The Outer Banks is a great destination for the lighthouse enthusiast or the casual admirer of these historic and storied structures.

Pale white and standing at a mere 75ft high, the Ocracoke Lighthouse is surrounded by fascinating history.

Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse marks the south entrance to the channel through Croatan Sound, to the east of a marshy shoal extending from the western shore. Originally built in 1877 and decommissioned in 1955, this replica was built in 2004.

Occasionally, volunteers from the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society and National Park Service will have the lower portion of the tower open for visitors to step in and look up the 214 spiral iron stairs.

Admission to the grounds and parking are free. There is a fee to climb the tower for everyone 8 years of age and older. Children 7 years and younger are admitted free with a climbing adult. For more information visit the Corolla Lighthouse webpage

The 248 iron spiral stairs to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse equals climbing to the top of a 12 story building. Tickets are available to climb the many steps of the light house. For more information visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse web page