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

Editor's Note: The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is currently closed for renovations. Visit the National Park Service website for current updates.

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.

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.

Bodie was built in 1872 and stands 156 feet tall. Climbing the lighthouse is only available during the summer months.

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.

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.

Next, pop back in the car for a short drive down the outer banks to Hatteras Island.

Stop along the way for a delicious lunch at Fatty's Eatery located in Buxton.

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.

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!

(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.

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.

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.

Take your time on the narrow spiral staircase. The second tallest brick lighthouse in the world has 247 stairs!

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.

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!