Oak Island Lighthouse

Oak Island Lighthouse, the last lighthouse to be built in NC, was completed in 1958. The lights are 169 feet above the water, as reported on nautical charts, and can be seen for 25 nautical miles. The actual structure is 153 feet tall, but it stands on a slight rise. There is no spiral staircase as found in most lighthouses, but instead a series of ships ladders with a total of 131 steps to the gallery level.

The Oak Island Lighthouse is the only volunteer-managed lighthouse in the country. Guided tours to the top of the lighthouse, up 131 steps to an outside balcony, are available year-round by appointment for climbers 9 years of age or older. Reservations for Top Tours must be made through the lighthouse website at least two weeks in advance (six weeks recommended for June - August). From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the lighthouse is open for Open House Tours to the second level (up 12 steps only) on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until noon to anyone at least seven years old. Reservations are not required for second level tours. The lighthouse grounds are open year-round. Please visit the Oak Island Lighthouse website for the latest information on tour dates and times.