Bodie Island Lighthouse

Bodie Island Lighthouse is a sightseeing stop in Nags Head, NC, part of the Outer Banks guide. Cost: free. Lighthouse open for climbing late April through mid October.

8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd · Nags Head, NC

Why you should go…

Built in 1872, this black-and-white banded brick tower stands among pine trees and freshwater marsh in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, about four miles north of Oregon Inlet. It still holds its original first-order Fresnel lens. In climbing season you can take just over 200 steps to the top, which the park compares to a 10-story building, with tickets sold same-day through recreation.gov. The grounds stay open, though the keepers' quarters visitor center is closed after a January 2025 fire.

#lighthouse
#outer banks
#national seashore
#lighthouse climb

What's around here?

The closest stops to Bodie Island Lighthouse, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sport & Outdoor
Outdoor Adventure
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Free
Climb the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast, fly a kite, try hang gliding or watch the sun set over Roanoke Sound.
11 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor
Sightseeing
Iconic
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Under $25
Stand where the Wright brothers first flew in 1903, walk the flight line and climb to the granite monument.
15 mi awayMore like this
Sport & Outdoor
Iconic
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Free
Walk miles of open Atlantic beach, visit three historic lighthouses and camp or fish along the Outer Banks barrier islands.
36 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor
Sightseeing
Iconic
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Free
See the black-and-white spiral-striped brick lighthouse that was moved 2,900 feet inland in 1999.
39 mi awayMore like this
Sightseeing
History Buff
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Under $25
Climb 220 steps inside an unpainted red brick lighthouse for views of Currituck Sound and the Atlantic.
41 mi awayMore like this