Overview
The Lighthouse is a famous sand-bottom break at Cape Hatteras, sitting in front of the tallest lighthouse in the US, which was recently moved a few hundred feet back from the surf. Heavy erosion keeps the bottom constantly changing, so it can barrel one week and turn mushy the next. It peels both left and right, and the ends of the battered jetties can get dredgy depending on where the sand has piled up.
When It Works
The Lighthouse picks up most swells and takes them from south through north, but northeast (NE) is the direction that really lines up the longer lefts. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft and is a consistent spot that is almost always breaking.
Wind and Tide
Look for west (W) offshore wind. It can work across all tides, though a rising tide is generally the better call, and it tends to fire best on the low incoming.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers, and the lineup stays very busy since there is nearly always something breaking. Keep an eye out for rocks and submerged objects, along with shipwreck debris that storms can push in.
Access
There is a car park with free parking, plus restrooms and a surf shop nearby. Camping options are plentiful around Buxton.
