Cape Lookout National Seashore

Cape Lookout National Seashore is a nature preserve comprised of 56 miles of barrier islands and undeveloped beaches only accessible by boat. It’s popular for its white sand, clear blue waters, and wild uninhabited beaches. Visitors can enjoy exploring the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and historic village, watching wild horses, shelling, fishing, birding, 4WD beach driving, and camping. The two must-see and most popular experiences by far are visiting the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and seeing the Shackleford Banks’ wild horses. You can arrive at either island via the Island Express Ferry through the national park service or a private boat tour through a local company like Crystal Coast Ecotours. 

 

When visiting Cape Lookout Lighthouse, be sure to walk across the dunes to the ocean side to marvel at the Caribbean-like turquoise-blue waves and/or take the park service's 4WD beach shuttle to the cape for a wild, more expansive beach experience. At Shackleford Banks, explore the remote beaches and impressive dunes as you look for the wild horses and pick up larger-than-life seashells along the way.