The red brick Currituck Beach lighthouse was placed in operation December 1, 1875.  It was the final seacoast light built along the North Carolina coast and filled in a gap between Cape Henry Lighthouse in Virginia and Bodie Island Lighthouse.

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse were all built between 1859 and 1875 and are all very similar in design.  Each was given a distinctive paint job so that they could be distinguished by navigators during the day, however Currituck Beach was left unpainted.  Its distinction is its red brick appearance. 

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse site just opened for the season and will remain open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. through Thanksgiving.  Additionally, the lighthouse will be open for climbing this summer on Thursday evenings until 8:00 p.m.  Admission to climb the lighthouse is $7.00 for those 8 and up.  Under 7 are admitted free with a paying adult.  Kids under 12 can climb the tower only when accompanied by an adult.  Teens 13-17 need a waiver signed by a parent to climb the tower unattended.