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
The price is ₹8,520 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
₹8,520
₹9,606 total
2 Feb - 3 Feb
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,531 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

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

4 out of 5
2717 W Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
The price is ₹8,222 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
₹8,222
₹9,270 total
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Didn't eat in the restaurant...Nice clean room and quiet surroundings..Favorite place to stay in AB..

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
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 ₹8,520 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
₹8,520
₹9,606 total
1 Feb - 2 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! (1,004 reviews)
Love this hotel and staff.

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing
See all 2,535 properties in Cape Lookout National Seashore
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.
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
See all properties in Cape Lookout National Seashore
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.

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

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