Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Before 1875, ships sailing by the North Carolina coast faced an 80-mile "blind spot" between Bodie Island and Virginia's Cape Henry. Then the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla was created. To this day, the lighthouse still functions and orients incoming boats. If you have visited other lighthouses, you may notice something a bit different about this one -- the exterior was never painted and still maintains its original exposed brick look. Today, you can get your heart pumping and climb the 214 steps for gorgeous views of the area from the top. Afterwards, pick up nautical-themed souvenirs at the gift shop (located in a small house that was probably part of the keeper's residence).

One TripAdvisor user says it gets crowded early in the summer: "I arrived a little before noon and it was packed. The wait was about 45 minutes, but worth it. The history of the lighthouse and the surrounding buildings is interesting and the views from the top stunning."

Although it is open all year long, the lighthouse is closed during inclement weather for safety reasons. There is a small fee to climb to the top; kids ages 7 and under are free with an adult.