Built in 1855 on the narrow barrier island of Bogue Banks, North Carolina, this historic lighthouse guided mariners through the treacherous waters of Bogue Inlet for decades. Though no longer an active aid to navigation, the tower remains a quiet landmark along the Crystal Coast. The lighthouse is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, so visitors enjoy it best from the surrounding shoreline. Golden hour and early morning offer the most dramatic photography, with the tower silhouetted against the Atlantic. Nearby, Fort Macon State Park provides Civil War history and excellent beaches, while the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and the charming town of Beaufort are short drives away.

Explore Nearby

• Theodore Roosevelt State Natural Area — State Park in North Carolina
• Fort Fetterman State Park — State Park in Wyoming
• Croatan National Forest — National Forest in North Carolina
• Brunswick Town Road — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Alligator River Route — Scenic Byway in North Carolina