Lighthouse in Brunswick, North Carolina

7 found · ← All categories in Brunswick

Updated October 31, 2026

Old Baldy Lighthouse and Smith Island Museum

Lighthouse

Bald Head Island, NC

Old Baldy Lighthouse and Smith Island Museum offers a self-guided climb of North Carolina's oldest surviving lighthouse, built in 1817, plus a history museum.

  • Visitors seeking a self-guided climb with Cape Fear River estuary views
  • Travelers interested in Bald Head Island maritime history and local artifacts
  • Groups wanting a two-hour guided tour covering four centuries of island history

Oak Island Lighthouse

Lighthouse

Caswell Beach, NC

Oak Island Lighthouse offers free reserved climbs to its 131-step gallery and seasonal no-reservation open-house tours.

  • Visitors seeking a free climb to a lighthouse gallery
  • Visitors age 9 or older able to climb 131 metal ship stairs
  • Families seeking seasonal, no-reservation tours to the first landing

Pier View

Lighthouse

Sunset Beach, NC

Other categories in Brunswick

Lighthouse in nearby counties

FAQ

Which Brunswick County lighthouse has free climbs?

Oak Island Lighthouse offers free top tours and free seasonal open-house tours to the first landing. Its grounds and parking are also free and open year-round from dawn to dusk.

Do I need a boat to visit Old Baldy Lighthouse?

Yes. Bald Head Island is accessible only by boat, including a passenger ferry from Southport.

How many stairs are involved at the local lighthouses?

Old Baldy has 108 stairs and five landings. Oak Island’s top climb has 131 metal ship stairs, and visitors must be at least age 9 for that climb.

Do lighthouse tours require reservations?

Oak Island’s top tours require advance reservations, while its seasonal open-house tours do not. Oak Island does not offer tours on major holidays.

When is Old Baldy Lighthouse closed?

Old Baldy Lighthouse and Smith Island Museum are closed during January and February.