Cape Lookout National Seashore Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

On the sound side beach by Cape a Lookout Lighthouse - highly recommend taking the ferry out.
On the sound side beach by Cape a Lookout Lighthouse - highly recommend taking the ferry out.
On the sound side of the island by Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
"Beauty and Beast" Image of wild horses captured at Shackleford Banks in North Carolina during an overnight camping trip at nearby Cape Lookout Island. To get to this island, you have to take a ferry from Harkers Island (or take your own boat to the island if you have/rent one). The ferry is pretty reasonable and in the summer, they operate relatively long hours. I'd advise going early before the sun is too high and on days that the humidity is low, as there is no shade on the island whatsoever. Carry plenty of water with you in any case, as the island is very long and you might have to walk a fair distance before you come across the wild horses. Other than the horses, there's really nothing else on this island. There is wild camping permitted on the island, so you could make it an overnight trip and have the ferry pick you up the following day. If so, carry food and anything else you might need as there are no facilities on the island. Also carry bug spray as the no see ums will be out in murderous numbers at sundown. The Harkers Ferry also offers options to combine a trip to Cape Lookout and to Shackleford Banks, so you could cover two locations in one trip. I've heard this place can have magical sunsets/sunrises. On this trip, didn't have much luck with either. But was lucky to stumble across these horses just chilling in the mid morning sun. If you do visit the island, please exercise caution as these horses are wild. They are used to seeing humans around but getting close to them or feeding them is not advisable. This image was taken with a telephoto lens from quite some distance away. Also watch out for cacti - they are around and you run into em when you least expect em. Thank you for stopping by. #NC #USA #Horses #WildHorses #ShacklefordBanks #colorful #blue #camp #weekend #bestof5 #hiking
View from the lantern room at the top of Cape Lookout Lighthouse that was constructed in 1859 two years prior to the Civil War . The light was taken out of service during the war.
Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

3 out of 5
511 Salter Path Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,532 reviews)
Other than one of the front entrance doors and one of the elevators being broken it was a good stay. The staff on the restaurant and bar are amazing. We had lots of laughs with them

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

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Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel
Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

3.5 out of 5
814 Shepard Street Morehead City NC
The price is NZ$174 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
NZ$174
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Morehead City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Decor, helpful staff and great location

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing
Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach

Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach

3 out of 5
118 Salter Path Road Pine Knoll Shores NC
Stay at this golf hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,315 reviews)
The room was very clean and although they are in the process of updating, the hotel overall has such a classy feel. Very upscale feeling. And not even a stones throw from the beach. A great getaway from the cold weather.

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

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Hotel Alice At Atlantic Beach
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A Place at the Beach

A Place at the Beach

2.5 out of 5
1904 E Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and Les and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (287 reviews)
Nice area and amenities, all with beachfront access.

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

A Place at the Beach
Cozy Island Cottage, centrally located in the Heart of the Village

Cozy Island Cottage, centrally located in the Heart of the Village

Ocracoke NC
Stay at this cottage in Ocracoke. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (317 reviews)
My husband and I really enjoyed our stay! The cottage was cute and just what we needed! The host gave great detail and we had no problems while staying! We will definitely be back!

Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025

Cozy Island Cottage, centrally located in the Heart of the Village
Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1

Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1

Emerald Isle NC
Stay at this beach condo in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a beach locale. Popular attractions Flatwaters Paddling and 3rd Street Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (207 reviews)
The condo was absolutely beautiful with a wonderful and clear view of the beach and ocean. Even saw a whale breech the waves one day- A first for me down here! The newly changed oceanfront windows were perfect when it was too cold, windy, or rainy to sit on the porch. And when I could, I wrapped ...

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Southern Outer Banks or Crystal Coast of North Carolina viewed from the water; Shutterstock ID 643650031; Purchase Order: -

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Learn about the local history of Cape Lookout when you spend time at Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Wander the beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Horse Island

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Horse Island during your travels in Portsmouth.

Horse Island

Cities near Cape Lookout National Seashore

Shackleford Banks Horses Grazing

Harkers Island