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Photograph Bodie Island Lighthouse

Nags Head, North Carolina

5.0/5
based on 5 reviews

Description

Added by Brandon Dewey

​Bodie Island Lighthouse is an great place for the whole family to explore and an excellent spot for sunrise and Milky Way pictures.

Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of five lighthouses located on the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  Located just 10 miles south of Nags Head, NC.  To reach the lighthouse follow Cape Hatteras National Park Rd (HWY 12) from the intersection of HWY 158 for 5.2 mile then turn right onto Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd and follow the road for 1 mile until you reach the parking lot. It is free to park in the parking lot in front of the lighthouse and to explore the grounds. A ticket is required if you intend to climb to the top of the lighthouse, and it is open for tours from late April through Columbus Day.  Bodie Island Lighthouse is 156 feet tall, and the 360 degree view from the top is outstanding. Bodie Island Lighthouse is surrounded by freshwater marshlands and a few saltwater ponds, so make sure you wear your bug spray.  

Bodie Island Light House is a great place to watch and photograph the sunrise.  The lighthouse is surrounded by grass, which allows you to photograph the lighthouse from any direction to take full advantage of the best light. For another angle to photograph Bodie Island Lighthouse, a short hike along the boardwalk will lead through some tall grass and reeds, up a ramp, to a raised viewing platform near the bay.  This is a great location to photograph the lighthouse with the marshlands in the image and is also a great spot to photograph the local birds. 

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

Photograph Bodie Island Lighthouse Reviews

Easy access to get here. Be sure to take the trail behind the lighthouse - a beautiful walkway with a ton of wildlife and great photography of the marshes. Snake warning during the summertime**

Bodie Island Lighthouse is a must-see. The grounds around the lighthouse offer gorgeous scenery and a marsh land with an overlook to the ocean in the distance. There's a huge grass courtyard of sorts that surrounds the lighthouse itself that is open to visitors and allows you to capture some great shots of the tower. It's easy to get to and has lots of parking. Definitely a must-do!

My favorite view is from the beautiful gazebo through the marshlands. Fun fact: the Bodie Island Lighthouse was originally spelled Body according to a sign that hangs over the interior door.

It takes a bit of skill to get your exposure right on the actual lighthouse, so do a few takes and try to do a multi-exposure shot if need be.

I have visited many lighthouses, this is easily my favorite, great location that provides opportunity for a variety of photo compositions. If you are traveling through the Outer Banks, this is a must stop!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge North Pond Wildlife Trail

Jockey's Ridge Soundside Nature Trail

Hike Tracks in the Sand Trail at Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Wright Brothers Walkway

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Open Ponds Trail