Cape Lookout National Seashore Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a pristine and untouched oasis located in the beautiful Carteret County of North Carolina. Stretching along the coast, this national seashore offers visitors a unique experience that combines natural beauty, wildlife, and rich history.
The main attraction of Cape Lookout National Seashore is its stunning beaches. With miles of sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, this is the perfect destination for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to relax and soak up the sun or engage in water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking, the beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore have it all.
One of the highlights of this national seashore is the iconic Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Standing tall at 163 feet, this historic landmark provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and marvel at the panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby barrier islands. The lighthouse also serves as a symbol of the rich maritime heritage of the region.
Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of wildlife in Cape Lookout National Seashore. The seashore is home to a variety of bird species, including pelicans, gulls, and herons. If you're lucky, you might even spot wild horses grazing along the shores. The seashore is also a popular nesting ground for sea turtles, and visitors can learn about their conservation efforts through educational programs and guided tours.
For history buffs, Cape Lookout National Seashore offers a glimpse into the past. The seashore is dotted with historic sites and structures, including the Portsmouth Village, a ghost town that provides a fascinating look into the lives of the early settlers. Visitors can explore the village's well-preserved buildings and imagine what life was like in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Cape Lookout National Seashore Attractions - What to See and Explore
Cape Lookout National Seashore offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Portsmouth, Salter-Battle Hunting and Fishing Lodge. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Cape Lookout National Seashore – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Cape Lookout National Seashore, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (Hatteras Island), North Carolina Maritime Museum (Beaufort), Ocracoke Lighthouse (Ocracoke).
Best Time To Visit Cape Lookout National Seashore
Learn when is the best time to travel to Cape Lookout National Seashore weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Hawksbill Turtle
The hawksbill sea turtle, a critically endangered species in the Cheloniidae family, is the only extant member of the Eretmochelys genus. These turtles are distributed globally, with populations in both the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.
Reptiles
Spotted turtle
The spotted turtle, sole representative of the genus Clemmys, is an endearing small semi-aquatic turtle native to southern Canada and the eastern United States. Its carapace, characterized by yellow spots on a dark background, measures just 8-12 cm in length.
Reptiles
Long-tailed duck
The long-tailed duck, once known in North America as the oldsquaw, is a fascinating medium-sized sea duck and the sole surviving member of the Clangula genus. Initially classified under Harelda, it later became the type species of its own genus.
Birds
Horned grebe
The horned grebe, also known as the Slavonian grebe, is a small waterbird belonging to the Podicipedidae family. It has two subspecies: P. a. auritus, found in the Palearctic region, and P. a. cornutus, which resides in North America.
Birds
Raccoon
Raccoons are captivating, medium-sized mammals native to North America, easily identifiable by their dexterous front paws, masked faces, and ringed tails. These intelligent creatures can remember solutions to problems for years, showcasing their remarkable cognitive...
Mammals
North Carolina