Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Tickets · North Carolina ·

Managed by the National Park Service

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse surrounded by white fence and tree line in the background.
Photo: National Park Service · Recreation.gov
The National Park Service provides visitors the unique opportunity to climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Tours are a great way to experience these historic structures! Cape Hatteras tours have been suspended for the 2021 climbing season until further notice. Please call (252) 475-9018, hours are 7:00 am - 6:00 pm est. if you have questions.

Getting there

Directions North (From Richmond, VA) Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, VA. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway (a toll-road costing $3.00 - $6.00 each way). Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into US-158 East. Follow US-158 East through Nags Head, NC to the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be on your left. Follow signs to lighthouse parking. West (From Rocky Mount, NC) Follow US-64 East through Tarboro, Williamston, Plymouth, Columbia, and Manteo, crossing the Alligator River Bridge and the Virginia Dare Bridge. Keep going on US-64 East to Nags Head, NC, going over the Washington Baum Bridge, to the junction of NC-12 South. Turn right onto NC-12 South and you will be at the north entrance. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be on your left. Follow signs to lighthouse parking. South (From Florence, SC) Take I-95 North to Wilson, NC. Take US-264 East through Greenville, NC and Washington, NC. From Washington, NC, take US-17 to Williamston and follow US-64 East to Nags Head, NC and the junction of NC-12 South. Continue on NC-12 South until you reach the village of Buxton. Signs for Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be on your left. Follow signs to lighthouse parking.

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Common questions about Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Can you reserve a site at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
Yes, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is reservable through Recreation.gov.

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Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.