Cape Lookout National Seashore consists of 56 miles of undeveloped beach stretched over 4 barrier islands from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet on the southeast.  Although access to the islands has improved, more ferries are running more often from more towns along the sounds, the islands are still reachable only by boat.  A visit to the islands can be very enjoyable, but even a day trip requires some advance planning.