The first-order Fresnel lens is visible in the lantern room of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.

National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

visit on nps.gov

Info

The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marshes, you can experience it all. Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms these islands are ever changing. The plants, wildlife, and people who live here adapt continually. Whether you are enjoying the beach, kayaking the sound, or climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse there is something for everyone to explore!

Park Photos

The first-order Fresnel lens is visible in the lantern room of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
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Bodie Island Lighthouse still has its first-order Fresnel lens.

Credit: NPS Photo

The first-order Fresnel lens is visible in the lantern room of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
A young girl paddles across the water with the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visible in the distance.
Black and white painting of the brick Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Two kids play in the sand.

Activities

Fishing
Saltwater Fishing
Paddling
Canoeing
Kayaking
Snorkeling
Surfing
Swimming
Saltwater Swimming
Auto and ATV
Auto Off-Roading
Camping
Car or Front Country Camping
Group Camping
RV Camping
Picnicking
Hiking
Astronomy
Stargazing
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Junior Ranger Program
Museum Exhibits
Bookstore and Park Store
Hunting and Gathering
Hunting
Food
Shopping

Operating Hours

The grounds of Cape Hatteras National Seashore are always open for visitors, though there are resource closures that seasonally affect different parts of the beach.

DayHours
Friday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Sunday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Saturday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day

Weather info

The weather along the Outer Banks varies throughout the year and even throughout the day. Please check the National Weather Service information at http://www.weather.gov/mhx/ for forecast information.