Hatteras Beacon — Buxton, North Carolina

Built in 1855 on the storm-battered Outer Banks, Hatteras Beacon served as a critical navigational aid along one of the Atlantic’s most treacherous stretches of coastline, known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” The lighthouse guided mariners past the dangerous Diamond Shoals for decades before being decommissioned.

The beacon is no longer active and is not open to the public, so visitors cannot climb the tower. It remains a striking photographic subject — golden hour and early morning light produce the best results, especially with the surrounding dunes as a backdrop.

Nearby, explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras village.

Explore Nearby

• Alligator River Route — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Perquimans Crossing — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Jockey’s Ridge State Park — State Park in North Carolina
• Run Hill State Natural Area — State Park in North Carolina
• Croatan National Forest — National Forest in North Carolina