Towering 156 feet above the windswept marshes of the Outer Banks, Bodie Island Lighthouse has guarded North Carolina’s coast since 1872. Its black-and-white bands rise from a landscape buffeted by shifting shoals and Atlantic currents. After the loss of two earlier towers — one to a flawed foundation, the other destroyed by retreating Confederate troops — a sturdier structure was built to endure. Crowned with a first-order Fresnel lens, the lighthouse projected a 19-mile beam across the perilous waters north of Cape Hatteras, steering mariners clear of some of the coast’s most dangerous stretches, known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Generations of keepers climbed its spiral staircase, hauled oil, trimmed wicks, and tended to every detail. Electrified and automated in the 20th century, this beloved beacon remains an active navigational aid. More than 200 steps up, the same breathtaking views unfold, thanks to the resilience of those who kept the light burning.
At the Bodie Island Lighthouse, you can scale more than 200 steps to reach the top for views overlooking the ocean and sound. photograph by Chris Hannant
“The success of the station was fully dependent on the consistent and dependable tending of the light,” says Jami Lanier, historian for Cape Hatteras National Seashore. “Today, with the exception of the modern access road, parking areas, and more vegetation, the light station appears much as it did in the late nineteenth century.”
A symbol of the Outer Banks’ rich maritime history, Bodie Island Lighthouse stands as one of the region’s most iconic landmarks — and the perfect starting point for a summer adventure in Nags Head. From fishing off the pier to kayaking on the sound, this beach town beckons for exploration and relaxation. Grab your sunscreen: The coast is calling.
When visiting the lighthouse, you’ll park your car and follow a wooden boardwalk through the salt marsh to reach the station. photograph by Chris Hannant
Climbing the 214 steps to the top of Bodie Island Lighthouse isn’t just about the view (though, trust us, you’ll want to snap a photo). Each step brings you closer to the experience of the keepers who once made this climb daily, ensuring safe passage of sailors navigating the treacherous waters that earned the Outer Banks its Graveyard of the Atlantic moniker.
“It was the keeper’s responsibility to keep the whole light station in order,” Lanier says. “They had to work in all weather conditions, especially during hurricanes and gales when ships were in the greatest danger.
While the lighthouse no longer requires a keeper, the history remains — and for a moment, you might just feel like one of them, standing watch over this stunning stretch of coast. Tickets go on sale starting at 7 a.m. on the day of the intended climb, so set a reminder to book the morning of your visit.
Before you dive into your next outdoor adventure, make sure you’re equipped with the right gear. Salt Coast Outfitters provides a full selection of beachwear and outdoor essentials designed to keep you comfortable and cool. With everything from breathable tees and long sleeves to performance gear for active pursuits, you’ll be ready for a day in the sun. Forgot your cap or tumbler? Don’t worry — they’ve got, those too. Grab a beach hat to shield you from the sun and a reusable bottle to stay hydrated as you explore the coast.
From Jennette’s Pier, you can surf fish for bluefish, mullet, croaker, mackerel, and more. Photography courtesy of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
There’s nothing quite like the peaceful anticipation of casting your line and waiting for that first bite — unless, of course, you’re doing it from the end of one of the longest piers on the East Coast. Jennette’s Pier, stretching 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, makes it easy for anglers of all experience levels to enjoy a day of fishing. For those looking to learn, knowledgeable instructors offer two-hour classes that teach you everything from how to cast to how to properly release your catch. June brings a variety of species to the pier, including sea mullet, bluefish, and puppy drum. After a rewarding day of casting and reeling, take a stroll through the pier house to find exhibits like Life on the Ledge — a 2,500-gallon aquarium that showcases local fish and ocean life. “It’s more than a fishing pier,” says Mike Remige, director of Jennette’s Pier. “We’re an educational facility and a research and ocean observing platform, and you can experience all that when you’re here.”
No gear? No problem. The pier rents rods and reels for the day and sells bait. Photography courtesy of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Feeling a little pleasant competition? The Fritz Boyden Memorial Youth Fishing Tournament on June 10 gives young anglers the chance to compete in a family-friendly tournament. If running is more your speed, join the Outer Banks Sunrise 5K Beach Race Series presented by The OBX Running Company and Village Realty on June 11 for an invigorating early morning run along the coast.
Catch spectacular sunsets from the top of Jockey’s Ridge. Photography courtesy of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Next stop: Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Situated near the Roanoke Sound, it’s a haven for outdoors enthusiasts — whether you’re into sandboarding, hiking, nature and birdwatching, or, especially here, kite flying. For a skyward adventure, don’t miss the Rogallo Kite Festival on June 12-13, a free event where kites of all shapes and sizes take flight over the dunes. You can try your hand at flying your own kite, participate in free stunt kite lessons, or simply sit back and enjoy the colorful spectacle.
Each June, the Rogallo Kite Festival fills the sky above Jockey’s Ridge with colorful creations. Photography courtesy of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
As the day winds down, the dunes offer the perfect vantage point for a sunset that’s nothing short of stunning. During summer months like June, “People come by the thousands to watch,” says Steve Rogers, park superintendent. “It’s one of the most beautiful things you can see.”
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the Dare A250 Passport Program. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Jockey’s Ridge is one of 13 historical sites in Dare County where visitors can scan a QR code, earn a digital stamp, and discover the role this iconic location played in shaping our nation’s history.
Part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Coquina Beach offers surf, sand, and sunlight in an undeveloped stretch of Nags Head. Photography courtesy of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Nags Head’s 11 miles of coastline are its crown jewel, with more than 40 public beach access points to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to watch the waves or a more active beach day, there’s always a perfect place to lay down your towel and enjoy the sun. Leashed dogs are also welcome, so feel free to bring your pup along for the fun.
Want to experience the Outer Banks the way it used to be? Let’s take a trip back: When the cottages of Nags Head’s Historic Cottage Row first began appearing along the Outer Banks in the late 1850s and early 1860s, they were built with one thing in mind — survival. Constructed to endure fierce storms and the relentless wear of coastal life, these structures were simple, sturdy, and made to last (think weathered wood, wide wrap-around decks, and interiors designed for function over flair). Fast-forward more than a century, and these iconic homes still sit proudly on the shoreline. Coastal Carolina Vacations manages several, providing the chance to experience the same coastal charm that has drawn people to this stretch of the Outer Banks for generations. Book a stay at Serenity by the Sea, a six-bedroom oceanfront cottage built in 1922, or Fred Wood Cottage, a five-bedroom home with expansive decks and stunning ocean views.
Situated between the towering dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park and the historic homes of Cottage Row, Mulligan’s Grille offers an unbeatable dining experience with views to match. Whether you’re seated on the breezy tiki deck, relaxing under the covered patio, or enjoying a lively meal indoors, this Southern coastal cuisine hotspot has something for everyone. Treat yourself to a weekend brunch paired with a scenic view that’s just as fresh as the ingredients. Owner Colin Wiseman and his team take pride in serving dishes that celebrate the local bounty of the Outer Banks, with seafood fresh from the Pamlico Sound and produce grown just a short drive away in Currituck County. Come lunch and dinner, “If you were going to get an appetizer, I would absolutely recommend the crab pretzel,” says Debbie Rippons, assistant general manager.
Cocktail hour comes with a view at Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant. Photography courtesy of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Since 1982, the family-owned Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant has offered fresh seafood with unbeatable views of Roanoke Sound. Eddie and Lou Miller opened the doors, and in 2007, their daughter, Whitney Wilson, took over, continuing the family legacy of great food and hospitality. The two-story building offers a casual, family-friendly dining experience with crowd-pleasers like shrimp tacos and crab cakes — blackened, fried, or broiled. Head upstairs to The Waterfront Sunset Bar & Grill, where the large windows open to the outdoors, filling the space with refreshing summer breezes and offering the best views of kiteboarders and windsurfers on the water. “We’re one of the very few places on the Outer Banks where you can come and go by boat and the view from upstairs is incredible,” Whitney says. “During the summer, when the weather permits, we have live music outside on the pier.”
After a satisfying meal, why not indulge in something sweet? At Coastal Creamery OBX, choose from a selection of homemade ice cream, frozen custard, sorbet, or Italian ice, then make it your own as a scoop or as a brownie, cookie, or pie sundae. With outdoor seating offering great views, it’s the perfect spot to treat yourself to something cold and creamy.
End your Nags Head experience on a high note with a visit to The Salty Seahorse. This waterside gem offers an eclectic collection of coastal gifts, including handmade candles, bath products, work from local artists, and home décor. Whether you’re looking for the perfect keepsake or a gift for someone special, it’s the ideal stop to take a piece of the coast home.
The beauty of Nags Head? It’s in the small moments: walking barefoot along the shore, watching seagulls glide overhead, and making memories with the people who matter most. And, in its easygoing charm, it becomes a place you’ll always remember.
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