In 1999, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and associated structures were moved 2900 feet to a location 1500 feet inland from the beach. While Hatteras Island continues to shift westward, the move should protect the lighthouse from the sea for another century or more. All that remains at the previous location is a sandy mound and the remains of a groin jutting out into the sea. We visited in October 2015, just after a major storm called #NotJoaquin lashed the coast. The waves were still large for the area and several surfers made a day of riding them.
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| Former site of the lighthouse |
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| A closer view of the site |
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| One of the groins that protected the lighthouse |
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| View inland to the lighthouse |
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| View of the groin from down the beach |
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| Looking down the beach |
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| A big wave by North Carolina standards |
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| Surfers waiting to catch the "big one" |
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| Many attempt... |
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| ...one succeeds |
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| Lighthouse from down the beach |
Entrance to Cape Hatteras National Seashore is free. The lighthouse is normally open daily from the third Friday in April until Columbus Day, but may close due to adverse weather. A fee of $8 per adult is assessed to climb to the exterior observation deck of the lighthouse. Seniors aged 62 and older; children under age 12, but taller than 42 inches; and the disabled may climb for only $4.
The seashore website is http://www.nps.gov/caha/index.htm.
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