Outer Banks Lighthouses

"Must see" sites include Currituck, Bodie, Hatteras & Ocracoke Lighthouses, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Jockey Ridge State Park, and the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station.

Quick Tips:

Plan to spend several days here to truly appreciate all there is to see and do.

Best Way To Get Around:

Beach road will be crowded during high seasons, take the bypass when possible.

Best Things Nearby:
The beach is outside your front door, and this resort is centrally located on the Outer Banks making day trips north to Currituck and south to Bodie Island and Hattaras conveniently easy.

Best Things About the Resort:
Location is fantastic! The outdoor pool overlooks the ocean, and with 450 feet of beachfront, you are not crowded. Each unit contains a washer and dryer, a definite plus for beach visits.

Resort Experience:
Although not a new resort, Dunes South has been well-maintained and has sufficient amenities to keep most travellers happy. Each unit has a full kitchen as well as washer/dryer, a bonus when travelling with children of all ages. To get in shape for a day on the nearby links, visit the putting green. The kids will love the playground, and a picnic area is onsite to allow you to take advantage of the weather and ocean views. If you visit in cooler weather, each unit boasts a fireplace (perfect for a romantic evening).

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

Awful Arthur's can be summed up with one word...FUN! Great fresh seafood, pleasing nautical decor, and a beautiful view of the Atlantic from the upstairs lounge. The raw bar is fantastic, and my personal favorites are the spiced shrimp and oysters. There is something for everyone on the menu, from the fresh seafood, to the awesome BBQ or juicy burgers. Wash it down with soda, an ice cold beer or a Kill Devil Cocktail. Make sure to save room for dessert!

Jockey's Ridge State Park is home to the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast. Here you can climb the dune for fantastic views of the Atlantic and Roanoke Sound. It is especially scenic at sunset, but be aware that the park closes at dark, and the dunes area 15 minutes before that. There are no lights on the dune, and it gets dark quickly.

For the brave at heart, take a hang gliding lesson or two and try your hand at this sport. Less daring individuals can watch! As you hike the area, keep your eyes open for rabbits and other wildlife. Birds are plentiful in later summer and fall, and many waterfowl make their winter homes along the sound. Take time to stop in the visitor's center and view the exhibits.

Start your lighthouse tour at the northern end of this chain of small islands by visiting Currituck Beach Light Station. This lighthouse is located on NC12 in the charming village of Currituck Beach. Take time to climb to the top for a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound. On a clear day you can see as far south as Hattaras Island. While here, hike the short trail to the sound. You will see plenty of shore birds, and if you are lucky you may even get a glimpse of the wild ponies of Currituck. Wander next door to the Whalehead Club, currently undergoing restoration.

If you have time, there are 4-WD and ATV tours available to take you further north where you can view the wild ponies up close.

South of Nags Head, shortly after entering the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you will come to the entrance to Bodie Island Lighthouse. Although you can not climb to the top, you will be able to step inside the lighthouse and peer up the 214 step spiral staircase. The lighthouse keeper's quarters houses a well-stocked bookstore. If you have time, take a hike to the nearby sound, or bird viewing platforms. A word of warning, the mosquitoes here are extremely vicious. Come prepared with plenty of repellant, and stay on the raised walkways. In an effort to obtain the "perfect" photograph, I strolled into the trees across the driveway and got dozens of bites in less then a minute.

Across from the entrance on NC12 is Coquina Beach, a great place to have a picnic lunch and relax for a bit.

From Bodie Island, continue south for about 45 miles to the village of Buxton. If you are making this drive during the congested summer months, you will need to allow at least an hour. On this visit, traffic was light.

During the summer of 1999, Cape Hattaras Lighthouse was moved about 2900 feet back from the shoreline. Coastal storms had undermined the original site, and the move was undertaken to save the light from the ravages of the tides. One of the most often photographed lighthouses, you will find two additional buildings located here. The main keeper's quarters contains a bookstore, and a museum occupies the secondary keeper's quarters. Unfortunately, the lighthouse stairs are undergoing repairs, and the lighthouse itself is closed at this time.

Walk down to the beach and the original site of the lighthouse. Here you can see the plinth stones engraved with the names of lighthouse keepers.

To visit Ocracoke, you will need to take a ferry. A free ferry runs frequently between Hatteras and Ocracoke, with the trip taking about 40 minutes. This is a great trip for the kids! Be aware that during the busy season, you may have a wait. Watch the signs, and get in the correct lane. Don't try to beat traffic by entering the lane reserved for special passes. If you do, you will be sent to the end of the line and most likely be forced to wait for the next ferry.

Once you reach Ocracoke Island, NC12 travels between the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound. At some points the island is so narrow that both bodies of water will be visible. Take time to stop and view the wild ponies. Although they are penned, and not really running wild it is a great stop for the kids.

To get to the lighthouse, you will travel through the village of Ocracoke. Here you'll find quaint shops and restaurants, a great place for lunch, dinner or just a snack. Ocracoke is located in a residential neighborhood, and has very limited parking facilities. Nevertheless, it is a picturesque lighthouse and well worth the trip.

After visiting the lighthouse, you can retrace your route and return north via the ferry to Hattaras or continue south and take one of two fee ferries to the mainland.