North Carolina Beach Information at Beachy Street

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, standing at 208 feet, is the tallest in the United States. The lighthouse is painted in black and white spirals, with a red base. Its light can be seen for 20 miles, warning ships of the submerged sand bars where so many ships have foundered.

The present lighthouse is the second of three that have been situated on the cape. The first was authorized by Congress in 1794 and completed ten years later, shining a weak beam out over the ocean. Shells from Union ships damaged the light in 1861, and retreating Confederate soldiers took the original lamp from this first lighthouse. The lamp was never found.

The present structure, the second tower, was erected in 1869-1870 by the U.S. Lighthouse Board. The Lighthouse Board became the Lighthouse Service, which is now part of the U.S. Coast Guard. A first-order Fresnel lens magnified a small oil wick flame at the tower's top, which was lit for the first time on December 16, 1870.

Vandals damaged the lens in the present structure when the Federal Government abandoned it in 1935. A third temporary structure was built of steel in 1936 and placed about two miles northeast in Buxton. The light from the temporary tower was moved to the present lighthouse on July 23, 1950, which put it back into operation. When reactivated, it was replaced by a rotating beacon--a double affair with 1000-watt lamps in each beacon--visible for 20 miles. However, it has been reported as being seen 51 miles at sea and 115 miles in the air.

North Carolinas southern Outer Banks which is commonly referred to as “The Crystal Coast” is a wonderful destination with many charming beach towns to visit. The mainland also is a place to enjoy, offering waterfront mainland communities such as Morehead City, Beaufort-by-the-Sea and all points Down East.

Historic Beaufort has been for many years a place where visitors can enjoy music festivals, tours, arts & craft shows and charter interesting tours of this lovely town. The serene waterfront allows views of international yachts as well as the wild ponies of Carrot Island.

The resort town of Atlantic Beach has a beautiful expansion of beaches where vacationers can chose from ocean view, oceanfront and surfside accommodations. Annual festivals such as the Carolina Kite festival bring visitors of all ages to this easy-going fun beach. Fort Macon has been a year round attraction for many years and offers an interesting and educational way to spend a few hours. For visitors that are looking for nightlife, shopping, restaurants and fishing Atlantic Beach has it all.

Emerald Isle is located at the western end of Bogue Banks and is a popular residential beach town. The family oriented beaches are consistently ranked among the top ten resort communities in the country. Most of the accommodations offered near Emerald Isle are condos and beach houses for rent.

Besides swimming, sun bathing and water sports there many things to do while visiting Emerald Isle. In March there’s an annual St. Patrick’s Festival, August is the Sea Kayak Festival and Island Harbor King Mackerel Tournament for the fishing enthusiasts.

You can treat your self to everyday activities such as, miniature golf, water slides, local movie theaters and shopping. Emerald Isle has many great opportunities for fun, so the whole family can enjoy.

Core Sound's Down East heritage is unique and charming where you can experience natural areas of marshes and wetlands, forest and farmland. Stop by the National Park service office for information regarding the area’s natural resources and coastal wildlife. Don’t forget to check out Cape Lookout Lighthouse by ferry, or if you like there are charter boats where you can also go fishing and shelling.

The town known for the plentiful fresh seafood and local fish markets is Salter Path / Indian Beach village where fishermen have been residence here for many generations. The uncluttered beaches have a long winding boardwalk just over the forested dunes. A day at the beach can include kayaking and jet skiing where there are a wide variety of rental agents. Accommodations include: condos, motels and Oceanside campgrounds.

Morehead City is coastal living at its best. Besides being one of the best places to scuba dive in the United States, the area is abundant with activities. Morehead City's maritime community has many downtown shops and a lively waterfront with it's famous boat to table restaurants. Spend the day visiting art and specialty shops or if you prefer go fishing for the day, where your sure to make a catch. At night you can take a dinner cruise or just enjoy the views where ships dock from all over the world.

If visiting during June you can catch the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament on the waterfront which offers a week of fishing and fun that draws international sportsmen. In October you can spend a fun weekend at the North Carolina Seafood Festival, enjoying music, fresh seafood and many activities.

Go to www.visitnc.com to learn about even more beautiful beaches in North Carolina.