Seaside Vacations’ Top 7 Tips for Climbing Bodie Island Lighthouse

Bodie Island Lighthouse

After a four-year long renovation, the public is finally able to climb the spiral staircase to the top of the Bodie Island Lighthouse for the first time. Until recently, only lighthouse keepers, family members and a few others have been allowed to climb the 214 steps, or 156 feet, to the top.

We recently climbed to the top of the the lighthouse and compiled a list of tips for climbing this majestic Outer Banks landmark.

Here are Seaside Vacations’ 7 top tips for climbing Bodie Island Lighthouse:

1. Tours fill up quickly so get your tickets in advance.
   Tours last approximately 45 minutes and only 22 people are allowed on each tour.
2. Wear tennis shoes.
   The Bodie Island website prohibits bare feet, flips flops, and heels over 1 ½ inches high.
3. Bring a bottle of water.
   Depending on when you visit the lighthouse, it’s probably a good idea to bring along some water to quench your thirst. Note: only bottled water is allowed inside the lighthouse.
4. Don’t forget your camera!
   After climbing 214 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the Outer Banks. From the Atlantic Ocean on the east to the Pamlico Sound on the west, you’ll want to capture the breathtaking scenery
5. Be prepared for wind.
   When you’re 156 feet up in the air, and on the Outer Banks, there’s a good chance it will be windy. Note: the park ranger will go out on the balcony first and test the wind speed. As long as it’s blowing less than 35 knots, you’ll be able to step out onto the balcony.
6. Leave the littlest ones at the bottom (or in the gift shop).
   You must be at least 42 inches tall to climb Bodie Island Lighthouse.
7. Immerse yourself.
   A friendly park ranger guides each tour – stopping on several landings as you climb to the top – teaching you about the history of the lighthouse, the Graveyard of the Atlantic, stories about life as a lighthouse keeper, and more.

We encourage all of our visitors to spend part of their vacation climbing to the top of this legendary Outer Banks landmark. You’ll get a remarkable view of the Outer Banks that most visitors will never experience.

Guided tours are offered at the Bodie Island Lighthouse at set intervals, on a daily basis. For more information, including tour times and admission price, please visit the Bodie Island Lighthouse website.