Bodie Island Lighthouse Tickets
Lighthouse climbing tickets can only be purchased on the day of your intended climb. Tickets go on sale daily at 7 a.m. Tickets may not be purchased for future dates.
Be at the base of the lighthouse 5 minutes prior to your ticket time. No refunds for no shows or late arrivals.
Children must be at least 42" tall and will be measured prior to climbing. Children must be capable of climbing all steps on their own.
Only one individual is permitted on each flight of stairs at a time; climbing in pairs or groups is not allowed.
The lifting or carrying of any person, including the use of child carriers, is strictly prohibited.
There is a 260 lb weight limit per person.
Please read the "Need to Know" section below.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse has 219 steps from the ground to the balcony level--equal to climbing a 10-story building. The spiral flights of narrow stairs have a handrail only on one side.
There is no air conditioning and no elevator in the lighthouse. It may be noisy, humid, and hot inside the lighthouse. Visitors with heart, respiratory, or other medical conditions, or who have trouble climbing stairs, should use their own discretion as to whether to take this tour.
Climbers are encouraged to bring water in a non-glass, sealable container.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse will be open for climbing starting Wednesday, April 12, 2026. The last seasonal climbing day will be on Monday, October 12, 2026.
April 22 - May 7 Daily Lighthouse climb times are:
ONLY on Wednesdays through Saturdays. The Lighthouse will be closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.
Every 20 minutes between 9:00am-12:00pm and 2:00pm-4:20pm.
NOTE: there will not be climbs from 12:20pm-1:40pm.
May 8 - May 21 Daily Lighthouse climb times are:
Every 20 minutes between 9:00am - 12:00pm and 2:00pm - 5:00pm.
NOTE: there will not be climbs from 12:20pm - 1:40pm.
May 22 - October 12 Daily Lighthouse climb times are:
Every 20 minutes between 9:00am - 5:00pm.
Weekly Evening and Full Moon climbs times will be announced soon.
Tours may be cancelled if weather conditions are unsafe (i.e., high winds, storms, and/or lightning in the area). Visitors will receive a refund for any canceled tour minus the non-refundable reservation fee.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Tickets
Be at the base of the lighthouse 5 minutes prior to your ticket time. No refunds for no shows or late arrivals.
- Children
Children must be at least 42" tall and will be measured prior to climbing. Children must be capable of climbing all steps on their own. Keep in mind that some children may not enjoy the dark, sometimes claustrophobic environment. No person may be lifted or carried (including child carriers). Children 11 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult who is 16 years of age or older.
- Safety
Throwing any object off of the lighthouse is unsafe and prohibited.
Running, jumping and stomping on stairs or landings is not allowed. Shaking of handrails is not allowed.
Eating, smoking or chewing tobacco is prohibited inside the lighthouse.
Backpacks, tripods, coolers, beach bags, and other bulky items also need to be left in your car.
Only one individual is permitted on each flight of stairs at a time; climbing in pairs or groups is not allowed.
The lifting or carrying of any person, including the use of child carriers, is strictly prohibited.
- Shoes
Bare feet and heels over 1.5" are not allowed.
- Weight Restrictions
Maximum of 260 lbs. per person.
- Pets
No pets, other than service animals will be allowed.
