Points of Interest

Bodie Island Lighthouse

The Outer Banks' black-and-white striped 1872 lighthouse, open for climbing late April through mid-October.

(8,251)

Nags Head, NC

About

Rising 170 feet above the marshes just south of Nags Head, Bodie Island Lighthouse is the third lighthouse built at this site — and the one that stuck. Its 1872 tower, built partly from leftover materials from the newer Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, still carries an original first-order Fresnel lens that throws its beam 19 miles out to sea.

Climbing the Tower

From late April through mid-October, visitors can climb all 214 steps to the top for sweeping views across Pamlico Sound and the barrier islands. Tickets ($10 adults, $5 seniors/children/disabled visitors) go on sale each morning at 7am on recreation.gov for that day's climb only — they can't be purchased in advance. Climbs run every 20 minutes between 9am and 5pm.

A Site With a Complicated History

Two earlier lighthouses stood before this one: the first, built in 1847, actually sat on the opposite side of Oregon Inlet in what's now Pea Island; the second, completed in 1859, was destroyed by retreating Confederate troops in 1861. The current lighthouse's distinctive horizontal stripes — three white bands and two black, each 22 feet tall — make it one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Outer Banks.

Note: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is not open for climbing in 2026 due to ongoing restoration — Bodie Island is the only Outer Banks lighthouse offering tower climbs this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to climb Bodie Island Lighthouse?

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, children, and visitors with disabilities. They're sold only through recreation.gov, not at the lighthouse.

How do I get tickets to climb Bodie Island Lighthouse?

Tickets are sold exclusively online at recreation.gov, released each day at 7am for that day's climbs only. There's no advance purchase, and none are sold at the lighthouse.

What months can you climb Bodie Island Lighthouse in 2026?

In 2026, the lighthouse is open for climbing from late April through October 12 only. Outside that window, the tower is closed to climbers.

Can you climb any other lighthouses on the Outer Banks?

No — in 2026, Bodie Island Lighthouse is the only Outer Banks lighthouse open for climbing, since Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is closed all year for restoration.

How many steps does it take to reach the top of Bodie Island Lighthouse?

It takes 214 steps to reach the top of the 170-foot tower. The lighthouse's original first-order Fresnel lens is still in place there, sending its beam up to 19 miles out to sea.

Is the current Bodie Island Lighthouse the original one built at that site?

No — the 1872 lighthouse standing today at Bodie Island is actually the third built on this site. The first (1847) stood on the opposite side of Oregon Inlet, and the second (1859) was destroyed by retreating Confederate troops in 1861.

Reviews (8,251)

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4.8

8,251 reviews

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Jimmer Wagner

3 months ago

Wow! Outstanding! Probably top highlight of our trip to OBX! Amazing structure with an ethereal vibe. Came here Memorial Day 2026. The weekend was filled with rain, so there were some temporary wetlands, which fully enhanced the visit. The climb is amazing, with spectacular views from the top. A must see and do if in the area IMO. Kids dropped her flip flop from the top. Ranger got it and brought it up to her at the top (see pic). Fabulous service! Visitor center was temporarily closed when we were there, but they had a bathroom hub and you could still do Junior Ranger. Plenty of parking. It does cost $10 per adult $5 kids 12 and under. Well worth the price. You get your ticket on recreation.gov. I think they release the tickets for the day each morning. Definitely check that out and reserve in advance.

Lullu Rider

3 weeks ago

Ok. The park staff was not the best experience. But the light house and the view was amazing. The “safety talk” would be much more productive if they shared why only one person at a time is allowed on the steps. The stairs are cast iron and because of the weight barring load and age, built in 1872, only one person at a time can be on the stairs at a time, to preserve the stairs. Everything is original. Park rangers should have explained this. They did not. However, the rest of the lighthouse was amazing. I was disappointed that there was not a gift shop, or if there was, it was not clearly marked nor did park staff tell us if there was a gift shop. Also, buy your tickets before getting there. The WiFi is spotty and again, park staff was not very clear on instructions and only gave pieces and parts of info. Was impressed with the attraction but not the staff nor the lack of information and clear directions from staff.

Lori Putnam

4 months ago

This was great! Loved that you could go in and travel by spiral staircase to the very top (which isn't a bad climb. Sounds tougher then it actually was) we were there in May so it wasn't hot in there. They do have fans blowing to circulate the air in there. So worth the climb up to the top because the views are beautiful. Pictures don't do it, as the physical view is something else! The Troopers that operate the entrance and the lady Trooper we encountered on the very top were so friendly and very informative. All around great experience definitely worth a visit! 👍🏼 5 Star ⭐

Yekta Sereshki

3 months ago

This is one of the most peaceful places I have ever visited. The scenery is beautiful, the atmosphere is calm, and the lighthouse views are amazing. The windy weather adds to the charm of the area, and the sunsets are absolutely breathtaking. I will definitely come back to this place again. Highly recommended!

B. Coffey

4 months ago

A very picturesque lighthouse! Beautifully well kept grounds and boardwalk too. The walk out to the marsh on the elevated boardwalk for great views of the wildlife is a fairly short one (.02 miles each way / .04 m. roundtrip) *The lighthouse was closed on the day we went, so we'll be heading bk. to do the climb & see the aerial views - however, we did get to climb the Currituck Bch. lighthouse prior to coming here - it was awesome and another must see!