Cape Lookout National Seashore

Small sandpipers, called Sanderlings, are common sights on the ocean beach as they search for food in the sand between waves
A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there’s something for everyone at Cape Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beaches.
Map showing location of park.
2023.7.28.South Core. Sabrina Godin.0047
Tourism to Cape Lookout National Seashore Contributes $32,033,000 to Local Economy
A new National Park Service report shows that 552,786 visitors to Cape Lookout National Seashore in 2024 spent $28,925,000 in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $32,033,000.
: Black & white patterned tower of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands against a blue & white cloud f
Photo by NPS photo
A bird with orange bill and orange legs runs along the tide line. Waves in the background
Photo by NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A red light illuminates a tent on the sand, with a star filled sky behind it.
Photo by NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A seashell lays in the sand, with the sun setting in the background.
Photo by NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A sand covered turtles flings sand on the beach while laying eggs.
Photo by NPS Photo
A Jeep drives on the sand in between grass covered dunes.
Photo by NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin
A angler sits in a chair, with two fishing poles in the sand. Lighthouse in background.
Photo by NPS Photo / Sabrina Godin