cape-lookout | NC | Find park

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

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.

Mature sea oat plant seed heads gracefully drooping in the sun

In late summer, Sea Oats are the most conspicuous plant growing on the sand dunes with their graceful, drooping seed heads.

small sandpipers poke their bills in the sand while waves break in the background

Small sandpipers, called Sanderlings, are common sights on the ocean beach as they search for food in the sand between waves

2 ladies sit in beach chairs on the sand with their feet in the water

Watching the waves, feeling the cool sea breeze and the warmth of the sun make for a relaxing day.

A surf fisherman stands in the water holding his surf rod and watching the waves

Surf fishing is a popular pastime at the beach

Physical Address:

1800 Island Rd

Harkers Island, NC 28531

Mailing Address:

131 Charles St

Harkers Island, NC 28531

contact-details

Phone Number: 2527282250 Voice
Phone Number: 2527282160 Fax

Email Address: CALO_VC@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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.

park designation:National Seashore

Directions:

Only two areas of Cape Lookout National Seashore can be reached without taking a ferry: the Visitor Center on Harkers Island and the Visitor Information Center in Beaufort, NC. Please note: the park mailing address does not bring you to the Harkers Island Visitor Center parking lot. If you are using a GPS device - use the parking lot coordinates (34.68494, -74.52725) or the following "address" which approximates the location of the parking lot entrance: 1800 Island Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore has 3 offshore barrier islands that are open 24 hours and 365 days a year (weather permitting). Operating hours for visitor centers and other services will vary throughout the year.

Weather Information:

Spring: Temperatures generally range from 50 F to 70+ F. Rain & wind are common Summer: Temperatures usually range from 80 F to 100 F with high humidity (80-90%). Average wind speed is 10-15 mph. Be prepared with plenty of water. With little shade on the islands, an umbrella to provide shade from the sun is a good idea. Fall: Temperatures usually range from the high 70 F to the upper 40 F. Winter: Temperatures usually range from 50 F - 32 F. Winds can be strong. Dress in layers.