Cape Hatteras Light stands in Buxton, North Carolina, as one of the most iconic lighthouses on the Atlantic coast. Originally built in 1803, the current black-and-white spiral-striped tower was completed in 1870 and remains an active aid to navigation. It is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. In 1999, the entire structure was famously relocated 2,900 feet inland to protect it from shoreline erosion. The lighthouse is not currently open to public climbing. For photography, golden hour light against the distinctive barber-pole stripes is stunning, with fall offering fewer crowds and dramatic skies. Nearby, visitors can explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore, world-class surf breaks, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.

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