The newest lighthouse in North Carolina is located in a little beach town not far from the city of Wilmington. Oak Island Lighthouse [300 Caswell Beach Rd, Oak Island, NC 28465] guards the Cape Fear River, built in 1957 it stands 153 feet tall and was the brightest lighthouse in America from 1958-1962.
The unique three pattern of colors is not painted on the lighthouse, rather mixed into its concrete. The first 40’ is natural cement, the next 50’ is white Portland cement and white quartz aggregate, and the last portion is cement mixed with black paint. It never needs to be repainted! Free tours to the second level (not the top) are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10-2 Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you want to climb to the top you must make a reservation at least two weeks in advance. Even if you don’t catch a tour, the structure is a great site to photograph. Cross the street and take the boardwalk to an observation deck for a great view! In the distance you can see the 1817 Bald Head Light across the way, the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina. 
A walk down onto Caswell Beach reveals a world of wildlife. This is an official nesting sanctuary Loggerhead turtles, nesting season is mid-May through mid-August with the greatest activity is in June and July. Sanderlings, willets, pelicans, terns, and gulls are common seabirds. There are informational panels to learn about the wildlife and history of the lighthouse.
If you want to spend more time on the sand, public beach parking is one mile west.
Good to know: Parking is free, but only available for 30 minutes.