Currituck Lighthouse is the northern most lighthouse in North Carolina and is open to the public.
The shores of North Carolina are dotted with beautiful and historic lighthouses that, for over a century, have warned mariners about the treacherous shores that have claimed so many ships over the years. The northern most of these lighthouses is the majestic Currituck Beach Lighthouse in the coastal village of Corolla North Carolina. At a height of 162 feet, the Currituck Lighthouse is an impressive site to see as it towers above everything in the area.
The Currituck Lighthouse is located in the very northeast corner of North Carolina almost at the North end of highway 12 in Corolla North Carolina. It is a beautiful drive getting there but don’t expect to get there quickly if you are not already on the outer banks as it is about 90 minutes from Elizabeth City North Carolina to the West, 2 hours from Norfolk Virginia to the North, or about 3 hours from Greenville North Carolina to the Southwest. It may be far but it is worth the trip and there is a lot to see and do in this area. There are restroom facilities and plenty of free parking available. Follow the well placed signs that direct you to the lighthouse grounds.
The Currituck Lighthouse is owned and managed by the Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc. who acquired and restored the property opening it to the public in 1990. From the moment you enter the gate at the entrance you will agree that they have been exceptional stewards of this important historical North Carolina landmark. The grounds are very well designed and maintained giving you a feeling that you are stepping back in time to a period where things were simpler. While the massive presence of the lighthouse dominates the area, don’t be surprised if you just want to initially find a shady spot under one of the many trees and just sit back to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
No visit to a lighthouse would be complete without climbing to the top of it so, when you are ready to climb a lot of stairs (220 to be exact), enter the main building where the friendly and helpful staff will collect your admission fee of $10 per person to visit the top. Children under 7 are free with an adult.
While the climb to the top is long, it is broken up into sections with windows for quick and directional views as you ascend, and informative displays to learn the many, and impressive, facts about both this lighthouse and lighthouses in general . It may seem like a lot of stairs but it really isn’t that bad and the view from the top is worth 10 times the climb.
On a clear day, the panoramic views from atop Currituck Lighthouse are truly spectacular and include the Atlantic Ocean, Currituck Sound, the Currituck Outer Banks, and even, if you look behind you, the massive Fresnel lens that focuses the light of this station. You are free to enjoy the view as long as you like before taking the much easier climb down the stairs.
Don’t forget to stop by the lighthouse shop and checkout the many unique nautical-themed gifts and souvenirs they have available for purchase.
For more information on the Currituck Lighthouse, visit www.CurrituckBeachLight.com.