Oak Island Lighthouse — Attraction in Southport

If you’re in Oak Island, North Carolina, you have to check out the Oak Island Lighthouse! We visited today and had an absolutely wonderful tour. Jeff and Gary, our guides, were amazing—friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about this piece of history.

This is not your typical lighthouse. One of the most fascinating features is the staircase—it’s not a traditional spiral, but steps modeled after those on a ship. Be prepared for a very vertical climb! The view at the top is well worth it.

Here’s another cool fact: this lighthouse has never been painted! The engineer who designed it dyed the cement in slightly different shades during construction, so there’s no need for repainting—one of the reasons the tours are free. (Hint: they do appreciate donations, so don’t be shy about contributing!)

It’s such a unique, hands-on way to experience history, and it’s run by wonderful people who clearly care about preserving it. What a fun and amazing place—definitely worth a stop when you’re in Oak Island!

Only draw back .. Book your tickets the season before. It is free and you have to give them several months to get on the list for your specific week...

The volunteers are so kind, helpful, and passionate. To get a tour “to the top” you need to book a reservation. Their website has information regarding how to do so. This is the only civilian-accessible lighthouse (known) in the US that utilizes ship ladders opposed to the standard spiral staircase. Be sure to wear sneakers and fuel yourself properly before the climb. This climb is harder than most lighthouse climbs (I’ve climbed several). If you’re severely bothered by heights, have limited mobility (legs, core, and/or arms), or have health conditions that make climbing several, continuous flights of stairs challenging, this is not the climb for you. However, if you consider yourself to be in moderate-to-good shape, love a fun challenge, and want a spectacular view of NC, the climbs is sooo worth it! There are landings after every ladder and guests are encouraged to break as needed—you aren’t rushed! The tours are free but a minimum $5/pp cash donation is recommended (and truly appreciated by the staff). You can even purchase cool goodies to commemorate your climb at the bottom of...

Highly recommend! No need for me to post a picture of the outside since there are plenty on here. Just remember to visit their website to make a reservation. Tours are given only on certain days at certain times. You can do this tour and climb the ladders for free, while they do take donations and they have a tiny gift shop at the entrance to the lighthouse. I won't lie, this isn't for those who physically struggle to climb stairs. Personally, I have a manageable fear of heights, which I got over, in order to climb. This is one of the few that doesn't have stairs, rather has several sets of ladders. All things considered, the climb is worth the view, just keep in mind this is not for everyone, especially small kids and those with a fear of heights. (Some within our party stopped within the first few ladders; a total of 131 steps to the top) The picture is a view looking down perhaps halfway. You can see that there is a landing at each level for you to catch your breath. Finally: enjoy! If you can overcome the challenge, I highly recommend it. I'm so...