This place was mobbed with people with a really long line to pay $10 to get out of breath. I mean, climb the lighthouse. I just wanted a pic. Mission accomplished. read more

Currituck Beach Lighthouse - Carrituck Beach Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Corolla, North Carolina

Definitely a cool day-time activity to break up your beach time in OBX. We did a couple hours of the beach, then cleaned up for lunch. Before heading out, we thought we'd check this place out. Super cute little historic area with the lighthouse and surrounding caretaker houses. Lots of little history nooks. You can climb to the top for $10 -- that seemed a little steep to me for a workout, but both my boys wanted to try it so we did. It is not for the faint of heart! Inside it's humid, though they have fans going, it doesn't really break the heat. So you want to get to the top as quickly as possible for the cross-breeze. Took us about 30 minutes with the four year old. I gotta say, the view once you're up top is worth it. You can see both the ocean and the sound, and it's amazing to get the perspective from up high. When you're close to the ground, the houses are all build up so high these days, you easily get trapped into a false sense of your relationship to the water. Overall it was a cool experience to add to our vacation and we'd probably do it again. read more

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Overall: Great lighthouse due to mainly, in my opinion, unpainted brick and set among trees. Service: 3.75 stars- The female cashier in the museum was nice and friendly. Lost a star due to the gentleman outside giving safety instructions. Didn't feel welcomed with his presentation, mannerisms and at best was matter of fact. He may have been hot but he wasn't the right person for tourism interactions. The person inside the lighthouse was professional but not really welcoming either. Environment: 5 stars- Great unpainted brick lighthouse set amongst the trees. Each level has a story to tell and the views were great from the top. Museum was tight but had a great selection of items for purchase. read more

Currituck Beach Lighthouse - Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Corolla, North Carolina

I love going up these antique light houses with hundreds of years of history behind them this is not the oldest tallest or most remote but it is my favorite the light and the surrounding area is definitely a sight to see so if you find yourself on the outer banks of NC make a poi read more

Great site to see and clean area to walk around. You can sit on one of the benches, visit the small store, walk up the lighthouse. Pet friendly! read more

Currituck Beach Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Corolla, North Carolina

This is our second visit to the Currituck Lighthouse and it was just as wonderful as our first time. There is a $10 fee (cash and check only) which may seem high but for this was the only lighthouse open now for us to climb so we gladly paid it. It was worth every dollar! I'm terrified of heights but I still go up, stopping at each landing for a minute to talk myself into keeping going up. Going up to me is easier. I struggle with going down because the steps have tiny holes and it messes with me. It takes a bit of time to climb up! The views once to the top are amazing!! We caught a good day today and it was not as windy as it was on our last visit. Our pictures and memories were worth it! Also visit the gift shop nearby! Some good souvenirs! Enjoy! A definite must do if you are visiting the Outer Banks! read more

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Beautiful lighthouse, no line. 10$ a person to climb. Super friendly lady working outside. Hot and stuffy inside but cool and breezy once to the top. Great view! read more

Currituck Beach Lighthouse - From the top - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Corolla, North Carolina

What a beautiful view from the top. It's so worth climbing the 220 steps on a narrow staircase. It's well organized so that there is no overcrowding. Expect to wait in line for a short while for people to return and for you to go There's a $10 fee per person read more

Nice locale. Lots of interesting facts, if you are nerdy enough to care. If you like lighthouses, this is a good one to see.

After visiting many other lighthouses in the Outer Banks area, we finally found one we could go climb to the top. The difference is Currituck Lighthouse is privately owned versus owned by the National Park Service. It's a minimal charge to climb the stairs but this fee keeps it funded and open to the public. I'm more than happy to do it! The climb up isn't bad at all. The winding staircase leading up has several larger areas if you need to stop and take a breather. You can read historical information at these stopping points if you'd like. I just wanted to race to the top and take in the scenery. It's gorgeous. You can see far and wide from the viewing area. If you're physically able then I would recommend making the climb. After the site of the Lighthouse, continue on the path to the gift shop. They have two levels of gifts and souvenirs. Items sold here also keep the light house funded and preserved. It's surely a beautiful place that I was happy to enjoy. read more

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This place definitely gets the blood pumping. 200+ steps to the top. A dinky see through railing at the top. I found out I was afraid of heights. Once I got the to the top I had to come right back down. But I found it exciting at the same time. Talking to staff they tell you fun facts about the lighthouse and area. But that climb. It still gives me chills just thinking about it. read more

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If you are looking for the best place on the Outer Banks to grab a beer and CHILL, you found it. Been going since 2015 and it gets better every year. Try anything from 1718 Brewing and anything from Burial Beer read more

Great place for the whole family. Nice area with shops and places to eat. Fun walk to the top of the lighthouse. Well worth it for the incredible views. You can learn some of the history of the area which is really interesting. A must stop if you are in the area! read more

Decided to take in some sites and why not atop the lighthouse. Beautiful and historical,this nicely renovated brick lighthouse is inside a park located right off of rt 12 in Corolla. When you look at it from the outside you don't think its that tall and climbing it wouldn't be a problem. Climbing it only cost you $7.00 , not bad pretty cheap I thought, and why not donate it to keeping it maintained. Once you go inside you are greeted with history about the light house from the keepers of the house to earlier versions of a light house. Let the journey begin with the winding stairs that go around the light house with platforms for you to catch your breath with some historical facts per landing. I looked at this and thought this is a cake walk, gonna breeze right thru those platforms. OK I might have gotten 80' feet up and I wanted to call it quits, build me an elevator the rest of the way up. I am on vacation here, why are we doing this type of exercise with the previous night of heavy drinking. Now I am fighting for that next platform to catch my breath, rest the legs from that burn.. stair master has nothing on this place. For 7 bucks this is a cheap but yet great work out. I finally manned up when I saw a much older couple coming down from the top, thinking wtf.. if they can do it so can I.. just don't look up, it seems endless. Once you have reached the top the view is simply breathless, beautiful all around and well worth the climb. Views of the bay and downtown Corolla with the ocean on the other side are amazing. A great breeze to cool you off also from that workout. I came, I saw, I climbed... I conquered! Now gotta go back down the steps to my gatorade !!! Great experience, happy to have done it ,and you will too ! read more

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This is a cute little spot to visits nestled in the historical park section. It's $10 to walk to the top of the lighthouse - which seems pretty steep to me so my mom and I chose to skip it. We did roam the area and snap photos and look in the fairly large gift shop that has tons of lighthouse themed stuff and Corolla horse and mermaid items Plenty of parking on the side and some in the shade. I wouldn't make a special trip - but if you're in town already and love lighthouses it's a must see. read more

I'm not quite sure it's "as good as it gets", in the grans scheme of lighthouses, but I had a very nice time in the area. Since there is so much to do, and things to see, and places to eat, I'll give this little epicenter 5 stars. I liked the lighthouse. I also liked climbing to the top, and the gorgeous view from the top. Nice gift shop. The little display of fishing boats was interesting too. Next stop lunch at Fat Crabs Rib Company ( https://www.yelp.com/biz/fat-crabs-rib-company-corolla ). Last stop in the area was the Corolla Public Beach. Note: The official name of the beach is Corolla Village Rd Beach Access. See: https://www.yelp.com/biz/corolla-village-rd-beach-access-corolla Bottom line: If you are in the area, and the weather is nice, I'd say you have to at least explore the area, and maybe even climb to the top of the lighthouse. read more

Enjoy a picturesque view from the top of this Corolla gem! It is $10 to climb the measly 220 steps to the top of the Currituck Lighthouse. While visiting the lighthouse, don't forget to stop at the museum giftshop! They have awesome souviners to remember your visit. I love to pick up local artwork and photographs of the lighthouse, wildhorses, and other Outerbanks' landmarks. Don't forget to take a stroll through Historic Corolla Park or enjoy a glass of wine at Whalehead Wednesdays after your visit! read more

Currituck Beach Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Corolla, North Carolina

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We drove from Nags Head to check out the lighthouse on the way to see the wild horses in Corolla. Admission is $10 a person. Children 7 and under get to climb for free. The lighthouse is airy thanks to the windows and a fan on almost every floor as you make the climb. I wouldn't recommend climbing on an extremely hot day. The temperature was a high of 85 degrees when my son and I made the climb. The view from the top is amazing. Luckily, we didn't have to wait no more than five minutes to climb. That was not the case for the Bodie Island Lighthouse, which had a 30-45 minute wait. If you don't have bad knees and you aren't afraid of heights, take the time to climb the lighthouse. You'll be thankful once you get to the top. read more

We visited this one in the off-season and found that unlike many others, you *can* climb this one throughout the year. However, all of the warnings gave us pause. They make you sign a disclaimer before going in that acknowledges that this lighthouse is not up to code and limits them from any potential injury or liability - which was a bit unnerving for us. Also $10pp, but looked like it would be an amazing view if you made it up. This is markedly different from many of the others given the raw brick exterior - really a nice spot. We opted not to climb, but there's plenty of history here as well and also a great gift shop that has tons of relevant merchandise. Well worth stopping! read more

I'm likely to give amazing reviews for lighthouses because we love them. The grounds were very clean and the lighthouse of course is wonderful! Their gift shop was in tight places all over the historical house. My only reason for the 4 review rather than the 5 is because the staff didn't even speak to us and it was a pretty long drive form Avon. Please note small children may not be permitted to climb the lighthouse for safely reasons. It does not cost anything to visit the site however if you want to climb the lighthouse prices range from $4-$10 per person at the time of this review. Check the Outerbanks website for pricing details and height restrictions. read more

Currituck Beach Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Corolla, North Carolina

we visited this beautiful light house again. I never tire of looking at light houses. this one is haunted. we didn't climb it. we just looked at it. I got some really good pictures. read more

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2/18/20 There was a time I had a beach house in Currituck North Carolina.  I remember taking my girlfriend here and she had a blast.  There is a lot to do around here besides just the lighthouse. Climing the stairs to this lighthouse might seem like a long time, but it isn't.  Even if you have short little legs.:)   The view from here is nothing short if amazing. The way the land has developed, you will see more things to take pictures of.  Speaking of pictures, I might have photos taken from when I was there last, but they are on my Facebook. If I find them I will upload them. The gift shops have a lot to offer too once you are back on the ground or before you climb the tower. Either way,  there are seven lighthouses in North Carolina and I have visited all but three I think.     Still, I would like to find and visit the last 3 lighthouses and get pictures. Visiting these lighthouses during the different seasons of the year make it even more special.   How many people have visited the lighthouses in the Wintertime?   The numbers drop on this answer. Still, good times for those who venture thus way. I am glad I did. read more

The northernmost of the five iconic lighthouses that dot the coast of the Outer Banks, Currituck Light is also one of the most memorable. Unlike its 19th Century contemporaries on Bodie Island, Hatteras and Cape Lookout, Currituck was left unpainted, and its red brick facade stands out among the many historic structures that make up this gorgeous stretch of coastline. For $10 per adult (kids 7 and under are free), you can climb the 220 steps of this impressive structure, which was completed in 1875. The views from the gallery are tremendous, with the Atlantic Ocean in one direction and Currituck Sound in the other. The climb isn't too challenging, especially with the multiple landings along the way. Be sure to stop and and peer out the narrow windows along the ascent. After you come back down, take a few minutes to follow one of the nearby boardwalks through the marsh for a great view of the Sound. A small village with shops is also nearby, as are public restrooms. Parking is conveniently located along Currituck Village Road, just outside the lighthouse entrance. The adjacent lighthouse buildings, which serve as a museum and visitors' shop, were closed for renovation during our visit. Currituck Light was the first lighthouse our family visited on our OBX vacation, and remains one our favorites. read more

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You can actually walk up to the top and experience a beautiful view of both waterways

Out of the lighthouses we climbed this was probably my favourite. I really cant tell you why it was, I was just much more comfortable climbing this one versus the others. Once you get to the top it's super windy so hold on to your hats! read more

Climbing a lighthouse is a lot like learning to ride a bike - everyone needs to do it, but once you've done it once, the rest are very similar. Corolla Lighthouse is a fine lighthouse, the local setup is efficient and serves the historical needs of the area well. Everyone should climb one of the OBX lighthouses, but it would be hard to recommend doing this if you've already climbed Hatteras (or vice-versa). The rest of historic Whalehead and Corolla is very pleasant and worthy of a slow relaxing vacation day. read more

Whenever I travel to OBX (Outer Banks, NC) with my wife and her family, I try to get a new lighthouse in as there are several in the area. Last year we visited here. It is a bit of a ride from where we usually stay in Nags Head (about 30 minutes) but worth the trip. Located in the Northern Outer Banks in Corolla Village. Construction began in 1873 and was completed on December 1, 1875. It is 162 feet tall with 214 circular steps to the top (think vertigo, don't look down!) They have windows and little bits of history on almost every landing on the way up. Once at the top you get a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, Currituck Sound and the Currituck Outer Banks. I definitely think it is worth the trip if you are in the area to see the little red lighthouse. Great views from the top. read more

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This was the last place that my family and I visited on our way out of the Outer Banks. It was a great way to say goodbye to one of the best vacations I have taken in a long time. The land that this sits on is beautifully taken care of and quite welcoming. You wouldn't know that a few hundred feet away were a ton of vacation homes and people clogging the beaches. Although this lighthouse is not in use anymore for what it was first purposed for, it is well maintained and quite the draw for tourist in the area. There is a small parking area within walking distance to the little lighthouse complex. A good enough amount of spaces as you are definitely not going to take all day here, it really shouldn't take you more than a half hour to see everything here. Once you enter there are signs to direct you which way to go, most people ignore these signs and walk whatever way they want to. If you walk the right way you walk past the caretaker's house and then another small building that houses a gift shop and where you buy your tickets to enter the lighthouse. There are many little things here to look over and you could easily take all day just browsing the items in the gift shop, but the real draw here is the lighthouse. It is massive from the outside and there are many steps to take to get to the top. Notes of interest here: the lighthouse is closed during bad weather (i.e. thunderstorms, lightning, high winds), it is now $8 to enter the lighthouse, most importantly; they only take cash or checks. read more

Since we are generally down in Corolla off season, this lighthouse is normally closed. This year we made the trip Labor Day weekend and made a point of climbing to the top. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse was built in the 1870's and left unpainted which makes it somewhat unique in that it doesn't have the typical white exterior. The climb up is $7 per person (cash or checks only - no plastic) and well worth the price of admission. You will have to sign a waiver before beginning the climb due to the structure predating today's safety/building codes. At the base of the lighthouse and at the first two landings are displays showing the history of lighthouses, the Fresnel lens, shipwrecks and the lighthouse keepers. It's interesting to read through the information. The climb is up a tall, somewhat narrow circular staircase. Climbers are asked to wait on one of the nine landings if people are descending, but most don't. It can be difficult to pass on the staircase and there is a handrail only on one side so if you are afraid of heights or have small children you may want to consider visiting at a non-peak hour. There are over 200 stairs to the top. At the landings they post the thickness of the walls and height you have climbed. The lighthouse's walls are over 5 foot thick near the base. The view from the top is simply spectacular. We climbed fairly early and it was already hot and humid. Thankfully there were fans circulating air on the landings near the top. The breeze once we stepped outside at the top was glorious! I can't even begin to describe the view from the top so I've posted pictures. This is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. There is a lighthouse shop on the grounds as well as the refurbished keeper's house and a nature walk towards the sound. Also nearby (within walking distance) is the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education - a free exhibit about the history of the area. Kids 7 and under climb free with a climbing adult. However, if your child is afraid of heights or skittish, you may want to think twice. read more

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It's been a couple of years since I was here but I always enjoy visiting lighthouses. This one charges a fee to climb to the top, and what a climb it is. My legs were sore for days afterward. The view from the top is worth it! And the drive to the lighthouse is lovely (as long as traffic isn't heavy). read more

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This lighthouse is one of the most beautiful and scenic I've ever seen. Even though it's not exactly on the beach from the top it is got such a picturesque vantage point of this part of the OBX. The beautiful brick and grounds are stunning. They even use oyster shells to keep it echo friendly as borders. They also have rain barrels to promote saving water. A very serene and beautiful way to spend the day. Make sure you put this on your to do list it is a must. What's a girl to do? See every lighthouse you can. read more

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I'm in love with the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Everything about this place is inviting, from the entrance to the gift shop. Upon entering the property, there is an open area with cute brick walkways. Past the lighthouse lies an adorable gift shop that you will want to spend some time in. There are some great little treasures to find. I returned 3 times and purchased some great items for my home. The view at the top of the lighthouse is amazing. Enough said. There is 1 con...the $10 fee to enter the lighthouse. It's a bit excessive but worth visiting. read more

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Beautiful scenery, very well maintained, and short lines. Loved visiting this lighthouse. read more

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Great view of the area, especially on a clear day. Remember to bring a jacket since it can get pretty windy up there. If you don't like heights, you might not enjoy the top since it's pretty exposed, but at least you can climb the steps and look out the small windows. read more

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I have visited this location on two separate occasions. It is such a serene and inviting place. I only wish we could have went into and up the lighthouse on one of our visits. This is one of our favorite places in NC, we will be back in a year or so I'm sure :) read more

Currituck Beach Lighthouse - Our favorite spot in the OBX. Currotuck Lighthouse in Corolla, NC. Such a peaceful and picturesque place - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Corolla, North Carolina

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This was a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. I walked up to the lighthouse then enjoyed walking to the sound and snapping a bunch of photos. There weren't a lot of people, so it was easy to socially distance. read more

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Our kids favorite place. We bought the annual pass as our family of 4 climbed it like 5 or 6 times on our trip. We hope to come back soon!

Beautiful lighthouse! We have visited many lighthouse in the OTB and this is my favorite. Friendly staff and a wonderful gift shop. If you are looking for a nice day outside this is a great place to stop. read more

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Curituck Beach Lighthouse on a typical warm summer day. We arrived fairly early about 9:30 am which just beat the lines to climb the lighthouse so there were minimal problems climbing up while others were descending and vice versa. They control the number of people entering to prevent overcrowding but it is still unpredictable of encountering others and waiting for opportunities to by pass them on the landings. It was warm climbing up but when we reached the top, we enjoyed a refreshing breeze and panoramic views of the ocean and the sound. This well-preserved lighthouse has many informative displays explaining the lighthouse history. Aside from the challenge of the climb, younger kids might find it too educational rather than exciting. Unfortunately repair was ongoing at the top of the lighthouse so there was construction scaffolding around the light which detracted from photos. By the time we got down, there was a fairly long line to enter. According to the website $7 of the $10 admission charge is tax deductible. A gift shop is adjacent which is a relocated lightkeepers house. If is really fully of nice sale items but they do overwhelm the character of the house. It's a small building so there is a limit on people entering; we had a short wait to get in. The original lightkeepers house is still on the grounds; it is well-preserved private residence and not open to the public. read more

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The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a beautiful brick tower surrounded by trees and lovely restored buildings. A friendly volunteer will greet you to organize the line and send groups in to register. (Because the lighthouse construction predates current building codes and safety regulations, every group must sign a waiver to climb to the top.) There are 214 steps to the top with several platforms to pause and catch your breath. The view from the top is breathtaking, of course, and the Fresnel lens is fascinating. It's only $7 to climb to the top. Children under 7 are free. If there are high winds or thunderstorms, the Lighthouse may be closed, so be sure to call. The restored gift shop is delightful with lots of lovely rooms to browse. Within walking distance is the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, the Whalehead Club Historic House, and the Historic Corolla Village - all beautiful, fascinating, and worth a visit! read more

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