Cape Lookout National Seashore, NC

Travel Guide

On the sound side beach by Cape a Lookout Lighthouse - highly recommend taking the ferry out.
On the sound side beach by Cape a Lookout Lighthouse - highly recommend taking the ferry out.
On the sound side of the island by Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
"Beauty and Beast" Image of wild horses captured at Shackleford Banks in North Carolina during an overnight camping trip at nearby Cape Lookout Island. To get to this island, you have to take a ferry from Harkers Island (or take your own boat to the island if you have/rent one). The ferry is pretty reasonable and in the summer, they operate relatively long hours. I'd advise going early before the sun is too high and on days that the humidity is low, as there is no shade on the island whatsoever. Carry plenty of water with you in any case, as the island is very long and you might have to walk a fair distance before you come across the wild horses. Other than the horses, there's really nothing else on this island. There is wild camping permitted on the island, so you could make it an overnight trip and have the ferry pick you up the following day. If so, carry food and anything else you might need as there are no facilities on the island. Also carry bug spray as the no see ums will be out in murderous numbers at sundown. The Harkers Ferry also offers options to combine a trip to Cape Lookout and to Shackleford Banks, so you could cover two locations in one trip. I've heard this place can have magical sunsets/sunrises. On this trip, didn't have much luck with either. But was lucky to stumble across these horses just chilling in the mid morning sun. If you do visit the island, please exercise caution as these horses are wild. They are used to seeing humans around but getting close to them or feeding them is not advisable. This image was taken with a telephoto lens from quite some distance away. Also watch out for cacti - they are around and you run into em when you least expect em. Thank you for stopping by. #NC #USA #Horses #WildHorses #ShacklefordBanks #colorful #blue #camp #weekend #bestof5 #hiking
View from the lantern room at the top of Cape Lookout Lighthouse that was constructed in 1859 two years prior to the Civil War . The light was taken out of service during the war.
Beachcombing is a relaxing activity the entire family can enjoy. So, why not take the youngsters to Cape Lookout National Seashore to see what you can spy on the shoreline?

This stretch of coastline is on the to-do lists of many travelers to Outer Banks. But Cape Lookout National Seashore isn't the only drawcard here. Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Cape Lookout beach camping are some other worthwhile sights close by.

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

3 out of 5
511 Salter Path Rd Atlantic Beach NC
$93 nightly
The price is $104 total per night from Jan 15 to Jan 16
$104 total
Jan 15 - Jan 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,519 reviews)
everything 10/10! Love this place!

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel
Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

3.5 out of 5
814 Shepard Street Morehead City NC
$93 nightly
The price is $104 total per night from Jan 15 to Jan 16
$104 total
Jan 15 - Jan 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Morehead City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
The room was nice, bed was comfortable, loved the breakfast delivered to my door every morning.

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2026

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing
DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

4 out of 5
2717 W Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
$89 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Jan 21 to Jan 22
$101 total
Jan 21 - Jan 22
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A Place at the Beach

A Place at the Beach

2.5 out of 5
1904 E Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (280 reviews)
Wonderful

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2026

A Place at the Beach
Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

3 out of 5
715 W. Fort Macon Rd. Atlantic Beach NC
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,270 reviews)
This is our 2nd. Time here wonderful just steps from the beach ⛱️ rooms were very clean 👍 and as for the kitchen has everything you need to cook. Just bring the food 😊 can't wait to make plans for next year. I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reviewed on Dec 31, 2025

Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham
Cozy Island Cottage, centrally located in the Heart of the Village

Cozy Island Cottage, centrally located in the Heart of the Village

Ocracoke NC
Stay at this cottage in Ocracoke. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (315 reviews)
My husband and I really enjoyed our stay! The cottage was cute and just what we needed! The host gave great detail and we had no problems while staying! We will definitely be back!

Reviewed on Dec 30, 2025

Cozy Island Cottage, centrally located in the Heart of the Village
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Southern Outer Banks or Crystal Coast of North Carolina viewed from the water; Shutterstock ID 643650031; Purchase Order: -

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Cape Lookout with a stop at Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Wander the beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Horse Island

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Horse Island during your travels in Portsmouth.

Horse Island

Cities near Cape Lookout National Seashore

JB3E24 Cape Lookout National Seashore

Atlantic Beach

A great tribute to the families and history of Core Sound.

Harkers Island

JJ5H41 View from Cape Lookout Lighthouse above white sand beach of Crystal Coast shoreline in North Carolina's southern outer banks, beautiful blue water.

Cape Lookout