The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Hatteras Island’s most widely recognized icon and one of the most famous lighthouses in the world – opens for the season Friday, April 18. The Historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, built to protect Diamond Shoals, is the tallest brick lighthouse in North America. Visitors can visit the grounds and take a climbing tour up the 257 steps to the watchroom. Climbing the lighthouse is an adventure you don’t want to miss. During the summer months, the lighthouse even offers special night climbing tours, and if you are here during a full moon, you might be able to catch one of their exclusive full moon tours!

Climbing hours are 9am – 4:30pm in the spring and fall with closing extending an hour between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Tickets can be purchased on site in person on the day of your climb. Visit our lighthouse vacation planner page for more information.