Currituck Beach Lighthouse
4.7(7.1K)google
4.5(130)yelp
Historic BuildingCoastScenic LookoutFamilyOutdoorPhoto SpotOcean ViewMust-See
Overview
The Currituck Beach Light () is a lighthouse located on the Outer Banks in Corolla, North Carolina. The Currituck Beach Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1973.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM 5:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeIdeal between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM from May to September. Late afternoon sun rays cast a rich crimson glow over the lighthouse's unpainted, historic red-brick masonry. Climb the 220 historic iron steps to the lantern room for panoramic views over the Currituck Sound waters.
Getting ThereSituated at 1101 Corolla Village Road in northern Outer Banks. Drive onto the banks via the Wright Memorial Bridge, head north directly along NC Highway 12 (NC-12 N) for roughly 25 miles near the northern terminus, and turn left into the Corolla historic village complimentary lot.
Travel Tips
- Climbing the 220 historic steps involves a tight brick shaft with zero air conditioning; summer afternoon indoor temps approach 100°F. Guests with vertigo or claustrophobia should book entries at 09:00.
- Managed by a private historic trust; the climbing fee is completely independent of federal passes. The single ticket portal lacks line awnings; carrying an umbrella for sun shade is necessary during summer lines.
Photo Tips
Best LightHistoric Corolla Park provides vast free spaces, but paths trap mud; the raw red brick absorbs light, turning into an unexposed silhouette after 16:00 due to sun positioning. Photo tracking is best done before 14:00.
Reviews
Positive
- The unpainted, original red-brick exterior displays a rustic historic beauty, standing out sharply against the surrounding lush green trees.
- Climbing the 220 steps to the top costs only a few dollars and awards a stunning panoramic view of the sound and ocean, well worth the price.
- Each landing platform inside features detailed historical and mechanical displays, providing clear and informative guidance during the climb.
- Located in historic Corolla, it is surrounded by vintage wooden buildings and boutiques, offering a peaceful and unhurried atmosphere.
Heads up
- The interior is extremely tight and steep; with no air conditioning in the summer, climbing leaves visitors drenched in sweat and claustrophobic.
- The dedicated free parking lot is quite compact; during afternoon peak hours, drivers often have to idle on the entrance road waiting for a spot.
- For those with acrophobia or mobility challenges, climbing is impossible, and the alternative ground-level virtual exhibits are barebones.
- During peak season, the tiny observation platform at the top gets crowded quickly with a dozen people, ruining the solitary viewing experience.