The enchanting Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers three historic lighthouses; but for now, only the Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head, North Carolina, is open for self-guided climbs. This seasonal activity is open between April 26 and Oct. 9, 2023, with a 219-step ascent from the ground to the balcony level. Thankfully, the lighthouse was renovated from August 2009 to March 2013, making it safe to climb. And the building is without air conditioning, so bring some water. 

Bodie Island is where this graceful, towering structure lives, offering the beautiful surroundings of the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound.
Bodie Island Lighthouse, 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Take your time strolling on the boardwalk out over the marsh, looking for birds and other wildlife.
Devesh Tripathi, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Just like the 156-foot-tall lighthouse, you'll find the surrounding grounds are pristine and well maintained.
This is the third Bodie Island Lighthouse, built in 1872.
MilepostLivingPhotography, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The Keepers’ Quarters offers a visitor center, history about the lighthouse, and a bookstore with the park ranger offices on the second floor.
Just looking up these stairs takes a lot of energy.
Laredawg, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Climbs start at 9:00 a.m. and reservations must be made in advance on the same day of the climb at Bodie Island Lighthouse Tickets website. They go on sale at 7:00 a.m.

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As you ascend, the delightful views along the way are motivating.
Laredawg, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This lovely sight only comes from the top of the Bodie Island Lighthouse, which is why we make the effort.
Laredawg, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
And some people come for these features alone, the watch gallery, lantern, and its original first-order (largest and most powerful) Fresnel lens.
PLCjr from Richmond, VA, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The knowledgeable staff is available to explain the interesting history and answer your questions.
We know it is stunning during the daylight.
Elizabeth H. Jones, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
But just look at this powerful image at night.

Some important information about the climb, including height and weight specifics is available on the National Park Service’s website. And when you get hungry, which you probably will after you climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head North Carolina, treat yourself to Owens’ Restaurant, one of the oldest restaurants in North Carolina, which opened in 1946.

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Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Hatteras National Park Road, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA