Oak Island Lighthouse

Climb 131 steps of steep ship’s ladders to the top of a 1958 lighthouse whose black, white and gray bands are cast right into the concrete. In 2020 it became the first U.S. lighthouse with a rotating LED light. The volunteer-led climbs are free.

• Caswell Beach (near Southport)
• Free
• Lighthouse climb
• Reserve ahead

Why families go

Climbers say the view from the top is worth every rung, and the volunteers run it all with real care. The catch is planning. Climbs to the top are morning-only and need a reservation, sometimes weeks ahead in summer. Parking at the lighthouse is very limited.

Don’t miss

• The top tour131 ship’s-ladder steps to the lantern room, free with a reservation.
• The summer open houseA climb to the second level with no reservation needed.
• The beach across the roadCaswell Beach is right there.

Before you go

• Top tours need an advance reservation through the Friends of Oak Island Lighthouse. They run in the mornings only: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from May through September, and Wednesday and Saturday the rest of the year.
• Top climbers must be at least 9 years old and wear closed-toe shoes; the open house is for ages 7 and up.
• Parking is very limited.

Plan your visit

• Where: 300A Caswell Beach Rd., Caswell Beach, NC 28465 (near Southport)
• From Topsail: About 1 hour 25 minutes from central Surf City by road, or via the Fort Fisher ferry and a short drive.
• Hours: Grounds sunrise to sunset; climbs by reservation (see the website).
• Admission: Free.
• Tickets: Request a climb
• Official site: oakislandlighthouse.org
• More nearby: more family fun in Southport

A short drive from the island. Browse our Topsail Island vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.

Based on official information from the attraction and on recurring themes in public reviews; checked October 2026. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.