Old Lighthouse Beach

Old Lighthouse Beach is a broad, Atlantic-facing stretch of sand in Buxton, where Cape Hatteras Lighthouse once stood. Come for an open shoreline, the trace of that earlier station and a relaxed surf or beachcombing stop. This is a low, flat beach rather than a high overlook: the pleasure is in the wide waterline, the waves and the sense of how the coast has shifted.

A ring of granite stones marks the lighthouse’s original base. The light was moved inland 2,900 feet in 1999 after erosion threatened the historic station, and the marker gives that story a scale you can stand beside. What was once close to the surf is now a quiet outline on the sand; take a moment to look between the stone ring and the ocean.

The beach is also known among surfers, and the broad shallows invite beachcombing. Large clam shells, scallops and occasional whelks turn up here; the smaller auger and olive shells take more searching. For a photo, get low with wet sand in the foreground and let the foamy edge lead down the shoreline. It shows the beach’s long, level sweep better than a horizon-only shot.

The beach lies at the south end of Old Lighthouse Road in Buxton. The route to the water is level and avoids a dune climb, so this can be a quick salt-air stop or a longer walk along the sand. Bring water and sun protection for an exposed oceanfront outing. The access area has included auto/RV parking and a vault or composting toilet, but confirm those are available before counting on them; the beach approach and nearby structures can change after storms. Check for an open route before you go.