Hatteras Island, North Carolina, Journey Information

“There are issues we simply do not have right here,” Karla Jarvis, the president of the Hatteras Village Civic Affiliation, tells Journey + Leisure. “There are not any big-box shops, no McDonald’s, and you will not be going to a theater to catch a film.” However that’s the great thing about Hatteras Island, North Carolina—it’s wild, rustic, and laid-back, even in peak vacationer season.

The southernmost of the Outer Banks’ principal barrier islands, Hatteras Island and its seven villages—Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village—are all positioned throughout the Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore, a 70-mile stretch of beautiful sandy seashores, salt marshes, and maritime forests. The island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one aspect and the Pamlico Sound on the opposite, resulting in preferrred circumstances for kayakers, fishermen, and paddleboarders. This explicit geography additionally creates a haven for kiteboarders; the dependable winds, shallow water, and flat sand have led Hatteras Island to change into one of the well-known kiteboarding locations on the earth.

Even in case you’re not fascinated by harnessing the facility of wind for sport, Hatteras Island continues to be value a go to. Its storied historical past, traditional allure, and calm, relaxed vitality are all causes to plan a seashore journey to this a part of the Outer Banks. Should you aren’t cautious, although, you might discover you need to keep ceaselessly. “One week is rarely lengthy sufficient,” says Shirley Wicker, director of Hatteras Island Ocean Middle.

The place to Keep

Edgecamp Pamlico Station

Opened in 2024, Edgecamp Pamlico Station is essentially the most trendy lodge on the island. Designed by Jonathan Adler, the 700-square-foot one-bedroom suites have kitchens, residing rooms with pull-out sofas, and outside areas. Whenever you’re not resting in your room after an extended day of kiteboarding or exploring the seashore, benefit from the property’s sauna, chilly plunge, and sizzling tub. There are even Therabody therapeutic massage weapons and yoga gear within the rooms, simply in case it’s good to work by means of any soreness or stiffness out of your chosen outside actions.

Leases

Should you’re touring with a household or a bigger group, otherwise you’re planning on staying on Hatteras Island for an prolonged interval, your finest wager is to lease a trip house. You’ll be able to look by means of Airbnb or Vrbo, however there are additionally plenty of different rental corporations, like Surf or Sound Realty, Hatteras Realty, and Solar Realty.

Campsites

The Nationwide Park Service (NPS) operates 4 campsites on Hatteras Island: Oregon Inlet, Frisco, Cape Level, and Ocracoke. Every campground is open year-round and has spots for tents, trailers, and RVs. Relying on the campground, you both make a reservation or request a web site day of, however all funds are made on-line.

Greatest Issues to Do

Discover the Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore.

“Arms down, one of the best factor you are able to do is stroll down the seashore barefoot,” says Jarvis. “It is such a sensory expertise. You’re feeling the solar, the sand; you scent and style the salt. The sound of the waves and seagulls simply grounds you.” Other than merely strolling or enjoyable on the pristine seashores, you possibly can go shelling—hold an eye fixed out for the uncommon Scotch bonnet, North Carolina’s state shell—or enterprise down the shore on horseback with Equine Adventures.

Snap a photograph of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

There have been just a few variations of the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse; the primary one, a 90-foot-tall construction, was accomplished in 1803. The present lighthouse, inbuilt 1870, stands at precisely 198.49 toes, with 269 steps as much as the lens room. In years previous, guests have been capable of climb all the best way to the highest, however the lighthouse is present process restoration efforts and, in line with the NPS, seemingly gained’t reopen till summer time 2026. You’ll be able to nonetheless take all the photographs you need of the long-lasting black-and-white striped construction.

Dive into the historical past of the island.

“Hatteras Island has quite a lot of historical past woven into its tapestry,” says Jarvis, who provides that guests ought to hold their eyes out for all kinds of historic markers and indicators and make it some extent to go to the varied museums and academic facilities on the island. “The Misplaced Colony Museum in Buxton homes artifacts from our earliest inhabitants ahead; the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a good place to study maritime historical past; there is a museum on the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and in Frisco, there’s the Native American Museum & Pure Historical past Middle that showcases native historical past,” she says.

Constitution a ship or lease a kayak.

The Atlantic Ocean is to the east of Hatteras Island, and the Pamlico Sound is to the west, creating loads of alternatives to get on the water. “Now we have constitution boats, head boats, ferry boats, all types of boats. You may also lease kayaks and different water gear. At our Ocean Middle right here in Hatteras Village, we provide guided kayak excursions the place you just about present up and paddle,” says Jarvis. A number of corporations within the space have rental companies; try Hatteras Parasail, Hatteras Watersports, or Slask Creek Outfitters.

Discover ways to kiteboard.

Kiteboarders of all ability ranges flock to Hatteras Island—and for good cause. This a part of the Outer Banks is understood for its persistently sturdy winds, significantly within the spring and fall, and the Pamlico Sound presents the flat, shallow waters that assist in educating newcomers. Take a category with Kitty Hawk Kites, then check your new passion at Kite Level in Buxton.

Villages to Go to

Rodanthe

Should you’re a Nicholas Sparks fan, Rodanthe will ring a bell; Richard Gere and Diane Lane starred within the film model of the creator’s 2002 novel “Nights in Rodanthe.” This enclave is a part of the Tri-Villages on the northernmost finish of the island (Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo are positioned proper subsequent to one another), and it’s the place you’ll discover the Pea Island Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, a secure place for migratory birds to relaxation and winter.

Waves

The village of Waves is understood for 2 issues: water sports activities and a quiet ambiance. So seize your surfboard or kiteboard—or lease one from Actual Watersports—and revel in a peaceable day on the water.

Salvo

Just like Waves, Salvo is in style amongst water sports activities fans and guests looking for a restful retreat. Nature is one other draw; Salvo sits proper between the Pea Island Nationwide Wildlife Refuge’s wetlands and the Salvo Day Use Space, which has a seashore, restrooms, a picnic space, and a few grills.

Avon

You’ll discover Avon on the midway level of Hatteras Island. One of many extra developed communities on the island, Avon has a number of eating places, reward retailers, a spa, a medical middle, and the realm’s solely chain grocery retailer (Meals Lion).

Buxton

Anybody visiting Hatteras Island will ultimately make their option to Buxton, house to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and a number of other eating places and retailers. It additionally has essentially the most year-round residents on the island.

Frisco

Secluded however nonetheless handy to the shops and different facilities in Buxton or Hatteras Village, Frisco appeals to guests who need to fish, surf, or camp; the Frisco Woods Campground has cabins, tent websites, and RV hookups.

Hatteras Village

“I’ve to say, I am fairly a fan of Hatteras Village. I grew up right here, I nonetheless dwell right here. It is on the finish of the island, and it is just a bit quieter down right here,” says Jarvis. Positioned on the southern finish of the island, Hatteras Village (or simply “Hatteras”) is without doubt one of the finest spots within the Outer Banks for fishing; the Gulf Stream, which is simply 15 miles away, brings in heat water and, with it, warm-water fish.

Greatest Eating places

Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe

You’ll be able to’t go to Buxton’s Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe with out ordering its well-known pastry: the Apple Ugly (principally an apple fritter). Whereas there, decide up just a few donuts, walnut sticky buns, and cheese danishes. It’s trip, in any case.

Toucana

“I can say one of the best smash burger I’ve ever had got here from our village meals truck, Toucana,” says Jarvis. Positioned on NC Freeway 12 in Hatteras, Toucana additionally serves up burritos, tacos, sizzling canines, and breakfast sandwiches. It’s the proper pre- or post-beach cease, and you’ll even order on-line to choose up on the go.

The Froggy Canine Restaurant & Pub

Hatteras Island is an informal place, and The Froggy Canine embraces this perspective whereas concurrently serving up scrumptious fare. The menu has one thing for everybody—hen wings, Hatteras-style clam chowder, jumbo shrimp, and quarter-pound sizzling canines.

Sonny’s Restaurant

Based on Jarvis, “You simply cannot beat breakfast at Sonny’s.” Household-owned for greater than 40 years, the Hatteras waterfront restaurant is someplace you need to arrive hungry. Anticipate hearty breakfast entrees, like selfmade biscuits and sausage gravy or pancakes, or come for lunch or dinner and order the hushpuppies and crab truffles.

Greatest Buying

Conner’s Grocery store and Village Market Pink & White

“Our domestically owned grocery shops—Conner’s Grocery store in Buxton and the Village Market Pink & White in Hatteras—are nice choices on your grocery wants,” says Jarvis. Each are historic island companies, with the previous relationship again to 1959 and the latter having roots that return to 1866—though Village Market Pink & White was renovated and renamed in 2018.

Lee Robinson Basic Retailer

“Lee Robinson Basic Retailer has some nice specialty grocery gadgets and an unsurpassed wine choice,” says Jarvis. The Hatteras Village staple, which Wicker additionally recommends, has been round since 1948, offering locals and guests alike with all types of sweets, snacks, and souvenirs.

Buxton Village Books

If it’s good to decide up a seashore learn, Jarvis recommends Buxton Village Books. A neighborhood favourite, the independently owned bookstore is now in its forty first 12 months of service (it first opened in 1984), and it has the whole lot from the most recent bestsellers you retain that means to learn to kids’s books, mugs, and T-shirts.

Greatest Time to Go to

Based on Wicker, early fall is one of the best time to go to; the climate is gentle—count on temperatures between the mid-60s and low 80s—the seashores are much less crowded, and there are nonetheless loads of alternatives to fish, kiteboard, and collect round a seashore bonfire. (Word that bonfires require a allow and are solely allowed in particular areas of the island.) However, says Jarvis, one of the best time to go to Hatteras Island is set by your perspective. “I like the autumn, however in case you’re in it for the seashore, you are going to love the summer time. You probably have younger kids, summer time might be the proper time to go to.” Even within the peak of summer time, temperatures on the island are comparatively comfy. The typical each day highs in July and August hover round 86 levels Fahrenheit.

Get There

Most vacationers drive onto Hatteras Island through NC Freeway 12 on the north finish. There’s additionally the choice to reach by non-public boat, and there are just a few marinas on Hatteras Island. Should you plan on flying after which renting a automotive for the ultimate leg of the journey, you’ll need to take a look at flights into both Virginia’s Norfolk Worldwide Airport (ORF) or Raleigh-Durham Worldwide Airport (RDU) in North Carolina. ORF is roughly three hours from the island, and the drive from RDU will take simply over 4 hours.

Get Round

You’ll want a automotive to discover the island; there isn’t any public transportation, and the island’s cities are a bit too far aside to comfortably bike between them. That mentioned, you possibly can bike across the particular person villages, and leases can be found from Slask Creek Outfitters in Hatteras and Island Cycles, which has places in Rodanthe and Avon.