“known as a first order lighthouse”
This red-brick lighthouse towers above the northern Outer Banks landscape in the historic Corolla Village. Visitors can climb the winding staircase, 214 steps in all, to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of Currituck Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Outer Banks. Inside the lighthouse, at the base and on the first two landings, there are museum-quality lighthouse exhibits. On the way up or down, stop to learn about the history of coastal lighthouses, the Fresnel lens, shipwrecks and the lighthouse keepers. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is known as a first order lighthouse, which means it has the largest of seven Fresnel lens sizes. With a 20-second flash cycle (on for 3 seconds, off for 17 seconds), the light can be seen for 18 nautical miles. The distinctive sequence enables the lighthouse not only to warn mariners but also to help identify their locations. Like the other lighthouses on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, this one still serves as an aid to navigation. The beacon comes on automatically every evening at dusk and ceases at dawn.
We would always climb this as kids. Spectacular view from the top (it's even fun if it's raining).
Lovely lighthouse, fun to climb! Right next to the whale head fishing club.
Beautiful area and just a lively place with so much activity but with a laid back atmosphere.
The lighthouses in Southern California are pretty lame, so it was really cool to check out a good lighthouse for once. We made our way up from the coast to check out the Currituck Lighthouse, and I’m really glad we did. It’s this towering brick structure you can climb for a rather steep price. It’s a long climb up the couple hundred steps, but totally worth it—unless you’re scared of heights. From the top, you get to look out over the nearby Whalehead Club and park a spectacular view of the Outer Banks that seems to stretch on forever. There’s also a small museum built into the lighthouse with some great historic photos and other artifacts from the lighthouse’s past.
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Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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Outdoor Seating
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