South Carolina’s only public accessible lighthouse is quite a sight to see – even from just the outside. The black and white conical tower looms over the northern end of Hunting Island wedged between the state park’s campground and the main beach. Known as the state’s only lighthouse you can go inside and climb to the top, this lighthouse in South Carolina is sadly temporarily closed to foot traffic as the state makes some much needed repairs for safety concerns. But when it opens back up, you’ll be able to climb the 167-step spiral staircase all the way to the top and step out on the observation tower for a view like no other.

Strictly speaking, the view from anywhere on the beach at Hunting Island State Park delivers views of infinity.
Google/Jimmy Sadler
It's a sight that's simply breathtaking whether from the ground or...
Out on the light's gallery, also known as the observational deck. Infinity never looked so good!
TripAdvisor/Mark L
Hunting Island's light was constructed in 1859 of cast iron panels, a material made popular in the 1840s because it was much lighter than bricks.
Google/Joseph Schulte
Engineers used the cast iron plates in anticipation that if the light needed to be moved inland due to beach erosion it would be much easier than dismantling a million or so bricks. Each cast iron section weighs approximately 1,200 pounds.

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Google/E Scott Parks
Although construction of the light began in 1859, it was not completed until 1875. By the 1880s, the beach erosion caused engineers to begin looking for relocation spots for the light. It was moved to its present location in 1889.
When repairs are complete, visitors will once again be able to go inside the only public-accessible light in the state and climb the 167 steps (the equivalent to about 16 stories) to the gallery high atop the structure.
Google/Phil Petre
Keep an eye on the official website for South Carolina Parks (link below) to keep up with repairs and status on access to tours inside the structure.
Shunyu Fan / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
It really is an incredible journey to get a look at infinity from way up here!
Shunyu Fan / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

Just to reiterate: Hunting Island Light is temporarily closed for repairs. But in the meantime, Hunting Island State Park (where the light is located) has many, many other activities making the trip here worthwhile any time of year. Learn more with a visit to the official website for South Carolina Parks! Have you ever been to the top of this lighthouse in South Carolina? Do tell!

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Hunting Island Lighthouse, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA