Part of the Cape Lookout Village as seen from the Cape Lookout Lighthouse

The isolated Cape Lookout National Seashore has a wealth of hidden treasures, from wild horses to incredible seashells, but one of the Core Banks’ most unique destinations is the Cape Lookout Village Historic District. Located just inland of the area’s beaches and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, this collection of historic homes is fascinating reminder of the island’s former prominence as a small coastal community.

There are 20 contributing buildings and one contributing site in the Cape Lookout Village Historic District, and the structures include fine examples of beach bungalow and Queen Anne architecture. The homes were once part of a small but thriving village that lived in the shadow of the local Life-Saving Station, which is also found on-site, and which dates back to 1888. Additional structures of note include the station’s boathouse, the 1907 Keepers’ Quarters, and the Seifert-Davis House (also known as the Coca Cola House). Though a little hard to reach, (bug spray and good walking shoes are recommended), visitors who make the hike will be treated to a ghost town of a village where history has been well preserved. A seldom-seen local attraction, the Cape Lookout Village Historic District is just another reason to explore this stunning and surprising barrier island shoreline.


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Activities
Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. After the tour, you are directed to one of the best shelling beaches in all of North Carolina, where you can spend some time shelling your way down the beach with Cape Lookout Lighthouse off in the distance. Shackleford is well known as one of the best shelling destinations on the East Coast. 

Lookout Cruises

Lookout Cruises

Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour company that calls the central town of Beaufort its home port offers a far-reaching range of adventures that will have coastal fans of all ages soaking up the sun and enjoying the best of the Southern Outer Banks.

Morehead City Ferry Service

Morehead City Ferry Service

The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown Morehead City along Evans Street, patrons who utilize Morehead City Ferry Service for a cruise or a taxi ride to the outlying barrier islands will be treated to full afternoons of sun and fun along the pristine sand.