Old Lighthouse Beach- Hatteras Island -

Old Lighthouse Beach is a stretch of sand in the heart of Buxton, North Carolina, on Hatteras Island that was once the sight of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Despite the lighthouse’s relocation, Old Lighthouse Beach remains a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. It is knowns for its wide, sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and excellent surfing conditions. The beach is also a great place to go swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and shelling.

It is approximately 2 miles long.
The sand is a light golden brown color.
The water is typically clear and blue.
The beach is knowns for its good shelling and great waves. It is also a popular spot for surfers and kiteboarders.
The light house beach is open year-round, but it is best to visit during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny.

Where is Old Lighthouse Beach?

Old Lighthouse Beach is located near the former site of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The beach was moved in 1991 to its current location 2,900 feet (880 m) to the south due to erosion. Old Lighthouse Beach Access is a public beach located in Buxton, North Carolina.

History of Old Lighthouse Beach

Old Lighthouse Beach is located near the site of the original Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which was relocated due to the encroaching sea. Here’s a brief overview of the history related to this area:

Original Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (1803): The first Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built in 1803, but it was too low, and its light was too weak to be seen by ships far out at sea. The treacherous waters around Cape Hatteras are known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” because of the numerous shipwrecks that occurred there over the centuries, making a powerful lighthouse crucial.
Second Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (1870): A new lighthouse was constructed in 1870. At 198 feet, it’s the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. Its distinct black and white spiral pattern made it easily recognizable by mariners. It utilized a first-order Fresnel lens to amplify its beam, allowing it to be seen from great distances.
Relocation of the Lighthouse (1999): By the late 20th century, due to shifting sands and erosion, the sea was threatening the base of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It was decided to move the lighthouse further inland to protect it. In 1999, in a remarkable engineering feat, the lighthouse was moved about a half-mile from its original location to its current spot.
Old Lighthouse Beach: After the lighthouse was moved, the area around its original location became known as Old Lighthouse Beach.
Native American History: Before European contact, Native American groups, including the Croatans, lived on the Outer Banks and relied on the abundant resources of the region for sustenance.
World War II: During World War II, the waters off Hatteras Island saw significant action, as German U-boats targeted American shipping routes along the East Coast. This led to many shipwrecks and earned the region the title “Torpedo Junction.”

Today, Hatteras Island, and in particular, Old Lighthouse Beach, remains a popular tourist destination. Visitors come for the beautiful beaches and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Old Lighthouse Beach Access

Here is the information for Old Lighthouse Beach Access in Buxton, NC:

Address: Buxton, NC 27920, USA

Timing

Old Lighthouse Beach is open year-round. The operating hours of Cape Hatteras National Seashore are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, but the best time to visit is during the summer months (May-September) when the weather is warm and sunny. The beach is also less crowded during the off-season months (October-April).

If you are planning to visit Old Lighthouse Beach during the summer months, it is important to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds. The beach can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.

The beach is also open during the winter months, but the weather can be unpredictable. It is important to check the forecast before the go.

Fees

There are no fees to access Old Lighthouse Beach in Hatteras Island, North Carolina. The beach is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which is a fee-free park. However, there are certain activities in the park, associated with some fees such as:

Camping: Camping fees vary depending on the type of campsite and the length of stay.
Lighthouse climbing: Climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse costs $8 for adults and $4 for children.
Off-road vehicle for driving on designated trails in the park required permits cost $25 per day or $75 per year.

Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach is a resort town in York County, Maine, United States. It is a for its 7-mile-long (11 km) sandy beach, amusement park, and pier and also known as a popular seaside resort.

It is located on the inner side of Saco Bay on the Atlantic Ocean, and is part of the Portland−South Portland−Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. Old Orchard Beach is a popular tourist destination, especially for families, with its seven-mile beach, amusement park, and pier.

Lighthouse in Old Orchard Beach

There is no physical lighthouse in Old Orchard Beach. The closest lighthouse is Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, which is located about 15 miles south in South Portland, Maine.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is a caisson-style lighthouse that was builts in 1897. It is located on a rocky breakwater at the entrance to Portland Harbor. The lighthouse is open to the public for tours during the summer months.

Another popular lighthouse near Old Orchard Beach is Portland Head Light, which is located about 20 miles north in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

Portland Head Light is the oldest lighthouse in Maine and one of the most iconic lighthouses in the United States. It was built in 1791 and is still active today. The lighthouse is open to the public for tours and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

However, there are a few lighthouses located nearby, including:

Wood Island Lighthouse in Biddeford, Maine: This 1808 lighthouse is located on Wood Island, which is about 2 miles off the coast of Old Orchard Beach. It is a popular spot for fishing and bird watching.
Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine: This 1791 lighthouse is one of the most iconic lighthouses in Maine. It is located in Fort Williams Park, which offers stunning views of the coastline.
Ram Island Lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine: This 1875 lighthouse is located on Ram Island, which is about 1 mile off the coast of Cape Elizabeth. It is a popular spot for whale watching.

Wood Island Lighthouse or Portland Head Light. Both are beautiful and historic lighthouses that offer stunning views of the coastline.

Old Lighthouse Beach Resort

The Old Lighthouse Beach Resort is a luxury resort located in Fort Kochi, Kochi, India, right on Fort Kochi Beach. It is one of the most popular resorts in Kochi and is knowns for its stunning views of the Arabian Sea, its lush gardens, and its elegant accommodations.

The resort has a variety of room and suite types to choose from, all of which are decorate in a traditional Indian style. The rooms and suites feature all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including air conditioning, minibars, and private balconies with views of the ocean or the gardens.

The Old Lighthouse Beach Resort also has a variety of amenities and activities to offer guests, including:

A swimming pool with a swim-up bar
A spa offering a variety of treatments
A fitness center
A restaurant serving Indian and international cuisine
A bar serving cocktails and drinks
A beach with sunbeds and umbrellas
A variety of water sports activities, such as kayaking and jet skiing
A kids’ club offering a variety of activities for children of all ages

The Old Lighthouse Beach Resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind on your next vacation. With its stunning views, luxurious accommodations, and variety of amenities, the resort has something to offer everyone.

Lighthouse beach Activities

Here are some of the things you can do when visiting the region:

Beach Activities: Enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, or building sandcastles. The beaches on Hatteras Island are pristine and typically less crowded than many other East Coast beaches.
Water Sports: The region is popular for various water sports such as surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. The conditions around Cape Hatteras are particularly suitable for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Fishing: Hatteras Island is a popular destination for both surf fishing from the beach and deep-sea fishing. Many anglers visit the region hoping to catch bluefish, flounder, red drum, and other species.
Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum: Located in Hatteras Village, this museum offers insights into the maritime history of the Outer Banks, including the many shipwrecks off its coast.
Nature Walks and Hiking: There are various nature trails and paths where you can take a leisurely stroll or a hike, enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the island.
Horseback Riding on the Beach: There are local companies that offer horseback rides on the beach, providing a unique way to experience the island’s beauty.
Water Tours: Take a kayak or canoe tour of the island’s marshes and estuaries. You can also join boat tours that explore the waters around the island, often offering a glimpse of dolphins and other marine life.
Shopping: There are various shops and boutiques on the island where you can buy local art, crafts, souvenirs, and beach gear.
Dining: Don’t forget to try the local seafood! There are numerous restaurants and eateries that offer delicious meals, with fresh seafood being a highlight.

Old Lighthouse Golf & Ocean Club

Old Lighthouse Golf & Ocean Club is a private, gated community located on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It is situated on a dramatic stretch of coastline, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez.

The community is home to a variety of luxury homes and villas, as well as a number of amenities, including:

A Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course
A beach club with a private beach, swimming pool, and restaurant
A tennis center
A fitness center
A spa
A variety of restaurants and bars

Old Lighthouse Golf & Ocean Club is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Cabo San Lucas. With its luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and stunning views, the community offers something for everyone.

Here is some additional information about Old Lighthouse Golf & Ocean Club:

Address: Carretera Transpeninsular, Km 19.5, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23450, Mexico

Amenities:

Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course
Beach club with private beach, swimming pool, and restaurant
Tennis center
Fitness center
Spa
Variety of restaurants and bars
24-hour security

Real estate:

Old Lighthouse Golf & Ocean Club is a private community, so homes and villas are only available to purchase or rent through the community’s real estate office. The community offers a variety of home and villa types to choose from, all of which are designed to take advantage of the stunning views.

Things to do:

In addition to enjoying the community’s amenities, there are a variety of things to do in the surrounding area, including: