Hatteras Island, North Carolina, Travel Guide

Karla Jarvis tells the Hatteras Village Civic Association that there are many things they don’t offer. Travel + Leisure. There are no McDonald’s or big-box shops, and there is no theater where you can watch a movie. Hatteras Island is a beautiful place. North Carolina—it’s wild, rustic, and laid-back, even in peak tourist season.

The southernmost of the Outer Banks‘ main barrier islands, Hatteras Island and its seven villages—Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village—are all located within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a 70-mile stretch of stunning sandy beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests. The Pamlico Sound, which surrounds the island on one side, is ideal for kayakers, paddleboarders, and fishermen. Hatteras Island’s geography is also a paradise for kiteboarders. Its flat sand and shallow water make it a popular kiteboarding destination.

Hatteras Island, even if you don’t want to harness the power of wind as a sport, is worth a trip. The Outer Banks’ calm, relaxed energy, its classic charm, and its storied past are all good reasons to plan a trip. But if you aren’t cautious, you might find yourself wanting to stay forever. Shirley Wicker is the director of Hatteras Island Ocean Center.

What to Do in the Area

Edgecamp Pamlico Station

Opened by 2024 Edgecamp Pamlico Station It is the most stylish resort on the island. Jonathan Adler designed the 700 square-foot suites with kitchens and living rooms that have pull-out sofas. They also feature outdoor spaces. After a day spent kiteboarding and exploring the coast, you can relax in the sauna, hot tub, or cold plunge. The rooms are equipped with Therabody Massage Guns and Yoga Gear, in case you feel stiff or sore after your outdoor activity.

Rentals

Renting a vacation house is the best option if you are traveling in a large group or with your family. There are many rental companies like Airbnb and Vrbo. Surf or Sound Realty, Hatteras Realty. Sun Realty.

Campsites

The National Park Service operates four campgrounds on Hatteras Island. These are Oregon Inlet (also known as Frisco), Cape Point (also known as Ocracoke), and Oregon Inlet. Each campground is open all year and offers spots for RVs, tents and trailers. You can either reserve a spot or request one the day before, depending on the campground. All payments are done at that time. online.

What to do?

Explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Jarvis says that the best way to enjoy the beach is by walking barefoot. It’s a wonderful sensory experience. You feel the sand and sun; you smell it, and taste it. The sound of waves and seagulls grounds you.” Aside from simply walking or relaxing on the pristine beaches, you can go shelling—keep an eye out for the rare Scotch bonnet, North Carolina’s state shell—or venture down the shore on horseback with Equine Adventures.

Take a picture with the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built in a variety of versions. The first, which stood 90 feet tall, was finished by 1803. The current lighthouse was built in 1870 and stands at exactly 198.49 ft. with 269 steps leading to the lens room. Visitors used to be able to reach the top of the lighthouse in the past. However, the lighthouse has been under restoration and is currently undergoing, according to the NPSThe reopening of the is likely to be in summer 2026. The iconic black-and white striped structure is still available for you to take pictures of.

Explore the history of the Island.

Jarvis says that Hatteras Island is rich in history. Visitors should look out for historical signs and markers, and visit the many museums and educational facilities on the island. “The Lost Colony Museum Buxton is home to artifacts dating back to our earliest inhabitants. Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum There’s also a maritime museum in the hotel. Cape Hatteras LighthouseAnd in Frisco there’s also the Native American Museum & Natural History Center She says, “This is a great way to learn about native history.”

You can rent a kayak, or charter a yacht.

Hatteras Island lies between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pamlico Sound to the west. This provides plenty of opportunities for water sports. “We have charters, headboats and ferry boats. All kinds of boats.” Rent kayaks, paddle boards and other water gear. You can also rent kayaks and other water gear. Ocean Center Jarvis says that in Hatteras Village we offer guided tours, where you just show up and paddle. There are several rental companies around the area. Hatteras Parasail, Hatteras WatersportsIf you want to know more about a specific topic, please click on the link. Slask Creek Outfitters.

Kiteboarding is a fun sport that anyone can learn.

Kiteboarders of all skill levels flock to Hatteras Island—and for good reason. The Outer Banks area is known for the strong winds that blow, especially in the spring and autumn. Pamlico Sound provides flat, shallow water to help beginners learn. Join a class Kitty Hawk KitesThen test out your new hobby Kite Point Buxton, Ontario.

Visit Villages

Rodanthe

If you are a Nicholas Sparks fanRodanthe is a name that will be familiar to many. Richard Gere and Diane Lane were the stars of the 2002 movie adaptation of the author’s novel “Nights in Rodanthe.” This enclave, located in the Tri-Villages at the northernmost tip of the island, is where you will find the Pea Island National Wildlife RefugeA safe wintering and resting place for birds that migrate.

Waves

Waves village is known for water sports, and its quiet atmosphere. So grab your surfboard or kiteboard—or rent one from Real Watersports—and enjoy a peaceful day on the water.

Salvo

Salvo, like Waves is popular with water sports enthusiasts as well as visitors looking for a relaxing retreat. Salvo is also a popular destination for nature lovers. It’s located between the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Salvo Day Use Area. This area has a beach and restrooms as well as a picnic and grilling area.

Avon

Avon can be found at the half-way point of Hatteras Island. Avon is one of the more developed towns on Hatteras Island. It has many restaurants, gift shops and a medical facility.

Buxton

Buxton is the home of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, several restaurants and shops and anyone visiting Hatteras Island. The island’s largest year-round population is located in Buxton.

Frisco

Frisco, a secluded area near Buxton and Hatteras Village but with easy access to stores, restaurants, and other amenities, is ideal for visitors who wish to fish, camp, or surf. Frisco Woods Campground Cabins, tenting sites and RV hookups are available.

Hatteras Village

Hatteras Village is a place I love. I grew here and I still live here. Jarvis says, “It’s the end of island and it’s a bit quieter here.” Hatteras Village is located at the southern end, and is a popular fishing spot in the Outer Banks. The Gulf Stream (located 15 miles from Hatteras) brings in warm waters, and warm-water fish.

Best Restaurants

Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe

Buxton’s is closed Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe Without ordering its famous apple fritter: the Apple Ugly. You can also pick up some cheese danishes, donuts or walnut sticky buns. Remember, this is vacation.

Toucana

“The best smash burger that I have ever eaten came from the village food truck.” Toucana,” says Jarvis. Toucana, located in Hatteras on NC Highway 12, also offers breakfast sandwiches, tacos and burritos. This is the perfect stop before or after the beach. You can even order online for pick-up on the move.

The Froggy Dog Restaurant & Pub

Hatteras Island has a relaxed atmosphere. The Froggy Dog This attitude is reflected in the food served. The menu has something for everyone—chicken wings, Hatteras-style clam chowder, jumbo shrimp, and quarter-pound hot dogs.

Sonny’s restaurant

Jarvis believes that “you can’t get a better breakfast than Jarvis” Sonny’s.” Hatteras Waterfront Restaurant is family owned for more than forty years. Come hungry. Come for breakfast and enjoy hearty dishes like biscuits with sausage gravy, pancakes or hushpuppies, or stay for dinner to try the crab cakes and hushpuppies.

Shop for Best Deals

Conner’s Supermarket and Village Market Red & White

“Our locally owned grocery stores—Conner’s Supermarket Buxton and the Village Market Red & White in Hatteras—are great options for your grocery needs,” says Jarvis. Both are historic island businesses, with the former dating back to 1959 and the latter having roots that go back to 1866—although Village Market Red & White was renovated and renamed in 2018.

Lee Robinson General Store

“Lee Robinson General Store Jarvis says that the store has a great selection of wine and specialty groceries. Hatteras Village’s staple, which Wicker highly recommends, is a 1948 institution that offers locals and tourists a wide variety of sweets and snacks.

Buxton Village Books

Jarvis has some recommendations for beach reading. Buxton Village Books. This locally-owned bookstore has been in business for 41 years (it was first opened in 1985) and offers everything from the latest bestsellers to mugs, T-shirts and children’s book.

The Best Time to Visit

According to Wicker, early fall is the best time to visit; the weather is mild—expect temperatures between the mid-60s and low 80s—the beaches are less crowded, and there are still plenty of opportunities to fish, kiteboard, and gather around a beach bonfire. Note that bonfires are allowed only in certain areas and require a permit. specific areas The island. Jarvis believes that your perspective will determine the best time to go to Hatteras Island. I love the fall but if the beach is what you want, then you will love summer. The summer is a good time to visit if you’re bringing young children. The temperatures are still comfortable on the island, even in the peak of summer. In July and August, the average daily high temperature hovers around 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Get There

The majority of visitors drive to Hatteras via NC Highway 12 at the north end. You can also arrive via private boat. few marinas Hatteras Island. You can fly into Virginia’s Norfolk International Airport and rent a car to complete the trip. ORF is about three hours away from the island and RDU is just over four.

How to Get Around

There is no public transport on the island, and the towns are too far apart for you to bike between. You can rent bikes to explore the villages. Slask Creek Outfitters Hatteras and Island CyclesIt has branches in Rodanthe (Avon) and Avon.