Top Things to do in Hatteras Island
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What to do and see in Hatteras Island, North Carolina (NC): The Best Things to do
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. Pea Island Art Gallery, Salvo, NC
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By DonaldC1334
owner and help are great not pushy lots to choose from neat garden surrounding the house .We go in spring and the fall
4. Blue Pelican Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Shop American Made, Shop Handmade, Shop LOCAL. Blue Pelican Gallery and Gifts is a unique little shop with a lot of heART.With hundreds and hundreds of handmade and individually produced items, Blue Pelican is a great place to pick out an affordable, special, often one of a kind gift for a special person...including yourself. We have a huge selection of items under $20. We are constantly changing and adding new art and artists. Three generations of our family own and staff the shop. Remember to shop LOCAL on Hatteras Island!Some of the items you can find are: jewelry, pottery, prints, photography, soap, candles, ornaments, sun catchers, clay wall art, metal art, blown glass art, Outer Banks SeaSalt, pet sitter gifts, art cards, and much, much more.
Reviewed By TyiaP1
I ordered online from Blue Pelican Gallery. At the time of my order, the Gallery was up on stilts, being raised due to flooding. Jennifer contacted me and let me know that she couldn't get in her store (safety) at the time and asked me if I wanted a refund or if I wanted to wait until the Gallery was lowered back down. I told her I would be fine with waiting. It wasn't more than a week, but one of the items I had ordered got lost when they lowered the house and the display fell. Jennifer wrote me a note and sent it along with my order explaining that one item had been lost, she sent several replacements, refunded my shipping, and said that she will ship the lost item when she finds it. This woman is BEYOND NICE!!! She has gone above and beyond in making up for the loss of an item that was beyond her control! She is an example of what not only quality customer service, but a quality human being, should be! Thanks Jennifer! I will definitely be recommending and shopping from your store again!
5. 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!
6. Salvo Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By P403BGtraceym - Bluemont, United States
The ocean side had strong waves and riptides so we went to the Sound side and discovered Salvo Beach. The parking is ample, the bathrooms and changing rooms are conveniently located and kept very clean. The water is shallow and calm so it makes it ideal for young children. The beach was not overly crowded. We had plenty of room for four chairs and a cooler. We would recommend this beach!!
7. Hatteras Island Horseback Riding
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Affordable horseback riding on the beautiful Hatteras, NC beach. No age limit. 100% on the beach. Strictly walking. To protect the horses we enforce a 200 lb weight limit. Our horses are kid friendly and safe. Helmets provided. Great for a couple or a group. Romantic sunset rides (adults only). No experience needed. Create memories that last a lifetime. Reservations required.
Reviewed By bigetan - Severna Park, United States
We drove 2 hours south from Kitty Hawk to surprise our kids with a horseback ride on the beach! It was worth the 2 hour drive! The kids walked freely on 2 beautiful horses, Gus and Shadow, along the beach. The horses were extremely calm and well-trained. There were 2 very kind and personable guides that walked beside the horses. The horses walked on the beach and in the surf. They walked the whole time, so perfect for young kids. They even let mom ride with son for a portion of the ride. They also were very friendly in taking lots of family pictures we asked them to take. They sanitized the provided helmets before giving them to our kids. They also allowed our kids to feed the horses carrots (which we brought with us) after the ride. The kids LOVED this part! We wore shorts, shirts and water shoes - no need for jeans or tennis shoes. This is definitely a casual beach ride, no shoes is fine! We would highly recommend making a day of your trip down here. We wish we would’ve brought our bathing suits and beach gear, as the beach down here is calm, clear, not crowded and beautiful! There are also tons of amazing shells to collect!
8. North Carolina Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Reviewed By steveny1195 - Penn Hills, United States
My wife and I have ridden the NC ferry system on multiple occasions from Hatteras to Ocracoke and Ocracoke to Cedar Island and back. Love being on the water and taking the time to enjoy the scenery, especially on the Cedar Island trips at dusk seeing the sunset over the water.
9. Avon Fishing Pier
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 265 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 Neals6769
2/3 of the pier is open. There were many people fishing & just enjoying the view. There are beverages there for purchase or take your cooler.
10. Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 505 reviews
Reviewed By S250LPmikeg
From the Fresnel light center stage in the main room to the historical info inside and out to the helpful staff and free all day run of short educational films, this is a must-see destination for anyone who loves and wants to know more about the Outer Banks from Blackbeard's time, through the Civil War to the present day.
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