Bodie Island Lighthouse

Bodie Island Lighthouse: A Historical Beacon

This thrice-built, black-and-white lighthouse sits south of Nags Head on Bodie Island. The first version fell due to poor construction, the second was destroyed during the Civil War, and the latest iteration received a facelift in 2013. It still functions as a working lighthouse today and can be seen as far as 19 miles from shore.

Visiting Recommendations

Past visitors have praised this lighthouse as one of the best in the area. They highly recommend stopping by the lower level's small museum and gift shop. Many were also pleased with the historical information provided by the rangers.

Tour Information

You can tour this 156-foot-tall lighthouse for a small fee ($10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children ages 11 and younger). Hours vary by season.

Preparing for the Climb

If you plan to climb to the top of the lighthouse, ensure you wear appropriate footwear: You'll need to traverse 200 steps (equivalent to a 10-story building) with only one handrail for support.

Getting There

The lighthouse is located near Whalebone Junction, where U.S. Highway 158, U.S. Highway 64, and NC Highway 12 intersect in Nags Head. More information can be found on the National Park Service's website.