Rodanthe is much more than the place where Nights in Rodanthe was filmed. A part of the Tri-Villages of Salvo and Waves, Rodanthe encapsulates the unspoiled beauty of the OBX surrounded by the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic.
This is your First Flight getaway guide to Rodanthe!
What to Know About Rodanthe
The northernmost town on Hatteras Island, Rodanthe grew in fame thanks to an average movie and a few words from Nicholas Sparks. But for those in the know, Rodanthe has always been a breathtaking place.
Once a clearing house for fresh catch, it marks the most eastern point of North Carolina. Bravely facing the Atlantic, the town’s coastal homes fit seamlessly with the white beaches and rolling waves. It’s a place where time stands still, and the salty winds put your mind at ease.
The Best Things to do in Rodanthe
Visit the Nights in Rodanthe House
Better known as the Inn at Rodanthe, this was where Paul Flanner and Adrienne Willis met, starting their whirlwind, tragic romance. The home itself has been moved inland from the coast. But it still affords a romantic vista of the coast.
Check Out the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
Chicamacomico is the first of seven original life-saving stations in North Carolina, and it is also the most complete. It’s a grand look into the early years of the US Coast Guard and local life-saving.
Dating back to 1874, come and uncover a historic maritime site that features drill poles, ‘life cars,’ surfboats, and buoys that were used in the site’s very first service training.
Explore Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
The Outer Banks serves as a prominent spot for migratory birds. The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, just ten minutes north of Rodanthe, helps ensure the habitat for over 370 bird species.
Hikes along the North Pond Wildlife Trail bring you into that habitat and close to waterbirds and even turtles. Head to the soundside New Inlet Boat Ramp for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding through channels and islands to get out on the water.
Stroll Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The star of Outer Banks’ exceptional coastline is Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It features over 70 miles of rugged oceanfront, epic vistas, rolling waves, and memorable history.
The first national seashore in the country, visitors can immerse themselves in unique maritime culture in 21 coastal villages, including Avon, Duck, and Manteo, alongside live-saving stations and the impressive Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The iconic bright lighthouse is one of the tallest of its kind and has peered across the region for more than 200 years.
You can drive along the seashore from South Nags Head to Ocracoke Inlet along the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway (part of Highway 12).
The Best Time to Visit Rodanthe
With a little introduction to Rodanthe and some of the best things to do here, the welcome mat has been laid for your next vacation. The question then becomes, when is the best time to visit Rodanthe?
This will all depend on the experience you wish to have with your traveling partner, friends, or family. The summer is a clear winner in terms of numbers as the holidays, toasting weather, and events bring folks from across the country.
However, there’s something magical about the lead-up to the high season and the fall temperatures and vibes that follow. Let’s dig a little deeper.
Spring in Rodanthe
Rodanthe rises out of winter with average daily highs of 60 in March and 74 by the day summer knocks on the door. Visitors can experience a relaxed atmosphere outside of Spring Break in Rodanthe and along the Outer Banks.
Warming temperatures make the Atlantic Ocean more appealing for swimming and watersports, and that fun grows as consistent surfing waves arrive in the region in the back half of spring.
Before Rodanthe reaches its busy months, you can enjoy local festivals such as the OBX Taste of the Beach along with the annual Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding Spectacular!
Summer in Rodanthe
Rodanthe is more secluded than some famous neighbors like Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills. But that doesn’t mean you won’t see an uptick in foot traffic along the main street and local beaches. So be sure to check out our vacation rental listings ahead of time here.
Summer in Rodanthe has plenty of merit that makes any prior planning worth it. For all the extra visitors, Rodanthe still feels like the quiet alcove where you can enjoy the inherent beauty of the Outer Banks in peace.
When it comes time to put the book down and slip into your adventure shoes, you’ll find an exciting 4th of July atmosphere, great weather for excursions to Hatteras Island, and epic sunsets.
Fall in Rodanthe
Fall in Rodanthe is an extraordinarily special time to visit. It all starts with one last hurrah across Labor Day Weekend. As we say an unofficial goodbye to summer, we say hello again to the town and region’s resplendent charm.
Through September, you can enjoy summer temperatures later than most places. But without peak crowds, it’s a great time to enjoy a quieter golf course, more space on the beach, and the fishing piers. As the winds pick up offshore, try your hand at windsurfing or kiteboarding.
Yes, fall marks the start of Hurricane Season. It’s best to grab trip cancellation insurance. But if the weather window remains clear, visitors are in for a treat.
Winter in Rodanthe
If you’re in search of true peace and quiet on your next vacation, winter in Rodanthe may just be the move for you. Through the winter, the area enjoys a charming local atmosphere. Many bustling summertime restaurants and shops close, but the true local spots remain.
From December to the start of March, you can enjoy a mild winter as the snow falls elsewhere. Don a cozy fleece for a nippy walk along the seashore. Or take the time to explore the coast and nearby islands like the Oregon Inlet and Roanoke Island, all but abandoned as the mercury dips below 50 degrees.
Seasonal Events in Rodanthe
Old Christmas in Rodanthe
The winter may be the quietest time of year to be in Rodanthe. But you can make the case that it’s the most special. The Old Christmas in Rodanthe is a timeless event that has occurred for the last 260 years. That’s older than most states!
Like any old event, it’s steeped in tradition. A tradition that started with the switch to the Gregorian calendar. Rather than make the change, locals continue to celebrate Christmas in early January.
Come and discover what other odd traditions and festivities that have evolved over the last two centuries.
Outer Banks Seafood Festival
While not in the heart of Rodanthe, this festival is well worth the 30-minute drive. Held annually in October, the Outer Banks Seafood Festival is a celebration of the region’s seafaring heritage. As you learn more about the local seafood industry, you’ll have a chance to see (and taste) why it’s such an intrinsic part of the community.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a festival without live music and you’ll listen to many local acts across the single-day event.
Rock the Cape
Rock the Cape has become an annual tradition, and it all starts here in Rodanthe at Milepost 40; visitors will take in an afternoon of great June weather, local music, and art. The latter features the Rock the Cape Art Show, which features almost two dozen local artists and artisans.
It kicks up a notch on day two as the festival moves south. On Hatteras Island, Rock the Cape presents an opportunity for a self-guided exploration of local galleries alongside art classes, great food, and, yes, plenty of live tunes.
The Best Restaurants in Rodanthe
Having the opportunity to eat well is a key part of the vacation experience. Loosen a belt buckle or two at some of our favorite Rodanthe restaurants:
Book Your Rodanthe Getaway
The birds may fly to Rodanthe for refuge along the migratory routes. But for us, Rodanthe can represent a refuge of its own. Secluded and rich in nature, the town is a chance to slow down and enjoy each day like a Nicholas Sparks character – without the inevitable tragedy!
Come dine on fresh seafood, enjoy the morning sunrises, explore the seashore or simply read a good book as you watch the waves roll in. The choice is yours and it all starts with a First Flight Rental.