul 31, 2021

Dexter Stetson was the architect who built the lighthouse in 1870. It takes 10 acres of land as well and was moved in 1999 due do high waves by 1,500 feet. The lighthouse also has the nickname "Graveyard of the Atlantic" because most ships got stuck in shallow 2-5 ft sand dunes.

How much is it to get in the light house?

Jenna Argabright | Feb 26, 2019
Jacob | Feb 27, 2019

8 per adult as of two weeks ago. Good view, harder climb then Bodie but not terrible.

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what made Cape Hatteras move?????

Grace Geetersloh | Feb 26, 2019
Gregg Seidl | Feb 27, 2019

Encroaching ocean

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where is the lighthouse lolocated

Samantha Woodrum | Feb 26, 2019
Nishka Amesar | Feb 27, 2019

Buxton,N.C.

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I understand that the 2nd Hatteras lighthouse built in 1868 was built substantially inland from the original 1803 lighthouse site. How far inland was the 1868 construction site?

George Mears | Feb 26, 2018
Joseph Ferguson | Feb 27, 2018

The lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet in 23 days and now lies 1,500 feet from the seashore, its original distance from the sea. So the 1868 lighthouse was 1,500 feet from shore.

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What is the closetst town to cape hatteras lighthouse.

Lauren Bell | Feb 25, 2021
Penn Stafford | Feb 26, 2021

Buxton

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Dose the lighthouse work?

Monica-Lynn Bryan | Jul 30, 2021
Photis Pascali | Jul 31, 2021

The lighthouse currently does work. Every 9 seconds if you are out on a boat, it shines and is still operative but the lighthouse is temporarily closed due to renovations and new coats of paint on the inside. However, you can stand outside of it but its just the inside that is closed so you currently cannot climb the lighthouse as of today, July 16, 2021.

How many steps does the lighthouse have ?

Leslie Murphy | Feb 26, 2020
stephanie midanek | Feb 27, 2020

257 steps

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Can you bring yhe light house to west Bertie elementary school i will give you 100 dollars please i had never seen it before im just curious we just learning about it you can bring it back to cape hatteras please that will

Linda Lee | Feb 26, 2020
Amy Toman | Feb 27, 2020

Cute question, but not really gonna happen. It did move, but that was a seriously huge maneuver. I'd save your pennies and get down there to visit it where it is. Much more fun that way.

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How many corbels does the Cape Hatteras Light Station have

Rollie Ron | Feb 26, 2019
El Taychert | Feb 27, 2019

Looks like 16 in my pics.

Was it all white in colour initially

norman gillon | Feb 26, 2019
Stacy Pauley | Feb 27, 2019

No, the original was sandstone, the second was half red and half white, but both were too short. Then the third, which is still standing is your black and white.

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What year was Iightnhouse bulit

World of Kya | Feb 26, 2019
Amy Smolka | Feb 27, 2019

First one was 1803, this current one was finished in 1870. It was moved inland in 1999 due to beach erosion. She was literally right on the beach.

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Do you take your car to the island

randy perkins | Feb 26, 2019
Thierry Andries | Feb 27, 2019

I did and I'd recommend it

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Can u climb lighthouse today

Vincent Herring | Feb 26, 2018
M Hall | Feb 27, 2018

Yes and no. 1. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is currently closed. 2 I'm in excellent physical condition and fully capable of not only climbing but running up any lighthouse any day of the week.

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What are the hours at the lighthouse?

Debbie Zimmerman | Feb 26, 2018
Rob Mitchell | Feb 27, 2018

9:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. every day.

Do we have pay for to enter inside of the light house?

Kayah Reh | Feb 26, 2018
Christopher Hall | Feb 27, 2018

If you want to walk up the tower to the top there is a charge. It was $8 for adults a few weeks ago (child prices may be different). If you just want to poke your head in the entry I'm sure the park staff would accommodate you.

Age or height limit?? Someone told me there was

Teresa Anderson | Feb 26, 2018
Doug Leed | Feb 27, 2018

Each climber must be at least 42" (107 cm) tall and capable of climbing all steps on his or her own.Children 11 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult who is 16 years of age or older.

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how tail can you go up to

Keira Wilson | Nov 27, 2021
Rebecca Titterington | Nov 28, 2021

You can climb to the observation deck at the top. It is currently closed for the season.

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Oct 2021. Is the inside reopened yet?

Kathleen McMonigle | Oct 28, 2021
Crystal Allen | Oct 29, 2021

Not yet

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As of today which is 5/2/2021 it's closed for renovation and removal of lead paint.

travis stewart | May 31, 2021
Becky Hale | Jun 1, 2021

Its still like that

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Is the lighthouse open for tours at night?

Al Taylor | Feb 25, 2021
Penn Stafford | Feb 26, 2021

No.

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Are we able to climb the lighthouse ? Due to Covid ?

Kristin Gerner | Feb 25, 2021
Children of Light | Feb 26, 2021

Unfortunately not! And we were told that they won't be reopening this summer because they are getting ready to do some major renovations on it.

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When was the lighthouse made in 1980s or 1990s or WHEN

Erin Galloway | Feb 25, 2021
Kristian Matlock | Feb 26, 2021

Original tower was built in 1845 Current tower was built in 1870

Does the staircase of the lifhthouse have a railing?

Tina Phillips | Feb 26, 2020
E M Kiser | Feb 27, 2020

Oh yes not dangerous at all. Take a bottle of water.

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Who was the last lighthouse keeper at Hatteras

Jan Mitchiner | Feb 26, 2020
Matthew Young | Feb 27, 2020

Unaka Jennette. The lighthouse's last principal keeper, Unaka Jennette, was a native of Hatteras Island and was promoted to the position in 1919. He and his wife, Sudie, raised a family of seven at the station from 1919-1936.

Can you bring your pet to see the lighthouse

Paulette Jernigan | Feb 26, 2020
Aimee Lim | Feb 27, 2020

Yes just outside the light house and has leash on.

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Do you have stairs inside?

Palmira Escobar | Feb 26, 2020
B.J. Allen | Feb 27, 2020

And

how far does the beam shune

Zeron Hairston | Feb 26, 2020
Wayne Edgar | Feb 27, 2020

According to this site https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/chls.htm it can be seen up to 16 miles from shore.

Do you need to take a ferry to get to the lighthouse?

Megan Bottoms | Feb 26, 2020
Becky Zackaroff | Feb 27, 2020

Nope. There is plenty of signs from hwy 12 into Buxton that show you how to get there.

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Is the lighthouse open ON Columbus day?

Gary Harris | Feb 26, 2020
Mike Barber | Feb 27, 2020

Yes

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Morning! When can we purchase moonlight tickets for June?

Mary Weaver | Feb 26, 2020
Renée Scott | Feb 27, 2020

You would need to call and see if they have those ticket available for early purchase

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How tall is cape Hatteras

Jayden Walker | Feb 26, 2020
Randy | Feb 27, 2020

Cape Hatteras elevation is 26 ft above sea level. Cape Hatteras lighthouse is 193 ft.

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How tall is the cape Hatteras

Haley Denton | Feb 26, 2020
Rita Boyakhchian | Feb 27, 2020

At least 3 or 4 stories.

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How early would a person need to be there in the morning to be first online ?

John Campfield | Feb 26, 2020
Rosalia Lugo | Feb 27, 2020

8 am but every 20 minutes a group can climb the lighthouse. Have fun !

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How much is it to climb hatteras lighthouse

Teresa Berger | Feb 26, 2020
Renée Scott | Feb 27, 2020

Adults $8 Kids $6 or $5

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When was it opened

Eeshan S | Feb 26, 2020
Dena Marsh | Feb 27, 2020

From the third Friday in April to Columbus Day in October the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open

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will cape hatteras ever close

Antonio Hopper | Feb 26, 2020
Renée Scott | Feb 27, 2020

By a certain time. Especially if you wanna climb.

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Is it the same size as danusan

Alex Putt | Feb 26, 2020
ROD W. | Feb 27, 2020

I believe its around 196ft.

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Is lighthouse open today

jimmie sherwood | Feb 26, 2020
Andrea Morgia | Feb 27, 2020

Tours to climb the stairs open tomorrow, Friday

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What is it located at

Logan Standfield | Feb 26, 2020
Rick massey | Feb 27, 2020

The lighthouse is located in Buxton North Carolina, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

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Did they move cape hatteras

Iyanna Finney | Feb 26, 2020
Danny Valentini | Feb 27, 2020

If you're asking about the lighthouse, it was moved about half a mile inland from its original site in 1999 due to beach erosion.

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what are the hours to climb

Patricia Claiborne | Feb 26, 2020
Antwannette Kozlow | Feb 27, 2020

Visit the national parks website for up to date information: https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/chls.htm

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What is the light's blinking pattern?

Lindsay Reid | Feb 26, 2020
Gregorio Le Donne | Feb 27, 2020

It takes about 7 seconds every rotation

What is the closest body of water near Cape Hatteras?

Akrithi Ilangovan | Feb 26, 2019
Maxx Bramell | Feb 27, 2019

Other than the puddles scattered on the property, that would be the Atlantic Ocean.

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Lighthouse open to climb this time of year?

Amy Sherrill | Feb 26, 2020
Catherine D'Agostino | Feb 27, 2020

The website states that it opens the third Friday in April and closes on Columbus Day.

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Is it possible to spread ashes of a loved one at cape Hatteras lighthouse

Robert jennings | Feb 26, 2019
Charlena Ambrose | Feb 27, 2019

The lighthouse climbing is closed but you could walk near and spread them how you desore at the beach...let the wind spread the love of your dear one...

What is the elevation or the island

Jaden Campbell | Feb 26, 2019
Greg Grindstaff | Feb 27, 2019

A quick Google search revealed the elevation to be 56 ft

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is this the cape hatteras lighthouse the biggest brick house

Elijah Carswell | Feb 26, 2019
Renée Scott | Feb 27, 2019

Yes

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Can you visit lighthouse after closing

Jennifer McClain | Feb 26, 2019
Koreen Waz | Feb 27, 2019

Yes, but you will not be able to go in/up inside the lighthouse.

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We were there and they had the lighthouse closed. Just last weekend. Why was it closed

Dennis Skeenes | Feb 26, 2019
Mike Barber | Feb 27, 2019

The climbing season is from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day each year.

Is the lighthouse open to climb today?

Natalie Brubacher | Feb 26, 2019
Brian Michael | Feb 27, 2019

Tours From the third Friday in April to Columbus Day in October the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for self-guided climb

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where is this located in the world

Andrew Arthur | Feb 26, 2019
MillionManWolfpack | Feb 27, 2019

Cape Hatteras NC. East coast of USA right where hurricane Florence is headed

Why did they shut is down. And why was it moved

LIL HAWK40 | Feb 26, 2019
Shawn Buchanan | Feb 27, 2019

It's still in operation. And it was moved due to the erroding shoreline, putting the lighthouse at risk of falling into the sea

What material was used to build this light house?

Anthony DiMario | Feb 26, 2019
Carl Samans | Feb 27, 2019

Yes brick and stone. It was moved from it's original location in 1999.

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Is the light house open today

Mykia Doyle | Feb 26, 2019
Teresa Rayburn | Feb 27, 2019

Most likely

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How many steps

Jim 57 | Feb 26, 2019
kanakaraju maruvada | Feb 27, 2019

I am not sure. May be 260 or 270.

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How’s the light house in December?

Andres Pascual | Feb 26, 2019
Gene Gore | Feb 27, 2019

About the same as any time just colder. If you can try to get full moon nights ( on line) really beautiful. When you can get tickets.

Can I make a model of Cape Hatteras lighthouse???

Anderson Brock | Feb 26, 2019
Richard Sigsworth | Feb 27, 2019

I don't know, can you?

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When can you go to the lighthouse

reshanti hamm | Feb 26, 2019
Hunter | Feb 27, 2019

During the day, 10 am is the best time for the lighthouse as it will be cool and the sky will be beautiful. Sometimes it closes due to wind and rains but today is beautiful 🤣

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when was it built

Ezekiel Cannedy | Feb 26, 2019
Rocco Mandaglio | Feb 27, 2019

Completed in 1870 and moved to is current location in 1999 due to shore erosion

Who built cape hatteras lighthous

Mason Hauss | Feb 26, 2019
tlhaliburton | Feb 27, 2019

The original lighthouse was commissioned by Congress. Congress also paid for the subsequent lighthouses. The lighthouse and keepers house are currently maintained by the National Park Service. The Coast Guard operates and maintains the automated lights.

When was the lighthouse first made

RACHEL'S WORLD | Feb 26, 2019
Scott Meister | Feb 27, 2019

There were two lighthouses. The first was built in 1802. The current lighthouse was built in 1870.

What is it made out of

Carson Giannotti | Feb 26, 2018
Gregg Seidl | Feb 27, 2018

Brick and iron

what did they use to move it

Thomas Korin | Feb 26, 2018
Linda Battista | Feb 27, 2018

They used cranes and wheels on a platform. They give a very nice presentation during the summer season. The park rangers/ volunteers will answer all your questions!

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who built the cape hatteras lighthouse

Akeela Cunningham | Feb 26, 2018
Linda Battista | Feb 27, 2018

United States government

where is this lighthouse

Sikha Pokhrel | Feb 26, 2018
tlhaliburton | Feb 27, 2018

This light house is on the far southern end of the outer banks. It is at least another hour South of Kill Devil Hills.

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Is cape hatteras still lit or no.

Jo Jones | Feb 26, 2018
Gary James | Feb 27, 2018

Yes

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How old is the lighthouse - Lisudy Gedert

Lisa Gedert | Feb 26, 2018
Scott Meister | Feb 27, 2018

There were two. Construction began on the current lighthouse in 1868. The first lighthouse was built in 1803, which had to be replaced.

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How tall is the lighthouse Get back to me on November 28th,time-4:00 Thank you it'd for a prodject I'm doing at school

Ymani Yancey | Feb 26, 2018
Nicole | Feb 27, 2018

193 feet above ground.

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Why did they move the cape hatteras light house?

Avril Olais | Feb 26, 2020
Gary James | Feb 27, 2020

Because the island is moving west. In 1979 there was a long walk from the lighthouse to the beach. When it was moved hardly any beach was left. This happened to the prior lighthouse also. To see this, go to the surf and look for a black line. That's the organic matter from where the sound was. You may find some oyster shells stained black from the same organics. Barrier islands are a dynamic system and always changing. Hatteras Island used to be a round profile until the government decided it needed dunes in the 1930's. FYI Those shells your finding are mostly fossils.

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Can you still climb stsirs

Douglas Wise | Feb 26, 2018
Christopher Hall | Feb 27, 2018

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is normally open from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day. Climbing hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm daily.

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Number of steps to top?

Dwayne Glass | Feb 26, 2018
Christopher Hall | Feb 27, 2018

257 to the balcony and 269 to the lens house.

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