Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
North Carolina
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a lighthouse in North Carolina, first lit in 1870. The tower stands 210 feet tall. It is a National Historic Landmark. The nearest other lighthouse is Diamond Shoal Lighthouse, 15 mi away. It is open to visitors.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at a glance
Visiting
Open to visitors
Tower open to climb
First lit
1870
Tower height
210 ft
Light 187 ft above water
Built of
Brick
About Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Cape Hatteras Light is a lighthouse located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks in the town of Buxton, North Carolina originally established in 1802, with the present lighthouse completed in 1870 and physically relocated once, in 1999, due to coastal erosion. It is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse sits at 35.2506, -75.5288 in North Carolina. The closest other lighthouses are Diamond Shoal Lighthouse (15 mi), Ocracoke Lighthouse (28 mi) and Bodie Island Lighthouse (39 mi). North Carolina has 14 lighthouses in all.
Visiting Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open to visitors. Visitors can climb the tower to the top, 210 feet up. Hours and tour days change by season, so check locally before you go.
- Heritage status
- National Historic Landmark
Places to stay near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
We may earn a commission when you book through this map, at no extra cost to you.
Tours and Tickets Near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Tours are booked through Viator. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Lighthouses near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
All lighthouses in North Carolina →
Questions about Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Where is Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is in North Carolina, at 35.2506, -75.5288. The nearest other lighthouse is Diamond Shoal Lighthouse, 15 mi away.
Can you visit Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
Yes. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open to visitors. Hours and tour days change through the year, so check before you go.
Can you climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
Yes. Visitors can climb the tower, which stands 210 feet tall. Climbs usually run on set days and seasons.
When was Cape Hatteras Lighthouse built?
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was first lit in 1870.
How tall is Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
The tower is 210 feet (64 m) tall, and its light sits 187 feet above the water.
What lighthouses are near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
The closest are Diamond Shoal Lighthouse (15 mi), Ocracoke Lighthouse (28 mi) and Bodie Island Lighthouse (39 mi).
Sources: history and visiting details from the Wikipedia article on Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (CC BY-SA 4.0); facts and location from Wikidata. Photo credits are listed under each photo and on the photo credits page.