Cape Lookout National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore preserves a stretch of undeveloped barrier islands off the central North Carolina coast, including beaches, dunes, and maritime habitats. The seashore protects wildlife habitat, historic nautical features, and recreational beaches along the Outer Banks.

Key attractions include broad undeveloped beaches for swimming and shore recreation, wildlife viewing-especially shorebirds and marine life-and the visually distinctive Cape Lookout Lighthouse that marks the cape. The islands are popular for boating, camping at designated sites, fishing, and kayaking.

The seashore lies off the coast of Beaufort and Carteret County, North Carolina, and is reached by ferry or private boat from mainland access points such as Harkers Island and Beaufort.

• Access: Access to the islands is by ferry, private boat, or permitted small craft only; plan logistics ahead since there are no bridges to the seashore islands.
• Wild horses: Shackleford Banks supports a population of wild Banker horses that are a well-known attraction and best observed from a respectful distance.

What to See#

• Core Banks: North Core Banks and South Core Banks - two long undeveloped barrier islands that make up the central portion of the seashore and provide wide beaches and dunes.
• Shackleford Banks: Shackleford Banks - a barrier island noted for its small herd of feral Banker horses and shallow-water access for kayaking and boat landings.
• Cape Lookout Lighthouse: Cape Lookout Lighthouse - a historic, visually distinctive lighthouse marking the cape and serving as a navigational landmark for the Outer Banks.

• Take an early ferry or boat transfer to the barrier islands to beat the day-tripper crowds and increase chances of finding good shells and wildlife on the beaches.
• Look for the feral Banker horses on Shackleford Banks-many visitors focus on the lighthouse and miss the versatile wildlife and quieter sandflats a short walk away.