Cape Lookout National Seashore, NC

Travel Guide

On the sound side beach by Cape a Lookout Lighthouse - highly recommend taking the ferry out.
On the sound side beach by Cape a Lookout Lighthouse - highly recommend taking the ferry out.
On the sound side of the island by Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
"Beauty and Beast" Image of wild horses captured at Shackleford Banks in North Carolina during an overnight camping trip at nearby Cape Lookout Island. To get to this island, you have to take a ferry from Harkers Island (or take your own boat to the island if you have/rent one). The ferry is pretty reasonable and in the summer, they operate relatively long hours. I'd advise going early before the sun is too high and on days that the humidity is low, as there is no shade on the island whatsoever. Carry plenty of water with you in any case, as the island is very long and you might have to walk a fair distance before you come across the wild horses. Other than the horses, there's really nothing else on this island. There is wild camping permitted on the island, so you could make it an overnight trip and have the ferry pick you up the following day. If so, carry food and anything else you might need as there are no facilities on the island. Also carry bug spray as the no see ums will be out in murderous numbers at sundown. The Harkers Ferry also offers options to combine a trip to Cape Lookout and to Shackleford Banks, so you could cover two locations in one trip. I've heard this place can have magical sunsets/sunrises. On this trip, didn't have much luck with either. But was lucky to stumble across these horses just chilling in the mid morning sun. If you do visit the island, please exercise caution as these horses are wild. They are used to seeing humans around but getting close to them or feeding them is not advisable. This image was taken with a telephoto lens from quite some distance away. Also watch out for cacti - they are around and you run into em when you least expect em. Thank you for stopping by. #NC #USA #Horses #WildHorses #ShacklefordBanks #colorful #blue #camp #weekend #bestof5 #hiking
View from the lantern room at the top of Cape Lookout Lighthouse that was constructed in 1859 two years prior to the Civil War . The light was taken out of service during the war.
Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

3.5 out of 5
814 Shepard Street Morehead City NC
The price is ￥14,466 per night from Feb 27 to Feb 28
￥14,466
￥16,310 total
Feb 27 - Feb 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Morehead City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
The room size, appointments, cleanliness, and breakfast delivered to room were a pleasant surprise.

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing
Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel

3 out of 5
511 Salter Path Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,531 reviews)
Very clean rooms and super kind staff!! Had an amazing time!! Will be back again for sure!!

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026

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Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

4 out of 5
2717 W Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ￥15,822 per night from Mar 7 to Mar 8
￥15,822
￥17,840 total
Mar 7 - Mar 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Staff, restaurant, view, location and pier were all strong points.

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A Place at the Beach

A Place at the Beach

2.5 out of 5
1904 E Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (287 reviews)
Nice area and amenities, all with beachfront access.

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026

A Place at the Beach
Cozy Island Cottage, centrally located in the Heart of the Village

Cozy Island Cottage, centrally located in the Heart of the Village

Ocracoke NC
Stay at this cottage in Ocracoke. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (317 reviews)
My husband and I really enjoyed our stay! The cottage was cute and just what we needed! The host gave great detail and we had no problems while staying! We will definitely be back!

Reviewed on Dec 30, 2025

Cozy Island Cottage, centrally located in the Heart of the Village
Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1

Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1

Emerald Isle NC
Book a stay at this beach condo in Emerald Isle. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Flatwaters Paddling and 3rd Street Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (208 reviews)
The condo was absolutely beautiful with a wonderful and clear view of the beach and ocean. Even saw a whale breech the waves one day- A first for me down here! The newly changed oceanfront windows were perfect when it was too cold, windy, or rainy to sit on the porch. And when I could, I wrapped ...

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Southern Outer Banks or Crystal Coast of North Carolina viewed from the water; Shutterstock ID 643650031; Purchase Order: -

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