Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Cape Lookout Lighthouse, NC

Two lighthouse towers were constructed on this site. The first, built in 1812, was 107 feet tall with an exterior painted in red and white stripes. Over time, this tower proved to be insufficient since it was too short and its beacon too undependable to operate as a reliable navigational tool. The original tower remained on the site until 1868.

The second (and current) lighthouse tower was completed in 1859. The tower is 163 feet tall with a beacon that flashes a white light every 15 seconds. The lighthouse is painted in a special 'daymark' pattern of black and white diamonds. When viewed from the north or south, the diamonds are black and when viewed from the east or west, the diamonds are white. This is the only lighthouse in the U.S. that appears to change color based on the direction it is viewed. It is also one of the few lighthouses in the world that operates during the day.

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is fully operational and takes an active role in modern nautical navigation. The United States Coast Guard maintains the beacon, and ships use it as a key navigational tool to avoid the dangerous Diamond Shoals. The tower is now open for climbing during summer months and climbing reservations are available.