Located towards the southern, more isolated part of the Outer Banks (OBX), Hatteras Island, North Carolina, has been a classic coastal vacation spot for decades.
From wide-open, sprawling beaches to historic places seeping with rich maritime history, Hatteras Island offers an unforgettable beach vacation. Whether you’re a watersport enthusiast in search of the perfect playground for your next aquatic adventure or just hoping to soak up the sun while relaxing on the beach, Hatteras Island has something for everyone.
To help you plan your next trip, we’ve created this quick traveler’s guide explaining everything you need to know about planning a trip to Hatteras Island. First step: book your vacation rental with First Flight Rentals! Read on to discover what to do, where to eat, and everything you need to know about visiting this charming OBX island.
About Hatteras Island
The barrier islands of the Outer Banks, North Carolina, are composed of several small islands: Bodie Island, Roanoke Island, Ocracoke Island, and Hatteras Island. Hatteras Island, the largest of the OBX islands, is made up of multiple towns, including:
- Avon
- Frisco
- Buxton
- Salvo
- Waves
- Rodanthe
The waters off Hatteras Island are known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” as they have claimed countless ships over centuries due to their dangerous shifting shoals and unpredictable Atlantic Ocean currents. During the Civil War, Hatteras Island played a pivotal role due to its Hatteras Inlet. Union and Confederate forces vied for control of the inlet during the war as it was crucial to their supply routes and helped to strengthen their stronghold along the East Coast.
Best Things to Do on Hatteras Island
From sprawling beaches to historic sites, you’ll find plenty of things to do when you visit Hatteras Island.
Explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Beginning at the Oregon Inlet, winding 70 sprawling miles alongside Highway 12 to the Hatteras Inlet, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has no shortage of scenic coastline to explore. From days basking in the sun listening to the waves lap on the shore to early morning visits combing the sand for the perfect shell to take home, there are plenty of ways to spend your day at the beach here.
Maintained by the National Park Service, Cape Hatteras is the first national seashore in the United States. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore also offers many historic attractions, including the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station in Rodanthe. Be sure to stop by while out exploring the coastline and get a glimpse into the rich maritime history of the area and the efforts of the life-saving service of the Coast Guard.
Visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
A visit to Hatteras isn’t complete without stopping by the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Easily spotted from miles offshore, the black and white swirling stripes of the lighthouse are recognizable to visitors from across the world.
This stately lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in America. At its peak, it rises over 198 feet above the ground. The tower is currently closed to climbers for renovations but will reopen in 2026. Keep an eye on the website for updates.
Explore History at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Known for its treacherous waters and dangerous shifting sandbars, the Outer Banks islands have a long and storied history of shipwrecks off the coastline. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum explores that history with artifacts, interactive displays, and exhibits.
The museum also offers exhibits highlighting local legends like Blackbeard, a pirate who once pillaged the open waters of the Atlantic. Open Monday through Friday this coastal attraction is easy to spot. Resembling a shipwrecked boat partially submerged in the sand, its unique design is a nod to the seafaring culture of the Outer Banks.
Find Local Wildlife at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the diverse coastal ecosystems of Hatteras at the Pea Island National Refuge. Visitors can experience a variety of scenic settings, including maritime forests, salt marshes, freshwater ponds, sand dunes, and beaches.
Due to the vast array of habitats present on the grounds, a diverse assortment of wildlife can be spotted when visiting. Especially known for its bird population, this natural refuge is a haven for bird lovers. Its soundside proximity also makes it a popular spot for kayakers looking to explore calmer waters.
Best Time to Visit Hatteras Island
While a trip to Hatteras Island is perfect year-round, different seasons do offer certain advantages. Depending on how you plan to spend your trip, you may find certain times of year more ideal for your trip.
Spring on Hatteras Island
Visiting Hatteras Island in spring offers a blend of mild weather, lively wildlife, and slightly smaller crowds. As the island comes back to life after a long winter, you’ll see beautiful coastal blooms appear and witness firsthand as the lush green landscape returns.
Having made it through the winter, many of the seasonal businesses in the area reopen in spring, making options for food and shopping more plentiful. The smaller crowds spring brings make it a great time to visit some of the Outer Banks’ iconic tourist spots.
Summer on Hatteras Island
When you visit Hatteras Island in the summer months, you get the quintessential beach experience. Blazing sun, coastal breezes ,and warm ocean waters make it the perfect place to spend the day sunbathing and swimming.
Hatteras Island’s beaches are also not typically as crowded as the other northern Outer Banks spots like Kitty Hawk and Duck. Cape Point is a popular spot for water sports like surfing. You’ll find no shortage of surfers here catching waves off the coast or kiteboarding or windsurfing the white caps a little further out.
Fall on Hatteras Island
The autumn months at Hatteras Island offer the opportunity to experience a quieter, calmer visit. The hustle and bustle of the summer months has subsided, and cooler temperatures and crispy sea breezes have settled over the area, making fall the perfect time for long walks along the beach.
Migration brings new wildlife to the area and leaves the waters teeming with fish, creating the ideal environment for anglers. Whether you’re hoping to do some sport fishing in deep waters or want to catch an inshore charter fishing tour for smaller game, you’ll find plenty of options in the fall. If you’re looking to do some inshore fishing, be sure to stop by Bonner Bridge pier.
Winter on Hatteras Island
While the winter months bring a chill to the area, with it comes deserted beaches perfect for those who like to experience the ocean in solitude. Fewer visitors mean attractions like Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Graveyard of the Atlantic can be fully appreciated at a leisurely pace.
Star-gazing in winter is particularly spectacular. The dwindling crowds lead to a lack of light pollution, meaning the starry skies are fully on display, sometimes offering views of the Milky Way on clear nights.
Where to Eat on Hatteras Island
Hatteras has many excellent dining options. Below are a few of our favorites.
Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill
When you want dinner with a view, be sure to visit Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 pm to 9 pm, this soundside spot sources the freshest local ingredients for their delicious dishes. From fresh, fried fish to sizzling NY strips, you’re sure to find something tasty to fill your belly here.
Sonny’s Waterfront Restaurant
Sonny’s Waterfront Restaurant is another island eatery with a view. This family-owned spot has been serving the OBX for over 40 years. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’ll find plenty here to fill you up for those long beach days. Be sure to try one of their Steamer specials and enjoy their succulent steamed seafood options.
Breakwater Restaurant
While you’ll find lots of fresh fish and seafood options on the menu at the Breakwater Restaurant, you’ll also find many other choices ranging from creamy pasta dishes to fat juicy ribeyes. Dinner is also served with a view of this coastal gem. Their soundside spot overlooks the scenic Pamlico Sound.
Isola Pizzeria & Bar
When the craving for pizza hits, head to Isola Pizzeria & Bar. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of tasty pizzas, from classics like pepperoni to unique specialty pizzas like the Truffle Shroom. You’ll also find several different pasta and sandwich options, making this a spot it’s easy to visit multiple times on your trip
Travel Tips for Visiting Hatteras Island
Plan your Ferry Trips in Advance
If you’re planning on coming in via ferry or using the ferry to access Ocracoke Island, be sure to check the ferry schedules in advance. You’ll want to arrive early when you intend to depart as the ferries can get crowded, especially in the summer months.
Get a Beach Driving Permit
If you want to drive on the beach, you’ll need to obtain an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Permit. Visit the National Park website to obtain one, check out the beach access maps, and learn where ramps are available. Before setting off in the sand, be sure your vehicle is equipped with 4-wheel drive, and bring supplies in case you get stuck.
Respect the Wildlife
The shores of Cape Hatteras National Seashore are home to all sorts of wildlife, including nesting sea turtles. Please be mindful of the native creatures and leave their habitats undisturbed.
Stock Up
There are plenty of grocery stores, bait and tackle shops, and convenience stores on the island! If your staying in a most peaceful area, stock up at one of these great options.
Stay and Explore Hatteras Island
Visiting Hatteras Island offers the chance to become submerged in both history and the salty ocean waters where history was made. It is a beach vacation destination with a quieter appeal and is perfect for those looking to retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
To make the most of your Hatteras Island vacation, be sure to book your oceanfront rental home with First Flight Rentals. We offer all the comforts and conveniences of home, with your own coastal paradise located just outside the doors.