Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum
| Address: | 101 Light House Wynd, Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA |
| Phone: | +1 910-457-7481 |
| Site: | oldbaldy.org |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | Closed 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 11AM–4PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 47
RA
Randall Sobien
200 years old - the oldest lighthouse still standing in NC. Quite a bit of history in the area. The stretch of ocean is known as the graveyard of the Atlantic, because of how treacherous it was. The lighthouse itself is not pretty and romantic so much as it is imposing, and it truly is a sight to see. You can climb all the way into the glass housing, if youre brave. The stairs up to each level are steep and narrow, made for feet smaller than mine, you hear the floor creak and feel the wood flex slightly under your feet. Then finally, you come to a ladder leading through a small hatch, made for people rather thinner than modern Americans :) There are some truly great views from the top, though... and the admission is fairly cheap.
BR
Brendan Monahan
My 7 year old son and 9 year old daughter were apprehensive to climb up to the top of the lighthouse, but once we got started, it was a relatively easy climb. They especially liked that the stairs were made of wood vs the metal stairs on other light houses that have an opening you can see through. We went at 3:30 pm and there was only one other group of people there at the time. At the top we had the entire lighthouse to ourselves which was great because the very top is only accessible by a wood ladder and the opening to the top platform is very narrow at the top. Well worth the climb tho! They loved it and claim it helped them get over their fear of heights.
JE
Jenna Padilla
Old Baldy lighthouse is a great activity for the whole family and can be made into a day trip. There are bike rentals super close and you can ride on the wooden bridge to the lighthouse which is a beautiful view of the marina and of the lighthouse! The steps to the lighthouse are a bit steep and there are over 100 so make sure you have your tennis shoes on! The view from the lighthouse is so worth the steps and you can see almost the whole island, but the top of the lighthouse is very small so try to go earlier if you can.
HE
Heather Calbert
I give this a two star rating because the stupidly expensive 50 dollar ferry ride to get too the island. Only find out that half of the lighthouse has been shut off due to maintenance, which is understandable. What I dont understand is how they think its okay to charge someone full price only to go up too the four floor. What a waste of time and money. Considering the lighthouse is the only thing on the island that is worth going to.
JE
Jess M.
Relatively easy climb, and a gorgeous view! The closed wooden stairs are pretty steep, but seem well maintained, and there are several landings that break up the height for those who are wary. At the top is a ladder leading to a smallish square opening that you climb through out into the enclosed glass lantern room. Amazing that it was built in 1817!!
CH
Christine Alexander
A vacation on Bald Head Island is like stepping back in time. One of most beautiful spots on the island is where Old Baldy Lighthouse is. Surrounded by large mossy trees, there is just no way to describe the unusual beauty surrounding Old Baldy Lighthouse. There is not much to do there, but a great place to stop your golf cart and take in the beauty.
JO
John Daniel Justice
Iconic 200 year old lighthouse on Bald Head Island. My family, friends, and I have enjoyed visiting and climbing to the top of Old Baldy for over 30 years. Spectacular views of the island, ocean, Cape Fear River, and the salt marshes.
KE
Kenneth Arbuckle
This is a unique and Old Lighthouse available to climb. Access by means of a ferry only. We did the local tour which helped us understand the origins of the island as well as the lighthouse
MO
Molly Anthony
Scarier at the top than advertised; must climb a ladder through a small hole. Narrow staircases and impatient tourists who crowd up stairs and clog landings.
IA
Iain Langton
Awesome light house. Lots of history on this island. Be prepared to sweat your behind off climbing the stairs to the top though!!! HOT HOT HOT.
DS
ds p
Great place i hope and pray the true love of my life will take me here again like today to enjoy again with her. IWALY a must see!!!!!!
DA
Dave Allison
Old Baldy lighthouse is an antique treasure, you really need to climb the steps to the top! Museum was kinda not much of anything.
MI
Michael Bennett
Its was fun to climb the light house. They close at 5 and stop selling tickets at 430. It costs $6 to climb the lighthouse.
JA
Jazmyn snipes
When I was in 4th grade i had to do a presentation on this and i really enjoyed seeing its history most beutiful thing ever
AM
Ammon Curtis
Gorgeous lighthouse. Take some time and explore the island while your there. We rented bikes it was a blast.
LA
Larry Engleman
Historic lighthouse. Worth a visit if youre already on the island. Pirate themed gift shop was entertaining.
JA
Jack H
I love Bald Head Island because it makes you slow down and relax and enjoy yourself a lot more than usual.
FR
Frank Carrillo
We went in the off season....no crowds...Great old lighthouse....too bad its been encroached on a bit....
NE
new guy
First class view of island. Amazing structure built in 1817 that you can climb all the way to the top!
JO
John Kinsley
Was pretty, but the top was closed for renovations. Wish that would have been on their website.
BI
Bill Bullock
200 years old this year (2017) and you can still climb the stairs to the top for a nice view.
JE
Jeremy Carin
Pretty impressive lighthouse, although it is a little expensive. Fun to check out once.
RO
Roger Davis
We really wanted to go up the Lighthouse but it is closed on Monday. We were unaware.
CL
Clarke Russell
Very cool history, but its a hike to the top and it can be stifling up there...
JI
Jim McGinnis
200th Anniversary and a great 108 step climb to the best views on the island!
JA
James Empting
Great historic light house. The view from the top is well worth the climb.
TH
Thatcher Photography, LLC
Climb it, learn history from the staff, a great place to visit.
JU
Juan Fernandez
Awesome experience. Ferry is a little expensive but worthy.
EL
Eliza Rowell
I like it. I like it a lot. I am doing a project on it.
DA
Daphne Caudill
Very friendly staff and beautiful views from the top
JE
Jesse Redding
Must see if in the area! Awesome piece of history
DO
Doug Kabler
Stairs are STEEP! The view is worth the effort.
JO
Joseph 1971
I love this place I want to live here
IS
Israel Worek
Beautiful. Price is a little high.
GR
Graham Painter
Doing a project on the lighthouse.
TH
Thomas Dosier Jr
200th Anniversary was Amazing!!!
ED
Eddie Hopkins
Excellent slice of history.
WI
Will Campbell
Wonderful view at the top!
PA
Pam Shoemake
Loved it so much history.
CJ
CJ Bradbury
Loved it. Great views.
BR
Brian Satterfield
Good history lesson
VA
Valentina Sawvel
Enjoyed going over
AN
Anthon Maddox
I love history.
CO
Cooper Young
Since 1817
SC
Scott Haddock
too cool
AM
Amanda Luviano
what up
WI
William Creighton
money
Other organizations
30 most recent searches
Photos
Photos of comments
