How to Enjoy Cape Lookout National Seashore

The Cape Look Out National Seashore is not accessible by car, though you may reach the seashore by ferry or your own personal boat. The Cape Look Out National Seashore is located in a tranquil setting, enabling you to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean and the beaches for a day or a week.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Appropriate clothing
• Swimsuits
• Beach towels
• Life Jackets
• Canoe or kayak (if you prefer to enjoy the water sports)
• Shoes
• Fishing gear
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Food and beverages (for your picnic lunch)
• Cell phone

1. Drive up to the Cedar Island Terminus Park and park your car. Take the North Carolina State Ferry as a passenger. Passengers are taken to the sound side of the beach. Or you may take your own personal boat to the Island. Upon arrival at the Cape Look Out National Seashore proceed to the Visitor Center to obtain information on current water conditions and island conditions. You may be able to rent a cabin for the evening.

2. Take your family to the beach. Set your beach blanket and towels out and get ready to enjoy a day of sunbathing and swimming. You can have your picnic lunch right on the beach.

3. After swimming, take a stroll along the white sands of the beach. There you and your children can explore and gather sea shells, sea glass and look at small aquatic sand crabs.

4. Enjoy the water with a kayak, canoe or go windsurfing. Bring your own equipment with you.

5. Set up your fishing gear and enjoy surf fishing on the beach. You will be required to have a North Carolina Fishing license.

6. Enjoy sightseeing on the island. There are more than 100 wild horses, living in groups called harems that are allowed to roam free along the entire length of the island. Take your binoculars and watch them graze in the distance. Take pictures and enjoy their natural habitat.

7. Plan on staying overnight you will be able to set up camping gear directly on the beach or rent one of the cabins.

8. Hiking through the islands can be adventurous. There are no set trails on the seashore. However, you can explore the island on your own within an hour walking time. Be sure to wear sensible shoes.

9. Enjoy an afternoon of bird watching. There are Terns, Herons, Shorebirds, Hawks and Song birds that inhabit the island.

10. Pack up your belongings and then take the ferry back to your car.

Tips & Warnings

• The island is accessible by ferry or boat. Posted daily you will find the current water conditions of the island including any rip tide warnings. Ocean conditions change from day to day. Watch how the waves hit the beach and you will be able to determine what locations on the beach are ready to be enjoyed.
• Do not get to close to the horses they may kick you. There are no lifeguards on the beaches you are on your own. You will need to bring your own water, food supplies and sunproducts with you.

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