6. Oak Island Lighthouse, Caswell Beach If you travel south of the Outer Banks to the Brunswick Islands beaches, you can cross onto Oak Island to see the Oak Island Lighthouse. With a light that can be seen for 16 miles, this lighthouse is one of the world’s most powerful. The area is open to the public, but it’s best to call ahead to arrange your 131-step ascent up a series of ships ladders to the gallery level. Climb it all year on select days by appointment Oak Island is the first US lighthouse to use rotating LED technology. The Oak Island Lighthouse was completed in 1958 at a total cost of $110,000. The lights are 169 feet above the water. There is no spiral staircase as found in most older lighthouses, but instead a series of ships ladders with a total of 131 steps to the lantern gallery level.
7. Old Baldy Lighthouse, Bald Head Island North Carolina’s southernmost lighthouse is visible from Oak Island. Return to the mainland and head to Southport where you can take the ferry to Bald Head Island. Similar to Ocracoke, Bald Head is only accessible by water or air. Old Baldy’s appearance is a result of decades of patchwork repair and its 200- plus years of existence. Climb to the top of its 108 steps to take in the view and explore the restored keeper’s cottage on the property. “Old Baldy,” as it is affectionately known, was first illuminated in 1817. At its base, “Old Baldy” is 36 feet wide, and its walls are five feet thick. The top of the lighthouse is 14 feet and six inches wide and two feet and six inches thick. The foundation and the platform for the lantern room are constructed of stone. Trivia Note: The Island may look familiar to you, this was where the Weekend at Bernie’s (1989) was filmed, as well as The Butcher’s Wife (1991), and Pirate Kids II: The Search for the Silver Skull (2006).
Bodie Island Lighthouse
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COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025 | 32
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