Top Things to do in Hatteras Island
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10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Hatteras Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Hatteras Island is a barrier island off the coast of North Carolina, on the Atlantic Ocean. Famed for its lighthouse and long sandy beaches, it is a great family friendly place for a relaxing holiday. Many people visiting Hatteras Island will be looking for a beach holiday, and the long sandy beaches looking out over the Atlantic Ocean are well worth exploring - even at the height of summer or the 4th of July weekend you can usually find a good stretch of beach all to yourselves. Canadian Hole, between the towns of Buxton and Avon, is a particularly good spot. In addition to the beach itself, the waters of Pamlico Sound are perfect for wading, and tourists flock there as the conditions are perfect for windsurfing and kite boarding. In terms of sightseeing there is also the lighthouse, which was moved inland in 1999 to protect it from coastal erosion, and the 825 acre Buxton Coastal Reserve, an area of maritime woodland full of spectacular wildlife (there have even been sightings of bald eagles) and plenty of hiking trails for those members of the family looking for a bit more exercise.
Restaurants in Hatteras Island
1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 563 reviews
A national seashore preserve that has the most extensive stretch of undeveloped seashore along the Atlantic coast.
Reviewed By mikelK1251FN - Clinton, United States
We had a great time here, clean, plenty of space, I recommend you get an off road vehicle permit and drive on the beach.
2. Frisco Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By dzc00k - Arlington, United States
We stayed in Frisco and loved this beach. Great waves, easy parking and access to the beach itself, bathroom and shower as well. Plenty of space to roam on the beach.
3. Equine Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 330 reviews
Horseback riding on the beach. Ride through the Buxton Maritime forest out to the pristine beaches of Hatteras Island. We offer 2 hour guided horse tours daily. Reservations are required and are available online as well as by phone.Open year round. Join us for a ride and see the island from a different perspective. All levels of riders accommodated and appreciated.
Reviewed By 934haleym
Of the many trail rides we’ve experienced, this one ranks as one of the best! Gorgeous views, knowledgeable, friendly, and organized staff, as well as happy and well-taken care of horses. We loved our ride led by Marlee! Marlee was a wonderful guide with great knowledge about horses and the surrounding area and customized the ride to ensure we had a great time. We tremendously appreciate how the horses enjoy their job and are treated very humanely. They found perfect horses for our skill level and provided a safe Covid-19 protocol. 10/10 would recommend!
4. A.S Austin Co.
5. Kinnakeet Clay Studio & Showroom
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
A treasure worth taking the time to discover, seek us out in Historic Avon Village (Kinnakeet). Enjoy our Out-of-Ordinary collection showcasing an impressive selection of local and regional pottery including that of artist/owner Antoinette Gaskins Mattingly. Find 'jar frogs', local wall art, home decor, ornaments, handmade gifts and jewelry. Browse our showroom featuring the work of 40+ artists, take a pottery or painting class in one of our two working studios, watch demonstrations and shop to your heart's content. Savor the experience of art and fine craft.
Reviewed By brianjill - Glenside, United States
My wife and I are fortunate to have been able to spend an annual vacation in Avon each October for the past 15 years. There few things that we have not already seen, so it takes something special to get us away from our beach front rental. One place that is a annual must for us is Kinnakeet Clay. They have wonderfully crafted art, warm & welcoming staff, and a great artisan/owner. If you are staying in the OBX south of Nags Head, Kinnakeet Clay is well worth you time for a visit. ????
6. Hatteras Island Ocean Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
The Ocean Center provides a wide variety of recreational and educational activities for people of all ages. Please come view the exhibits, experience the wetlands and coastal forest, attend our programs and events, and use our ocean access.
Reviewed By ailatanie
We attended a 2 programs at the Ocean Center (turtle patrol and marsh madness) and both adults and children absolutely loved it. My kids are curious about the places we visit and they were craving an opportunity to learn about the wildlife we are surrounded by in Hatteras. I cannot think of a better way! Shirley showed them around the nature center (only one family is allowed in due to COVID), described the life cycle of turtles and the efforts to protect them, and showed the nest on the beach. It was fun interactive and all kids (ages 6, 9, 12) were very interested and asked a lot of questions. The next day they went crabbing, caught and learned about blue crabs. We even spotted a snapping turtle. I highly recommend it!
7. Scotch Bonnet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 70 reviews
Named for the North Carolina State Seashell, The Scotch Bonnet is located in Frisco in the heart of Hatteras Island on the beautiful, windswept Outer Banks of North Carolina We have been a Hatteras Island landmark for over 60 years welcoming generations of families. The Scotch Bonnet is most famous for its rich, creamy and delicious fudge that is made right on the premises with real cream and butter! Our Fudge is so heavenly it was even featured on the Food Network! We also offer over 21 flavors of saltwater taffy, Jelly Belly jelly beans, seashells, t-shirts and unique gifts. So if your sweet tooth needs satisfying and you find yourself on the Outer Banks, a stop at the Scotch Bonnet is an absolute must!
Reviewed By jobo347 - Llano, United States
I love the fudge here. They sent me an e-mail telling me of flavor of the month, it was Bear Claw Fudge. Since I'm not going there till Oct. I had them send it to me. Wonderful!!!!! It tasted just like a Bear Claw Danish. I hope they still have it in OCT. when I visit. If not, they still have 30 + flavors to choose from. This is the best fudge and they always are having new flavors.
8. Family Water Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 250 reviews
Choose what you want to do: •Clamming (You may want to bring watershoes). •Sand-dollaring •Tubing •Water Skiing •Fishing •Birdwatching •Snorkling •Swimming •Shelling •Flounder Gigging •Ocracoke Private Shuttle •Commercial Fishing trips available for early risers. •Anything you want to do on the water Captain Tami Gray wants to make your day on the water a memory that will last a lifetime.
9. Studio 12
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Studio 12 is a fun place for kids and kids at heart. Bring in the whole family for some artsy fun. Grab a latte or all fruit smoothie from the coffee bar and then create your own mosaic, paint some pottery or make some glass fusion. Browse our gallery to find unique gifts made by local OBX artists as well as owners Carolyn and Gary Schena. Studio 12 is fun for all ages!
Reviewed By 251cathrync
So much to choose from for families to do and everyone had a blast. We painted animals and bowls and also did a mosaic. The staff is friendly and helpful and it's a nice relaxed atmosphere. We noticed we were not the only table of painters happily singing along to the music they played. The studio is bright and colourful and fun to look at all the artwork, both samples of painted pottery and art from local artists. Lots of art for the walls, as well as beautiful jewellery. They also have lotion and soaps and fun gifts for the kids. Loved that we could purchase a coffee and smoothies at the shop next door. Will come again!!
10. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,566 reviews
The nation's tallest lighthouse was moved to a different location to preserve it.
Reviewed By GypsyJules1111 - Albany, United States
Was a great experience! Tour groups were formed quickly.. beautiful grounds around the lighthouse to explore, informative tour guide & well worth the climb to the top! Amazing views from the top deck! Just an awesome experience!
