Top Things to do in Hatteras Island
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Top 10 Things to do in Hatteras Island, United States
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 Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The nation's tallest lighthouse was moved to a different location to preserve it.
Reviewed By az_rosie - Wisconsin
Unfortunately, we visited in April, before the lighthouse is open for the season. However, we were able to go inside the light keeper's home where there is a nice museum with information. Make sure to visit the beach, just on the other end of the parking lot. It was a beautiful spot.
2. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 472 reviews
A national seashore preserve that has the most extensive stretch of undeveloped seashore along the Atlantic coast.
Reviewed By Astros80 - Arlington, Texas
I first visited the Cape while stationed in Norfolk many years ago. The outer banks is worth the drive, and the time to get there. If you have time, go see the lighthouse and just stroll around the whole area and enjoy the ocean. Worth every moment!
3. Frisco Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By sanju_222323 - New Jersey
This is nothing diff than other beaches at outer banks shore. But as this is more of the south, water is a bit warmer than kitty hawk-KDH beaches. Laidback atmosphere... less crowded... privacy. You can rent beach houses near by it. You can surf kayak, do water sports here.
OBX beaches are so long that you won't find crowded at all. You can swim, kayak-surf, do water sports. Get down and have some relaxing moment.
Note: beware of RIP current
PS- there are 2 routes to this beach. One is taking left from Frisco gun and rod shop, but that will include a hike. Go 1 mile south and you ll get boardwalk direct to the beach.
4. North Carolina Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By Nancy N - Central Florida, Florida
We took the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke then from Ocracoke to Cedar Island. I was surprised at how clean the ships were. The bathrooms were cleaner than most restaurants I've been to. I was told not to drink from the water fountain so bring your own water. It was a very enjoyable crossing!
5. Hatteras Island Ocean Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 75 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 chebean - Jacksonville, Florida
What a fantastic educational experience for my family and i! It was raining that morning and learned from staff that the presentation would be indoors. I was a little sad at first but Matthew and his crew kept us all engaged throughout the entire presentation whom each had so much information to share! We even got to dissect owl pellets and discover what little animals they might had eaten. I wish we weren't so hungry for we would had participated in the Marsh Madness. We learned so much to make improvements in our environment as a whole so that our future children may enjoy the outdoors. Classes like these are a great way to start and highly recommend to people of all ages!
6. Avon Fishing Pier
Overall Ratings
4 based on 218 reviews
Built by two local brothers from the village of Kinnakeet (now known as Avon Village), the pier took two years to construct. It opened its doors in the summer of 1963 and has been in continuous operation since then. The pier stretches 665 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean. Its visible crooked bends are testament to the forces of Mother Nature over the many years. Today the Avon Fishing Pier is the only pier remaining in operation in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The pier is world famous for its many records, especially with giant Red Drum that frequently school just off the end of the pier. Today the pier is in even better hands with ownership belonging to Koru Village Resort and Spa. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just taking the family fishing for the day, the Avon Fishing Pier is the perfect spot. Come and start a tradition of your very own today.
Reviewed By David M - Morgantown, West Virginia
We arrived early for our week-long rental in Avon and we were looking for something to do. Well, we could not have found a better place than the pier! Shopping, food, beverages, and perfect scenery. Educational information at the pier as well as a great...MoreThank you for the 5-star review, David. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time at the Avon Pier while waiting for your check-in! We look forward to seeing you again soon at the Avon Pier.
7. Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 398 reviews
Reviewed By InnerBanksGary - North Carolina Coast, North Carolina
Thousands of ships have sank (sunk?) off NC, and this museum puts it in perspective. Some exhibits seem to be incomplete (in the main room about Billy Mitchell) kinda started in the middle of the story. A good hour in a nice facility.
8. Pea Island Art Gallery, Salvo, NC
Overall Ratings
5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Cathy M
First visit here and we loved this store. Spent a lot of money on treasures here. Would recommend this store to all the visitors. Painting. Pottery. Jewelry. They had it all plus high quality made products. Staff was extremely friendly.
9. Canadian Hole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Beach located along North Carolina's Outer Banks that is recommended for windsurfing.
Reviewed By rockbite
Canadian Hole may be an unfamiliar term to the typical, laid-back Hatteras Islander vacationer, but to windsurfers around the world, the phrase invokes thoughts of an exact, postcard-perfect locale on the Outer Banks, where windsurfing and water sports conditions are truly at their global best, and any given day is a fantastic day to enjoy the ride.
10. Salvo Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Charlene C - Wilmington, Delaware
We love the Outer Banks but, then again, what is there not to love! Fresh air and the quiet peaceful laid back atmosphere of Salvo. The beach is truly uncrowded, especially when you may be used to the Jersey Shore or even the Delaware/Maryland beaches. You only have a few rules to follow but outside that, just enjoy the sunshine and the waves. Now, if you are used to the Jersey Shore or Delaware/Maryland beaches, the OBX waters are something you may never have experienced and you want to have a few hands on deck if you are taking small children to these beaches, as a bad day at the Jersey shore is a moderate yellow day in OBX. The waters are beautiful but you need to pay attention to rip currents and the waves will give you a good work out. We will be back again, many times I can only hope for.
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