Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse stands at the edge of the Atlantic on Hatteras Island, its distinctive black-and-white spiral stripes rising 198 feet above the sand. It's the tallest brick lighthouse in North America and one of the most iconic structures on the American coast, built in 1870 to warn ships away from the dangerous Diamond Shoals — the shifting underwater sandbars that have wrecked hundreds of vessels over the centuries.

The lighthouse climb is the main attraction for families. The 248 iron steps spiral upward through the lighthouse's interior, which narrows as you ascend. The climb is physically challenging but manageable for most kids who meet the 42-inch height requirement.

At the top, a small observation platform provides 360-degree views of Hatteras Island, the Atlantic Ocean, and the vast Cape Hatteras National Seashore. On clear days, the view extends for miles in every direction.

The lighthouse grounds include the original keeper's quarters, now a museum with exhibits about the lighthouse's history, the keepers who maintained it, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic. In 1999, the entire lighthouse was famously moved 2,900 feet inland to save it from shoreline erosion — an engineering feat that's documented in the museum and fascinates kids who learn about it.

The beaches surrounding the lighthouse are part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and are among the most beautiful and uncrowded on the East Coast. The swimming is excellent, the shell collecting is rewarding, and the dramatic setting — with the lighthouse towering behind you — makes for unforgettable family beach time.

Reaching Cape Hatteras Lighthouse requires a drive of 60-90 minutes from the northern Outer Banks (Nags Head/Kill Devil Hills) down NC-12. The drive itself is scenic, crossing the Bonner Bridge and passing through the small villages of Hatteras Island. Many families combine the lighthouse visit with a stop at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (excellent birding) or the village of Hatteras for fresh seafood.