Currituck Beach Lighthouse — Attraction in Corolla

My November visits to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Duck, North Carolina, were a highlight of my Outer Banks trip. This 1875 red-brick lighthouse, with its unpainted exterior, exudes historic charm and is a must-see. Climbing to the top was both exhilarating and memorable, offering stunning views of the Currituck Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Ticket Experience: Tickets were purchased on-site at the lighthouse entrance, as online or advance booking isn’t available, which kept things simple. The cost was $13 for climbers aged 4 and up, with children 0-3 admitted free if carried in a backpack or carrier. I used my credit card, but cash and checks are also accepted. The staff were friendly and quick, and since November is off-season, there was no wait to buy tickets or climb. They noted that climbing might be restricted for kids under 4 for safety, which I appreciated as a practical measure. The Climb: The lighthouse has 220 steps to the top, winding up a spiral staircase that’s narrow but manageable. The steps are sturdy iron, though the space tightens as you ascend, so it’s not ideal for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues. There are landings every 25-30 steps to catch your breath, which was helpful. The climb took about 10 minutes at a steady pace, and the view from the top—sweeping vistas of the ocean, sound, and Corolla’s landscape—was worth every step. November’s cooler weather made the climb comfortable, with no summer heat or humidity to contend with. Parking: Parking was a breeze, especially in November when crowds are thinner. The lighthouse has a free parking lot right across from the entrance, with plenty of spaces for cars and even larger vehicles like RVs. It’s just off NC-12, making it easy to find, and I didn’t have to circle or hunt for a spot. The lot is well-maintained, with a short walk to the ticket booth and lighthouse grounds. There’s also accessible parking near the entrance for those who need it, which I noticed was clearly marked. Overall, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a gem. The ticket process was smooth, the climb was a fun challenge with a rewarding payoff, and parking was stress-free. I’d recommend visiting in November for cooler weather and fewer crowds—just wear comfortable shoes and be ready for those 220 steps! I’m already looking forward to...

This is currently the only lighthouse on the outer banks you can walk up to and climb without a reservation. Actually you cant make advanced reservations at all. The hardest part is actually getting to the lighthouse as it is on the most northern end of the outer banks as traffic can build up in Duck during the tourist season (Summer). To avoid the traffic mess I recommend coming up early in the morning (Like before 8am). Don't try to take an alternative way as traffic backs up on the neighborhood streets as well. Choosing the wrong time to visit can increase your drive time up to an hour. Use google maps to best judge traffic build up. The lighthouse itself is easy to climb with landings to stop on and rest. The building is well ventilated with fans on most landings during hot weather. The staff is friendly. A museum shop is located next to the lighthouse and has some nice items for sale. Parking maybe hard to find during busy times. There are lots of other things to do in the area including visiting other historical buildings or seeing the Currituck Maritime Museum at the base of...

Went this past Sunday with my husband and a friend of ours because we’d never been before. Came early in the morning driving from Chesapeake and got there a little after they opened for the day and wasn’t as busy yet. Very beautiful historical lighthouse ❤️ The lady we met who we paid to enter the lighthouse was really friendly and knowledgeable. As a heads up, you do have to sign a waiver before you can climb up, it’s a safety thing considering how old the lighthouse is. Please be aware that on hot/humid days it can get REALLY hot inside on your way up (they can’t really open the windows for preservation reasons). Pace yourself, bring some water to sip on, and take breaks on the levels with fans. The views at the top are worth it!! You can see the Atlantic side and the sound. Plus the cool ocean breeze feels nice after the long climb up :) Be careful going down and wait on the landings to let others pass. All in all glad we stopped to check it out, need to go see the other...