Bodie Island Lighthouse
A black-and-white striped lighthouse built in 1872. The wetland boardwalk beside it is good for birdwatching, and it is the closest lighthouse to Nags Head.
Bodie Island Lighthouse was built in 1872 and stands about 48 meters tall. Its black-and-white horizontal stripes set it apart from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and its original first-order Fresnel lens is still in use. During the open season, you can book a climb up the 214 steps. The keeper's cottage beside the tower serves as the visitor center. The wetland boardwalk and observation deck are good places to watch waterbirds and the sunset. It is about a 15-minute drive south of Nags Head. Entry to the grounds is free, but a ticket is required to climb the tower. It can be combined with a visit to Coquina Beach and Oregon Inlet.
Opening hours
Grounds open all day; daytime during climbing season (ticket required)
Nearby sights
- Coquina Beach
- Jennette's Pier
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Manteo Waterfront & Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
- Roanoke Island Festival Park
- Jockey's Ridge State Park
- North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
- Nags Head Woods Preserve