Nicholas Sparks famous novel “Nights in Rodanthe” has put Rodanthe on the map and made it a favorite with visitors! Visitors come from all around the country to visit this beautiful and peaceful area of the southern Outer Banks. Rodanthe, along with Waves and Salvo, are part of the settlement of Chicamacomico. The natural beauty of this town and the surrounding areas have always set the scene for beautiful stories and wonderful vacation memories.
There are awesome attractions and historic sites, uniquely designed vacation rentals, romantic sunsets, and secluded beaches – making Rodanthe a true gem of the Outer Banks. Here is a taste of what will keep you amused in Rodanthe during your Outer Banks vacation.
Get A Kite & Fly – Or Hop A Board & Ride
When adventure is on the horizon, Rodanthe has you covered! Started by hang gliding pioneer John Harris, Kitty Hawk Kites will ensure you have an exhilarating experience up in the air, with multiple locations in the Outer Banks from Corolla to Ocracoke Island. You can also take your wild journeys to the seas with watersports like kiteboarding, parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and boat tours in the wide waters of the Atlantic or the Pamlico Sound. Kitty Hawk Kites offers a variety of exciting tours by air, land, and water, as well as equipment rentals from beach gear and bikes to jet skis and pontoon boats.
Fishing The Rodanthe Pier
The barrier islands of the Outer Banks have a front row seat to the majestic shores of the Atlantic Ocean. In Rodanthe, enjoy the relaxing sound of waves crashing in while waiting for the catch of the day at the Hatteras Fishing Pier. The 850-foot pier is a favorite spot of both resident and visiting anglers. Common in-season catches include sea mullet, spot, bluefish, trout, mackerel and small flounder. Near the pier, we offer condo rentals at The Rodanthe Sunset Resort, which is the newest condo complex on Hatteras Island, and fast becoming a most popular choice. Visitors also love casting a line at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, a full-service marina with a massive charter fishing fleet.
Visit Forbes Candies & Coffee
Forbes Candies is a unique gift shop and coffee house, offering original confections like toffees, chocolate, and fudge. There are an assortment of fun gifts to choose from, including oysters, pearls, special gift trays and tins. If you are a fan of coffee, you will definitely want to sample the salted caramel mocha. The shop staff is very friendly and quite helpful, and Kitty Hawk Kites is conveniently located just a few doors down. Additional Outer Banks Forbes Candies locations can be found in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head.
Explore The Adventure Tower
Don’t miss the exciting Adventure Tower at the Waves Village Water Resort – the first of its kind on Hatteras Island! The tower offers a unique, safe, and interactive atmosphere for all ages. There are 3 levels and 15 climbing elements offering varied challenges and a genuine sense of lasting accomplishment. The adventure ropes and challenge course is created by KristallTurm®, a company with a global reputation for their unmatched quality and safety standards.
Horseback Riding Adventures
Guided coastal horseback tours are a must-do experience on the Outer Banks. Just 45 minutes south of the Waves Village you can indulge in a two and half hour horse ride through a wooded trail in the maritime forest of Frisco that leads into the Cape Hatteras National Seashore against the backdrop of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Tours are offered daily by local experts like Kitty Hawk Kites and Equine Adventures. Morning and afternoon sessions are available, and fill up quite fast during summer months, so advance reservations are suggested.
Explore The Amazing History Of Hatteras
Rodanthe has a rich history and one of its most well-known historical sites is the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station. The station came about in the 1860s when the federal government created the U.S Life Saving Service, posting staff points along the ocean to rescue those who might face maritime accidents. In an ironic twist, the life-saving crews were not well trained and ended up facing shipwreck and disaster themselves. This station is one of the earliest; having been built in 1874 and operated by the Coast Guard until 1954. It has since been converted into a museum, sharing the story of the service through exhibits, artifacts, and photos. The Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station is listed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places.
Eat Local Fresh Sushi
One mile from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (the 15th highest light in the United States), the Diamond Shoals Restaurant offers tasty hibachi, award-winning clam chowder, and Hatteras Island’s only sushi bar. You can hop in for your favorite, locally-sourced Asian Cuisine, and watch the chefs grab fresh fish from the attached market. Just a 20-minute trip to Buxton!
See Dolphins During A Short Day Trip
Take a short trip to Nags Head or Manteo to see dolphins in their natural habitats! Kitty Hawk Kites and Nags Head Dolphin Watch offer two-hour dolphin tours aboard 40′ pontoon boat in the Roanoke Sound, Tours are led by marine biologists as part of their research on these intriguing aquatic mammals. These excursions will get you close enough to safely connect with bottlenose dolphins – a fantastic experience for all ages! On a rainy day, the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island may be a worthy indoor alternative for marine fun. Make sure to take advantage of the scenic route! Highway 12, part of the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, is one of the most picturesque pathways in the United States.
Take Refuge With Nature
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge established in 1938 to provide nesting, resting, and wintering habitat for migratory birds. On-site services include educational programs, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, fishing, and a visitor center. Home to more than 350 bird species, the sanctuary is located 10 miles south of Nags Head, North Carolina on the north end of Hatteras Island. The National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center on Roanoke Island offers free exhibits, wildlife trails, and canoe tours!
Bonus tip: Pick up a fun t-shirt to remember your Outer Banks stay from OBX Stuff – you’re sure to love the fun gear on this site!