Stretching down the North Carolina coastline are the sprawling slivers of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. Quaint seaside villages are scattered across miles of glittering shoreline, and the island chain's many sheltered inlets were once a thriving hideout for seafaring outlaws and swashbucklers. The fearsome pirate Blackbeard even retired from buccaneering and lived for a while at Ocracoke Island, a beachy village with New England charm. But on the southernmost portion of the Outer Banks island chain,
just beyond the borders of Ocracoke Inlet, there's an overlooked slab of sandy beaches and windswept dunes. Skirting the edge of the Crystal Coast, the shores of Cape Lookout National Seashore are a tranquil, untouched paradise.
Over 50 miles of crystalline coastline extend across gleaming azure waters, guarded at the southern end by a towering lighthouse rising from the dunes. Built in 1859, the lighthouse stands tall at 163 feet and sports a distinct black diamond pattern, earning it the nickname "Diamond Lady." Climb the 207 steps to the top for sweeping views of the far-flung beaches stretching off into the horizon. In fact, Cape Lookout is so remote that you'll notice a distinct absence of any commercial developments — be it shops, restaurants, or residential buildings — making the island a haven for disconnecting from the urban frenzy.
While there might be a lack of two-legged residents on the island, there's certainly no shortage of four-legged inhabitants. Herds of wild horses can be found grazing the grassy meadows bordering the sandy coastline, purportedly the progeny of Spanish mustangs washed ashore after shipwrecks in the 1500s. Boat tours that cruise the coastline are a great way to admire these untamed stallions. However, if you encounter them while strolling the beaches, make sure to keep your distance.
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Outdoor Adventures At Cape Lookout National Seashore
Accessible only by boat, Cape Lookout National Seashore is rather difficult to reach. That said, the dreamy, uncrowded beaches are worth the effort. A number of vehicular ferries can transport passengers from the town of Davis on the Carolina mainland (if you're planning on bringing a car), or from Harker's Island. Welcomed ashore by the Diamond Lady lighthouse, spellbinding seaside adventures await.
Surrounding the lighthouse is Cape Lookout's beach, where you'll want to spend most of your time. Explore the maze of waterways and sandbars on either side of the coastline, or lay a towel down to sunbathe amidst the sound of crashing waves and squawking gulls. Make sure to pack your rods and tackle too — the waters are teeming with fish you can fry up for dinner. If you book a combination ferry package departing from Harker's Island, you can also visit the nearby Shackleford Banks, a secret island boasting white sands and clear water, only 25 minutes away.
For an adrenaline-filled off-roading adventure, rent a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) and spend the afternoon drifting across the dunes. You can even take a catamaran cruise at sunset, keeping an eye out for dolphins swimming playfully alongside the boat and wild horses on the shore. At the end of the day, find a cozy spot for a campsite, pitch your tent right on the sand, and you'll be rewarded come nightfall. The island is a designated International Dark Sky Park, and the lack of light pollution means the skies are so dark that the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. Bundle up in warm blankets, lie back on the beach, and stargaze to your heart's content.
Explore Historic Sites At Cape Lookout National Seashore
While the island is an uninhabited paradise today, that wasn't always the case. In the bygone days of seafaring, Cape Lookout was the humble home of fishermen, whalers, and coast guardians — not to mention the lighthouse keepers who manned the Diamond Lady. Several historic landmarks still stand today and are open to visitors, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island's past. Pop into the Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters, a quaint whitewashed cottage built in the 1870s, and imagine yourself as a guardian of the beacon. Now converted into a museum, visitors can wander the exhibits to learn about the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families.
Beyond the lighthouse is the Cape Lookout Village Historic District, a small scattering of former fishermen's cottages, Coast Guard station, and World War II-era defensive structures. Spend time exploring the ghostly remnants of the village, which also includes the rustic façade of the original Life-Saving Station dating to the 1880s. Hard to miss is the "Coca-Cola House," a vacation cottage built in the late 1920s and painted bright red.
Just a short way up the coast, you can even catch a ferry over to Portsmouth Island, a ghost town with a pristine beach. This tidal island in Ocracoke Inlet was once bustling with the activity of sailors, fishermen, and the echo of the schoolhouse bell. That is, until the Civil War prompted most of the villagers to return to the mainland. Explore the stunning colonial-style cottages, including the former post office, Coast Guard station, and village church. Boat tours leaving from Ocracoke Island will ferry you to Portsmouth Island and back. Whether you're visiting Cape Lookout National Seashore for some fun in the sun or peaceful stargazing, it will surely be a memorable adventure.
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Read the original article on Islands.
