Cape Lookout National Seashore

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.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

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.

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

Sea Oats

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

Mature sea oat plant seed heads gracefully drooping in the sun

Sanderlings

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

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

Relaxing by the Ocean

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

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

Surf fishing

Surf fishing is a popular pastime at the beach

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