Posted in North Carolina Attractions, Road Trips July 22, 2021 by

Take This Mini Road Trip To Climb Two Of North Carolina’s Most Beautiful Lighthouses

Are you looking for quick road trips in North Carolina? Road trips are one of our specialties and although we already have a much longer Lighthouses of North Carolina road trip that takes more than 15 hours just to drive to them all, we thought a shorter excursion also has a place in any vacation along the coast of the Tar Heel State.

So, when you’re crunched for time, spend only a morning or an afternoon making your way to two prominent lighthouses in North Carolina – and climb to the top for a thrill you won’t soon forget.

Our mini road trip begins at the Oregon Inlet near Nags Head. You'll first navigate to the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
Google Maps
Address: 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head, NC 27959

From there, follow this Google Maps link to travel another 43 miles to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton.
Fortunately, both of the lighthouses in North Carolina on this mini road trip are open for self-paced climbs. You'll start at the Bodie Island Light Station.
TripAdvisor/Franz J
Bodie was built in 1872 and stands 156 feet tall. Climbing the lighthouse is only available during the summer months.
TripAdvisor/axialcompressor
It wasn't made climbable by the public until 2013. Want to see the view from the top? Take your time... this lighthouse has a total of 214 steps.
TripAdvisor/Angela T
At the top, you'll get a peek at the light, and then you can check out the surrounding views of Bodie Island, the Atlantic Ocean, and Pamlico Sound. This lighthouse is just the start of one of the best quick day trips in North Carolina.
TripAdvisor/HBH2336
Next, pop back in the car for a short drive down the outer banks to Hatteras Island.
TripAdvisor/Sam D
Stop along the way for a delicious lunch at Fatty's Eatery located in Buxton.
TripAdvisor/sanju_222323
This local icon is a regular stop for locals and visitors alike. It can get busy in certain seasons, but the wait is always worth it.
TripAdvisor/Shannonpurple823
You'll find it just before you get to the Cape Hatteras Light at:
Address: 46618 NC-12, Buxton, NC 27920
At the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Museum, you'll spend hours exploring the grounds, the museum and, of course, the lighthouse!
TripAdvisor/Loves2Cruise10
(Editor's Note: Due to a paint removal project inside the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, climbing will not be allowed until late summer 2021. Check back on the NPS website for updates.)
The current tower was built in 1870 and stands an impressive 210-feet tall.
TripAdvisor/Sarah H
You may get a better sense of the size of this one once you stand at the base! Just look how massive it is. It's one of the most impressive lighthouses in North Carolina.
TripAdvisor/Cathy B
If you feel like taking a self-paced walk up to the top, you'll get a great view of the light mechanics; then you can turn to see the long-range views of the surrounding area.
TripAdvisor/John S
Take your time on the narrow spiral staircase. The second tallest brick lighthouse in the world has 247 stairs!
TripAdvisor/Robert B
After, make a pass through the former lightkeeper's home, now a museum. This short trip has to be one of the best day trips in North Carolina.
TripAdvisor/D2958ZXgarym

Things to know before you go: there are no elevators and no air conditioning. You should bring water in a sealed, non-glass container. If you have a heart condition, you may want to skip climbing.

Lighthouses in North Carolina are always quite charming. What are your favorite lighthouses in the Tar Heel State? Let your fellow readers know in the comments.

Fees are charged for climbing the lights and the number of people allowed inside at one time is limited. Learn more at this link on the official website of the National Park Service. If you’re looking for quick road trips in North Carolina, you may want to consider this short and sweet lighthouses road trip!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 46618 NC-12, Buxton, NC 27920
Address: 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head, NC 27959
The OIYS Visitor Center

Quick Road Trips In North Carolina

July 28, 2021
Melissa M.

What are the most unique things to do in North Carolina?

The Tar Heel State has a unique blend of history, nature, cities, small towns, beaches, mountains, and fascinating places you can’t find anywhere else. For some of the most unique, head to our article about the weirdest places you can visit in North Carolina and plan your visit to places like Whirligig Park and Museum in Wilson, Bentonville Battlefield in Four Oaks, and the Great Dismal Swamp, among others.  

What are some other lighthouses I can visit in North Carolina?

Just head to any part of the North Carolina coast and you will probably find a charming lighthouse which is always a spectacular sight to see. In Edenton, the Roanoke Lighthouse was moved to the town to become a private residence, although it still maintains the beauty of the lighthouse it once was. Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla is a one-of-a-kind brick Gothic revival structure that’s fascinating to see. Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Outer Banks has a unique pattern of directional markings painted on it and is worth making the drive to visit. 

What are some of the best day trips in North Carolina?

From visiting some of the best swimming holes to spending time at a vineyard that also happens to have llamas and miniature horses, you can find some of the best day trips in our compilation article, 9 One Of A Kind Day Trips In North Carolina You’ll Absolutely Love.