Bald Head Island: Lighthouse, Nature and Island Experiences

History, landscapes and guided wildlife observation are the specific highlights of a stay on Bald Head Island. Planning also involves arriving by passenger ferry and getting around without a car.

Old Baldy Lighthouse and Island History

Old Baldy Lighthouse was built in 1817 from soft red bricks and covered with stucco. Visitors can climb 108 steps and five landings to the top. From there, the view stretches across Bald Head Island and the Cape Fear estuary. The building’s history, the climb and the view offer different perspectives on this landmark: the lighthouse is both a historic structure and a viewpoint.

The Smith Island Museum of History is located in the Keeper’s Cottage at Old Baldy Lighthouse. The museum provides information about the historical significance of Bald Head Island. Fort Holmes, which guarded the Old Inlet entrance to Cape Fear, is also part of the Civil War heritage. Together, the lighthouse, museum and fort offer tangible points of interest if you’re interested in the island’s history.

Landscape and Wildlife Observation

Bald Head Island encompasses the ecosystems of beach, dune ridge, maritime forest and marsh. The nature trails in the Bald Head Woods Reserve pass through uplands and wetlands that are representative of the local maritime forest communities. Another clearly identified viewpoint is the M. Kent Mitchell Nature Trail: it offers an almost 360-degree view of the marsh, and markers along the trail identify the flora.

Birdlife also features in descriptions of the island’s natural environment. The Audubon Society designated Bald Head Island an Important Bird Area because of its great variety of bird species. The habitats provide suitable environments for both resident and migratory bird species. If you’d like to go bird-watching, you’ll find guided options with different areas of focus in addition to this ecological context.

Guided Tours and Activities

Bald Head Island Birding Tours focus on guided observation of the island’s bird species; binoculars and field guides are provided to visitors. The Island Nature Tour visits wildlife-viewing spots in the maritime forest, salt marsh and on the beaches. There, you can observe birds, reptiles and mammals in their natural habitats. You can choose between a bird-focused outing and a tour whose description covers several habitats and animal groups. Tour arrangements for the Birding Tours may change; schedules and booking details for the Island Nature Tour may vary. Check the latest program information before making plans.

Kayak the Creeks is a guided kayak tour through the unspoiled creeks of Bald Head Island. It offers opportunities to observe wildlife and learn about marsh ecology. The Bald Head Island Conservancy monitors and protects loggerhead sea turtles that nest on the island’s beaches. At East Beach, boogie boarding and surfing are two other activities to enjoy.

Getting There and Getting Around

Bald Head Island can be reached by a 20-minute commercial passenger ferry departing from Deep Point Marina in Southport. For your specific plans, it’s a good idea to check the schedule. Cars are not allowed on the island. You can rent bicycles and golf carts by the day at Bald Head Marina. Ferry travel and getting around without a car are practical considerations to keep in mind when planning your stay.

Explore more destinations: Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Oak Island, Shallotte, Holden Beach, Caswell Beach, Calabash, Leland.

View the broader travel guide: Brunswick.