
Frying Pan Tower is a decommissioned lighthouse located 32 miles off the coast of North Carolina. It was built by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1964 to guide ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it is a unique hotel that offers guests a one-of-a-kind offshore adventure. Guests can enjoy fishing, diving, snorkelling, and scuba diving, as well as stunning views of the ocean and night skies. The tower has eight bedrooms, a community bathroom, a kitchen, and a recreation room. Getting to the tower is an adventure in itself, requiring either a boat or helicopter ride.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 32 miles off the coast of North Carolina |
| Height | 80' to 135' above the Atlantic Ocean |
| Transportation | Charter vessel, helicopter, or boat |
| Capacity | 4-12 guests |
| Features | Linens, towels, toiletries, TV, Wi-Fi, electric blankets, kitchen, pantry, hoist, helipad, firepit, pool table, darts, recreation room, underwater camera |
| Activities | Fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, stargazing, golf, corn hole |
| Food | Catered meals or personal chef |
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What You'll Learn

The Frying Pan Tower is a former US Coast Guard Light Station
The tower stands 80 to 135 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the ocean from all sides. It has been converted into a unique hotel that can accommodate up to 12 guests. Guests can choose to stay in one of eight bedrooms, including four queen bedrooms and three twin bedrooms, all equipped with modern amenities such as TVs, Wi-Fi, and electric blankets. The tower also features a large stainless steel kitchen, a pantry, and a recreation room.
Getting to the tower is an adventure in itself, as there are only two ways to access it: by helicopter or by boat. Once you arrive, you'll need to brave the hoist, a rope and wooden seat, to get up to the tower. The tower is managed by Richard Neal, who purchased it from the US government in 2010 and now runs a nonprofit dedicated to its preservation and restoration. Neal, who also serves as the "hotel manager, handyman, tour guide, and interior designer", encourages guests to participate in the restoration efforts and offers free stays to those who volunteer their time.
The Frying Pan Tower offers a range of activities for guests, including fishing, diving, snorkelling, and scuba diving. Guests can also relax on the large helipad, take in the stunning views, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The tower provides a unique opportunity to experience a slice of American history and connect with nature, all while enjoying the comforts of modern amenities.
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$170.99 $199.9

It is located 32 miles off the coast of North Carolina
The Frying Pan Tower is a unique destination located 32 miles off the coast of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a former US Coast Guard Light Station and decommissioned lighthouse that has been converted into a one-of-a-kind hotel. The tower is 80 to 85 feet tall and rises 135 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, marking the start of the Frying Pan Shoals, a stretch of dangerously shallow waters.
Due to its remote location, accessing the tower can be a bit of an adventure in itself. Guests typically arrive by boat or helicopter and must use a hoist with a rope and wooden seat to get up to the tower. Once there, they are greeted by Richard Neal, the man behind the mission to protect, preserve, and restore the tower. Neal is the only employee and takes on various roles, including hotel manager, handyman, tour guide, and interior designer.
The Frying Pan Tower offers a unique blend of campsite and beach house vibes, with eight bedrooms, a large stainless steel kitchen, and a pantry. Guests can choose to participate in group cooking and cleaning activities or hire a professional chef. The tower also has some futuristic gadgets, such as bidets and voice-controlled lighting and music.
The tower provides breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and is an ideal spot for fishing and diving enthusiasts. Guests can also relax on the large helipad, recline in deck chairs, or sway in hammocks while enjoying the cool ocean breeze. However, it is important to note that the tower is located in an area prone to hurricanes and is surrounded by sharks, so guests should be comfortable with these potential risks.
The Frying Pan Tower offers a truly extraordinary experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy serene sunrises, fiery sunsets, full moon watching, and stargazing in a dark-sky environment. It is a labour of love by a dedicated team of volunteers committed to preserving this piece of American history.
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Guests can reach the tower by helicopter or boat
The Frying Pan Tower is a former US Coast Guard Light Station located 32 miles off the Cape Fear coast of North Carolina. It is perched 80 to 85 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and is 23 miles from the coast of Bald Head Island, near Wilmington, NC. The tower offers panoramic ocean views and a unique offshore adventure for up to 12 guests.
Once you arrive at the tower, you will need to get up using a hoist with a rope and a wooden seat. This is not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights, but it offers breathtaking views. At the top, you will be greeted by Richard Neal, the owner, and manager of the tower. The tower has eight bedrooms, a community bathroom with modern amenities, a large stainless steel kitchen, and a pantry. The west side of the living level has six bedrooms, all with ocean views.
The tower also features a helicopter landing pad, where guests can enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets and activities such as kite flying, skeet shooting, and fishing. The tower's Gulf Stream positioning ensures a perfect mix of sunshine and refreshing breeze, making it an ideal location for a unique and memorable vacation.
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The tower offers panoramic ocean views and unique accommodation
Frying Pan Tower is a unique accommodation option that offers panoramic ocean views. Located 32 miles off the coast of North Carolina, this decommissioned lighthouse rises 135 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. The tower is accessible only by boat or helicopter, making it a truly remote and exclusive destination.
The tower was built by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1964 to guide ships through the treacherous waters of the "Graveyard of the Atlantic", a stretch of shallow waters known for its many shipwrecks. Today, the tower has been converted into a marine outpost and eco-lodge, offering guests a chance to experience life on a historic lighthouse.
The accommodation at Frying Pan Tower is quite basic but comfortable. There are eight bedrooms, including four queen rooms with Casper mattresses and three twin rooms, as well as a crew room. The tower has a large stainless steel kitchen and a pantry, and guests can choose to cook their own meals or hire a personal chef. The tower also has a community bathroom with modern amenities, including bidets and electric blankets.
The tower offers a range of activities for guests, including fishing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. Guests can also relax on the expansive helipad, taking in the panoramic ocean views and stargazing at night. The tower also has a recreation room, where guests can socialise and play games.
Frying Pan Tower provides a unique and immersive experience, allowing guests to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of life at sea. It is the perfect destination for those seeking adventure and a break from the everyday.
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Guests can enjoy fishing, snorkelling, and scuba diving
Frying Pan Tower is located 32 miles off the coast of Cape Fear and sits 85 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. It is accessible only by helicopter or boat. Guests who wish to stay at this unique hotel must be prepared for an adventure—the tower does not have a typical hotel elevator; instead, you must use a hoist with a rope and a wooden seat to get up to the tower. Once you arrive, you will be greeted by Richard Neal, the man behind the mission to protect, preserve, and restore the tower.
The tower offers a one-of-a-kind experience for guests who enjoy the ocean and marine life. When the winds, waves, and currents permit, guests can ride the hoist down to the sea and snorkel among schools of colourful baitfish, barracuda, and sand tiger sharks. The tower also has a 50-foot deep protected reef that guests can explore through snorkelling or scuba diving.
For those who prefer to stay dry, there are other activities available, such as playing pool on the original 1964 Brunswick pool table, throwing darts, or playing cards. The tower also has a large helipad where guests can relax by the wood-burning fire pit, watch fireworks, and enjoy the dark sky with views of the Milky Way.
The main level of the tower offers a furnished 5,000+ square feet of living space, including a fully equipped stainless steel kitchen, a large common area, and eight bedrooms. The tower also has modern amenities such as WiFi, electric blankets, and smart home features.
Guests should be aware that Frying Pan Tower is an eco-tourism destination, and all proceeds from visits go towards the restoration of the tower. There is a focus on safety and sustainability, with biodegradable golf balls and clays used for activities.
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Frequently asked questions
Frying Pan Tower is a decommissioned lighthouse located 32 miles off the coast of North Carolina. It was built by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1964 to guide ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
There are two ways to get to the tower: by helicopter or by boat. The boat ride takes about one and a half hours, while the helicopter ride is about 20 minutes.
The Frying Pan Tower offers a unique offshore adventure with panoramic ocean views. Activities include fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, stargazing, and more. There is also a community bathroom with futuristic gadgets, and eight bedrooms with various amenities.











































