The Currituck Beach Lighthouse was built in response to the many wrecks in the 40 miles of “dark space” of coastline without lighthouses at the time. The idea for the structure was conceived in 1872 and construction began in 1873. When completed, the 162-foot lighthouse was left unpainted to distinguish its exterior from other lighthouses along the coast. On December 1, 1875, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse was lit for the first time.
It costs $13 to climb the lighthouse tower for ages 4 and up. Admission is paid at the front door of the lighthouse and includes NC sales tax. (Advance and online ticketing are not available.) We accept cash, checks, or credit cards.
You can also purchase a season pass for both of our locations here!
There are 220 steps to the top of the lighthouse. It is a self-guided climb that takes anywhere from 5 – 20 minutes but take as much time as you’d like!
18 nautical miles. The beacon comes on automatically every evening at dusk and can be seen for 18 nautical mile
Open daily for climbing 9 AM – 5 PM, weather permitting, March 22, 2025 through November 30.
We do! We took over the care and restoration of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse on January 30, 1980.
The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is 162 feet tall from the ground to the top.
About 1 million bricks! Can you believe that?
