Hatteras Island is bound by the Atlantic Ocean to the East and Pamlico Sound to the West and stretches nearly half the distance of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Because of that unique geographical setting, Hatteras Island offers an array of water sports on both the ocean-side and the sound-side. On the ocean-side, proximity to the convergence of the Labrador Current and the Gulf Stream results in the largest surf along on the East Coast. On the protected Pamlico Sound side, waters sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, kite boarding, and swimming are prevalent. Fishing is a major source of recreation on both the ocean-side and sound-side. Deep sea charters take anglers out to the warm water of the Gulf Stream and because Pamlico Sound has one of the largest estuarine systems in the world, there are almost limitless fishing opportunities there. At the heart of Hatteras Island is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a stretch of wild and undeveloped beaches, sand dunes and sea oats.
There’s little in the way of franchises and fast food on the island. Instead, local coastal restaurants and mom-and-pop shops offer a chance to immerse yourself in a laid back beach vibe. Hatteras Island is the perfect spot to truly get away from it all and reconnect with yourself, your family, friends and of course, the natural beauty of the island. Read on to learn more about the best things to do in Hatteras!
1. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Considered one of Hatteras Island’s biggest attractions, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse with its black and white spiral stripes, is one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the world. Each year over 175,000 visitors visit the lighthouse and some attempt the 257 climb up to the top. The lighthouse is open for climbers seasonally beginning in the spring. The reward for making the long hike up to the lighthouse is a panoramic view that spans the majority of Hatteras Island, from Avon to Hatteras Village.
If you’d rather not make the climb to the top, you can explore the grounds around the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse which include the two keepers’ quarters buildings, a lighthouse museum and gift shop. There is also a shaded picnic area nearby, a nature trail, and beach ramp access to Cape Point.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Address: 6379 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920
Website: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
2. Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Opened in 2002, The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a maritime museum that focuses on the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The Graveyard of the Atlantic itself is the coastal region of the Outer Banks that contain the remains of hundreds of ships that were sunk due to war, piracy or weather. The museum’s exhibits feature many artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, ship models, exhibits about explorers and colonists, lifesaving and rescue operations, and piracy and famous area pirates including Blackbeard. Maritime military displays include American Civil War blockade runners and the sinking of the USS Monitor ironclad warship, and World War II submarine attacks off the coast.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Address: 59200 Museum Dr, Hatteras, NC 27943
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm (spring/summer) 10:00 am-4:00 pm (fall/winter), closed Sunday
Website: Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
3. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Covering 70 miles (112 km), long stretches of beach, sand dunes, marshes, and woodlands on Hatteras Island and three other barrier islands have been designated as the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It is a wild, ever changing landscape shaped by tide, storm and wind. The seashore provides a home and habitat for land and water animals and harbors a rich variety of plant and animal life. For humans, there is a wide variety of recreational activities available such as beach and water activities, fishing, hiking the many miles of nature trails, camping, exploring the lighthouses, and wildlife viewing and photography.
There are three visitor centers located on the three islands of the national seashore: Bodie Island, Hatteras Island and Okracoke Island.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Opening Hours: Visitor Center Hours 9:00 am-5:00 pm, closed Christmas Day
Address: 46375 Lighthouse Road, Cape Hatteras Light Station Buxton, NC 27920
Website: Cape Hatteras National Seashore
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4. Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry
The Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry is one of the most popular coastal ferries in North Carolina and provides an integral link to Ocracoke Island from Hatteras Island and to the rest of the Outer Banks. Leaving Hatteras, the ferry slowly churns by several miles of undeveloped Hatteras village before crossing the at-times choppy Hatteras Inlet as it heads towards the isolated Ocracoke ferry docks.
Along the way, passengers will spot dozens of shorebirds, temporary sandbar islands that disappear in high tide, and beautiful open water views. For the best views, head to the front and back of the ferry. For a little shade and a climate controlled environment, head up to the passengers lounge where visitors can relax on padded benches in the air conditioned compartment that also features a wall of windows to take in the waterfront views. The ferry operates 365 days a year.
Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry
Website: Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry
5. Hatteras Island Ocean Center
The Hatteras Island Ocean Center is a part of the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway which stretches across North Carolina’s Bodie, Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, and the Pamlico Sound. The Ocean Center provides an interesting variety of recreational and educational activities for people of all ages. The Ocean Center is located within walking distance of central Hatteras Village and is a wonderful resource for visitors and day-trippers. The center offers programs such as kayak tours, turtle patrols, nighttime star gazing, crabbing in a salt water marsh, science programs, and has an interactive museum and exhibits. The marsh also provides bird-watching opportunities and is a great place to relax and enjoy the view.
Hatteras Island Ocean Center
Opening Hours Monday-Friday 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 12-4:00 pm
Website: Hatteras Island Ocean Center
Ever changing Hatteras Island
Hatteras Island has been shaped by tides, storms and the wind so its coastline is constantly moving and reshaping itself. It is a remote escape that offers a plethora of recreational water activities on either the wind swept Atlantic side or the calm and serene Pamlico Sound side. This is not a place that is overrun with tourists, but a quiet getaway with coastal villages, a wild and beautiful national seashore and the chance to explore a historic lighthouse or catch a ferry for a day trip to nearby Ocracoke Island. If you want to truly escape and experience the beauty of island nature, Hatteras Island is your destination.
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