Checking In: A Review of The Lighthouse at Kure Beach

Exterior of The Lighthouse Inn in Kure Beach, North Carolina, featuring a lighthouse-style tower with signage and multiple balconies, parked cars, palm trees, and a clear blue sky.

A bed and a sofa at The Lighthouse in Kure Beach

A pair of binoculars on a table at The Lighthouse

The sun rises glowing orange over the Atlantic at Kure Beach

Sharing an honest review of a gorgeous vacation rental in Kure Beach: The Lighthouse
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At the start of the year, I didn’t exactly plan to chase sunrises and sunsets—but after trips to San Diego and Ireland, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to the quiet magic of the final hours of daylight over water. But while sunset may get all the glory because it’s easy to catch, I also know there’s something special about watching the world wake up with the sun at the beach.

I’m still working on manifesting a Pacific sunrise this year (feel free to think good thoughts involving Japan, Hawaii, or New Zealand on my behalf…), but an Atlantic sunrise? That felt entirely within reach. Living in Charlotte means I’m just about three and a half hours from the closest North Carolina beaches—and after an incredible trip to Wrightsville Beach a few years back that only left me wanting more, I knew I’d eventually be back to explore more of the Wilmington-area coastline.

My stay at The Lighthouse was generously hosted, but as always, all thoughts, opinions, and the sand between my toes are mine

I considered staying in Carolina Beach, which has no shortage of restaurants, shops, and other amenities travelers want in a beach getaway. But this time, I felt pulled toward somewhere a little quieter—still close to the action, but with more room to feel away from it all. That’s how I ended up in Kure Beach.

And in Kure Beach, I found The Lighthouse: a beachfront hideaway with postcard-perfect sunrise views.

ABOUT THE LIGHTHOUSE

Exterior of The Lighthouse Inn in Kure Beach, North Carolina, featuring a lighthouse-style tower with signage and multiple balconies, and a clear blue sky.

The Lighthouse is a nine-room, oceanfront boutique hotel in the heart of quaint Kure Beach, North Carolina. With a charming (bookable!) lighthouse room and breezy guest suites—all offering ocean views—it’s a dream of a stay on Pleasure Island. The view alone is reason enough to book, but with a family at the helm who spent three years sailing around the world, comfort and thoughtful amenities are clearly top priorities, as you’ll soon see:

ROOMS & AMENITIES AT THE LIGHTHOUSE

A kitchenette inside one of the suites at The Lighthouse

Cozy outdoor seating area with four wooden and black metal chairs arranged around a round metal fire pit on a striped wooden deck, set against a beige-paneled wall with a planter of colorful foliage nearby.

Exterior of The Lighthouse Inn in Kure Beach, North Carolina, featuring a lighthouse-style tower with signage and multiple balconies, and a cloudy sky. — All rooms include a balcony and kitchenette—plus other amenities like an outdoor fire pit (and so much more)

With just nine rooms, you might not expect much variety—but there’s truly a setup here for almost every kind of traveler. Each room sleeps at least four, yet couples won’t find themselves awkwardly navigating around a second bed. Several suites feature a Queen or King bed paired with a sofa bed, combining comfort with efficiency. Some rooms even sleep up to six, making them a great value for families or groups of friends looking to get away without booking multiple rooms.

No matter which suite you choose, you’ll enjoy sweeping ocean views—perfect for waking up to a beautiful North Carolina sunrise. Every room also includes thoughtful amenities like:

Free WiFi
Free parking
Ice machine and bottled water
Snacks
Stocked kitchenette with a microwave, small refrigerator, and a Keurig coffee maker
Outdoor shower
Communal firepit
White noise machine
Beach towels
Binoculars
EV charging station
…and so much more

MY EXPERIENCE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE

A TV with a credenza, and a small table with two dining chairs

“I think this is the right room,” I said, double-checking our reservation and punching in the last four digits of my phone number at the door marked Grandview. Saucy bossa nova music floated through the door as it unlatched, and I cautiously pushed it open. Seeing no one inside, I stepped into the suite and spotted the wall-mounted television as the source—streaming a delightful playlist of samba songs.

Listening to a musician’s fingers frolic across a fretboard while we dropped our bags was the perfect way to set the tone for our stay—an instant reminder that we had arrived somewhere new, and it was time to relax. And yet, we hadn’t traveled all that far to get here. The three-and-a-half-hour drive from Charlotte was, in the best way, uneventful. One minute, I was watching the city skyline fade in the rearview mirror and the next, I could see, hear, and smell the salty Atlantic. Ahh.

A queen bed with a kitchenette in the background at The Lighthouse at Kure Beach

A bright, white bathroom at The Lighthouse Kure Beach

Check-in was just as breezy. There’s no traditional front desk, so the process is entirely contactless. A welcome email arrived a few days before our stay with everything we needed to know—where to park, how to access the room, and a few helpful local tips. All that was left to do was begin our vacation, which I could do now that I was confident we were in the right room.

I admit I hardly took the time to take in the calm, bright, and spotless room and made a beeline for the sliding glass door to step out on to the sizable balcony. While our photography skills have improved immensely over the past eight years, I still don’t think they do the view justice.

A view of the balcony at The Lighthouse at Kure Beach

A photo of Alyssa recording two surfers at Kure Beach

Eventually, I pried myself away from the ocean and back into the suite to unpack. At the foot of the cushy Queen bed was a leather-wrapped bench that was perfect for holding my suitcase while I got settled. A small door near the kitchen led to a full-fledged closet with hangers, and in the bathroom, there was plenty of counter space on the vanity plus another closet with shelves.

The kitchen was stocked with everything you’d need to prep a simple meal, plus a few sweet and savory snacks for good measure. Over the weekend, we kept stumbling upon thoughtful touches like these—binoculars for surf-watching, beach-friendly UNO cards, and all the extra little conveniences that make a stay feel seamless. You could absolutely spend a week (or longer) here comfortably—if your schedule allows. And oh, how I wished mine would have.

Extra towels, bottles of water, and an ice machine

A light, Uno cards, binoculars, and more at The Lighthouse

While I often appreciate the community and amenities of a traditional boutique hotel, sometimes you just want the privacy of a vacation rental. We had neighbors during, sure, but their conversations only carried over on the balcony—and even then, the space has a full privacy barrier. Otherwise, our stay was peaceful and quiet, with leisurely walks to local restaurants and bars, quick drives over to Carolina Beach and down to Fort Fisher, early mornings spent watching brilliant sunrises, and delicious afternoon naps.

Although our Sunday morning checkout arrived far sooner than I would have liked, this stay was restorative in a way I didn’t know I needed. Our trips are often jam-packed (which I love!), but they’re not often restful. By choosing a stay here, I was able to enjoy the best of both worlds—activities right at my fingertips, and the perfect place to retreat afterward.

Alyssa and Michael watch the sunrise over Kure Beach

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LIGHTHOUSE

View of the walkway to the beach from The Lighthouse

Where is The Lighthouse located?

The Lighthouse is located at 329 Atlantic Ave, Kure Beach, NC 28449.

Does The Lighthouse include parking?

Yes! Parking is a hot commodity in these parts, but you’ll receive a parking permit that allows you to use the inn’s lot for the duration of your stay.

Is breakfast included?

No, breakfast isn’t provided—but you’ll find a few delicious snacks and a Keurig machine to tide you over until you can get to one of the area’s incredible restaurants.

Can I bring my pet?

Sorry, Fido. To keep rooms clean and safe for guests with allergies, pets are not permitted at The Lighthouse. They’re also not allowed on the beach during certain times of year, so it’s really best to leave them at home with a friend.

Is housekeeping provided?

No one will enter your room for traditional housekeeping during your stay, but you can always request extra linens if needed.

What is there to see and do near the hotel?

You mean beyond the beach just steps away? That’s plenty for me—but within a five-minute walk, you’ve also got easy access to great local businesses and essentials near the Kure Beach Pier (when they’re open for the season). Some faves: Ocean View Restaurant, Happy Hippies Java Hut, Bud & Joe’s SandBar, Beach House Burgers, and an Islander Kwik Mart for those random things you may have forgotten at home.

Hop in the car, and in under fifteen minutes, you can be in the heart of Carolina Beach or exploring Fort Fisher. I’ll be sharing a full weekend guide to the area soon, so keep an eye out for that!

CHECKING OUT: MY FINAL THOUGHTS ON STAYING AT THE LIGHTHOUSE

Alyssa looks out from the balcony over Kure Beach

Whenever it comes time to choose a place for a well-deserved getaway, I try to look for places that will not just give me a place to rest, but will enhance my overall experience. And having such a peaceful, well-appointed home base for our time in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach made all the difference.

We could explore all day—grabbing coffee, walking along the beach, venturing down to Fort Fisher—and then come back to stunning ocean views, minus the sticky sand, sunscreen, and heat. The Lighthouse’s location really struck the perfect balance between feeling tucked away and being right in the heart of it all.

The quiet, exclusive nature of a stay in a small inn is a big part of what makes it so special—but it does come with a small caveat: there are only nine rooms. So if you’re thinking about booking a visit, especially in high season, I’d recommend reserving early for the best selection.

When I return to the area (and that’s a when, not an if!), The Lighthouse will be the first place I check. This was one of those stays that just felt right—and I can’t wait to experience it all over again.

Thank you to the team at Wilmington and Beaches CVB for generously hosting our stay—and for all you do to support travelers and local businesses in your community

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Questions for you

Where was your last restorative getaway?

What is your favorite beach activity?

Where to next? You may also enjoy:

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Checking In: A Review of The Lighthouse at Kure Beach in Kure Beach, North Carolina