Take This Mini Road Trip To Climb Two Of North Carolina’s Most Beautiful Lighthouses
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 though a shorter excursion also has a place in any vacation along the coast in the Tar Heel State. So, when you’re crunched for time, spend only a morning or an afternoon making your way to two of North Carolina’s most prominent lighthouses – and climb to the top for a thrill you won’t soon forget.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Our mini road trip begins at the Oregon Inlet near Nags Head. You'll navigate to the Bodie Island Lighthouse at 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head, NC 27959.
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. It's located at 46618 NC-12, Buxton, NC 27920, before you get to the Cape Hatteras Light.
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.
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 the climbing.
Both lighthouses are open for public climbs from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day. 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.
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: [email protected]
Love North Carolina?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!