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

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

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

Events