If you find yourself asking “where is Rodanthe, NC?” Then, I won’t blame you, since this gorgeous gem is hidden along the shores of Dare Country, North Carolina. Rodanthe is a top pick among vacationers wanting to “get away from it all” and yet at a close distance to the attractions of the Northern Beaches, such as shopping or activities like exploring the historical monuments. The beauty and tranquillity of Rodanthe are depicted in the film “Nights in Rodanthe”, based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks. It has an abundance of great Airbnbs and Vrbo vacation rentals that you can rent. Enjoy water sports like kiteboarding and surfing, and take a look at this list of more things to do in Rodanthe, NC, for your next trip!
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1. Head to Hatteras Island Fishing Pier
Hatteras Island is a vacationers dream. It has wide beaches, high dunes, clear blue water, a rich fishing opportunity and of course, world-renowned kiteboarding and windsurfing spots. Tourists like the tranquillity here, the unique culture, and the wave-riding currents of the island, throughout.
On Hatteras Island, a lot of anglers go to the Hatteras Island Fishing Pier and also the Avon Fishing Pier. These fishing piers vary in amenities and also fees, but they both offer great fishing facilities and large ocean views.
Hatteras Island Fishing Pier
Address: Hatteras Island
Website: Hatteras Island Fishing Pier
2. Visit Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station was a former station of the United States Life-Saving Service on Hatteras Island and today is a museum. Chicamacomico was a US Coast Guard facility from year 1915 till 1954. After being decommissioned, it was transformed into a museum and it has been a popular attraction for tourists for decades.
Over the years, it has been battered by hurricanes, the ocean, flooding, and ferocious winds but is still standing, and it reminds us of Hatteras Island and Outer Banks’ lifesaving history.
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
Address: Rodanthe, Hatteras Island
Website: Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
3. See Waterfall Park
Waterfall Park in Rodanthe was a busy and happy place, with families enjoying water-themed attractions like waterslides, go-carts, a free-fall tower and a swimming pool. The park was hit by the economic downfall and also by Hurricane Irene in August of 2011, which did a huge amount of damage to homes and business in the tri-villages, as well as to Waterfall Park. It is now wrecked completely.
Waterfall Park
Address: 24607 NC-12, Rodanthe, NC 27968, USA
4. Take your kids to North Carolina Aquarium
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
North Carolina Aquarium is located on Roanoke Island and has become a great attraction for Outer Banks vacationers and seasoned visitors. This 68,000 square foot (6,317.4 square meter) complex covers all aspects of Outer Banks’ aquatic life, from endangered sea turtles and common horseshoe crabs to stingrays.
The aquarium is a must-see, and is one of the best attractions near Rodanthe for vacationers wanting to learn about what is lying under the surface of the sea near the Outer Banks. It is an educational tour and kids should come along to learn more about aquatic life.
North Carolina Aquarium
Address: Roanoke Island, 374 Airport Road, Manteo, NC 27954
Website: North Carolina Aquarium
5. Enjoy Outer Banks Adventures
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Be blown away by Outer Banks Adventures and their airboat rides, eco & SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) guided tours. You can create your own adventure package with the tour packages available. Tours are by appointment only and run from the Washington Baum Boat landing on the Nags Head/Manteo causeway, the Manteo waterfront and other places in the Outer Banks.
Their Air Boat Tour covers over 27 miles (43.5 km) and explores the hard to reach and unique areas and offers nice photography opportunities. The one hour tour is 60 USD per person, the one and a half hour tour is 85 USD per person and the most popular tour, the two-hour tour, is 100 USD per person. There are also half and full day charters available, upon request.
All Airboat tours are for four people minimum and there are shopping and restaurants close by. You can also take a guided SUP tour while here. The one hour guided tour starts at 35 USD for an hour, 60 USD for two hours and three hours for 80 USD. They include a lesson and private lessons are also possible.
Outer Banks Adventures
Address: Nag Head / Manteo Causeway & locations around the Outer Banks, Washington Baum Boat Landing, Manteo/Nagshead, NC 27959
Website: Outer Banks Adventures
6. Tour The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was started in 1938 to provide nesting, resting and wintering habitats for migratory birds, like the greater snow goose, waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors and neo-tropical migrants. It also serves to provide protection and habitat for endangered and threatened species, like Loggerhead sea turtles and it is a great place to educate oneself about wildlife and wildland resources.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 100 Conservation Way, Manteo, NC 27954 (Roanoke Island)
Website: Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
7. Visit OceanAir Sports
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by OceanAir Sports on Sunday, April 5, 2020
OceanAir Sports is Hatteras’ largest water sports merchandiser and adventure centre, since 1987. They are dedicated to providing all the equipment necessary for kiteboarding and windsurfing, Stand Up Paddleboarding and all other adventure needs.
They are located in Pamlico Sound, in Avon and apart from kiteboarding and windsurfing supplies, lessons and rentals, they offer jet ski rentals, kayak tours, Stand Up Paddleboard clinics, catamaran sailing excursions and waterfront yoga.
Ocean Air Sports
Address: 39450 NC-12, Avon, NC 27915, USA
Website: Ocean Air Sports
8. Learn hang gliding at Kitty Hawk Kites
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Go sky high! https://hubs.ly/H0PGYC10
Posted by Kitty Hawk Kites on Monday, June 7, 2021
One of the most popular activities in Rodanthe is hang gliding. Kitty Hawk Kites was founded in 1974 by famous hang glider John Harris and it has grown into a retail and a recreation leader in the Outer Banks area. Here, you will experience adventure, good fun and style since they have been teaching the world the art of flying for the last 40 years and they are the home of the largest hang gliding school in the world.
Kitty Hawk Kites
Address: Waves Village, MP40 24502, HWY 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968
Website: Kitty Hawk Kites
9. Angling at the Avon Fishing Pier
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Avon Fishing Pier is a famous point on Hatteras Island for its record catches, including giant red drum, which is commonly found in these waters. Anglers don’t have to purchase a fishing license, making it easy to fish and it attracts fishermen from all over the county, who come to catch the notoriously large fish.
This pier was built in 1962 and it was the first ever pier built on Hatteras Island, which has helped to expand the Outer Banks’ reputation as a number one fishing destination. It gained its great reputation in 1984, when a record-breaking red drum was caught near the pier, weighing over 94 pounds (42.6 kg).
Avon Fishing Pier
Address: 1001 Highway 12, Avon, North Carolina, NC 27915
Website: Avon Fishing Pier
10. Enjoy Fatty’s Treats N Tours
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Fatty's Treats and Tours on Friday, August 10, 2012
This is a kayak tour business, focusing on ecology and the history of Hatteras Island. Take a trip and explore the history of America’s Lost Colony. Fatty’s sells 24 flavours of Hershey’s ice cream, shaved ice and real, old-school, handmade milkshakes, which are so thick you have to eat them with a spoon.
Fatty’s Treats N Tours
Address: 46618 NC-12, Buxton, NC 27920, USA
Website: Fatty’s Treats N Tours
11. Explore Pea Island Beach
Have a relaxing and laid-back day as you explore Pea Island Beach. Spend time with the whole family as you stroll around the beach. You can also try flying kites, or simply just collect seashells scattered along the shore. The kids will surely enjoy the many beachside activities with the family. You can even check out Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and go birding or canoeing. Sea turtles also come there to lay their eggs too, so if you’re lucky you might just be able to see them on the beach.
Pea Island Beach
Address: Rodanthe, NC 27968, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
12. Relax on the sand of Coquina Beach
Just a short drive away from Rodanthe and south of Nags Head is Coquina Beach, a serene, white-sand beach. Its name comes from the beautiful coquina clams found along its shores during the spring and summer months. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of activities here, from 4WD (4-wheel driving), fishing, surfing, and body-boarding. For those who prefer more laid-back activities, birdwatching, seashell collecting, and watching the sunset are other worthwhile things to do while in Coquina Beach.
Coquina Beach
Address: Nags Head, NC 27959, United States
Discover the culture and heritage of Rodanthe
History lovers will love this place and enjoy exploring the maritime heritage of the US Lifesaving Service at the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, in Buxton. Still wondering what to do in Rodanthe, NC? Then just visit this charming area and you’ll definitely get your answers. Rodanthe truly will leave you feeling more enriched as a person.
Frequently asked questions about best things to do in Rodanthe, North Carolina
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