“There are issues we simply haven’t got right here,” Karla Jarvis, the president of the Hatteras Village Civic Affiliation, tells Journey + Leisure. “There aren’t any big-box shops, no McDonald’s, and you will not be going to a theater to catch a film.” However that’s the great thing about Hatteras Island, North Carolina—it’s wild, rustic, and laid-back, even in peak vacationer season.

The southernmost of the Outer Banks’ important barrier islands, Hatteras Island and its seven villages—Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village—are all positioned inside the Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore, a 70-mile stretch of beautiful sandy seashores, salt marshes, and maritime forests. The island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one facet and the Pamlico Sound on the opposite, resulting in supreme circumstances for kayakers, fishermen, and paddleboarders. This specific geography additionally creates a haven for kiteboarders; the dependable winds, shallow water, and flat sand have led Hatteras Island to change into one of the crucial well-known kiteboarding locations on the planet.

Even if you happen to’re not concerned about harnessing the facility of wind for sport, Hatteras Island continues to be price a go to. Its storied historical past, basic allure, and calm, relaxed vitality are all causes to plan a seaside journey to this a part of the Outer Banks. For those who aren’t cautious, although, it’s possible you’ll discover you wish to keep endlessly. “One week is rarely lengthy sufficient,” says Shirley Wicker, director of Hatteras Island Ocean Center.

The place to Keep

Edgecamp Pamlico Station

Opened in 2024, Edgecamp Pamlico Station is essentially the most trendy lodge on the island. Designed by Jonathan Adler, the 700-square-foot one-bedroom suites have kitchens, residing rooms with pull-out sofas, and outside areas. While you’re not resting in your room after an extended day of kiteboarding or exploring the seashore, benefit from the property’s sauna, chilly plunge, and sizzling tub. There are even Therabody therapeutic massage weapons and yoga gear within the rooms, simply in case you’ll want to work by means of any soreness or stiffness out of your chosen outside actions.

Leases

For those who’re touring with a household or a bigger group, otherwise you’re planning on staying on Hatteras Island for an prolonged interval, your finest wager is to hire a trip residence. You may look by means of Airbnb or Vrbo, however there are additionally plenty of different rental corporations, like Surf or Sound Realty, Hatteras Realty, and Sun Realty.

Campsites

The Nationwide Park Service (NPS) operates 4 campsites on Hatteras Island: Oregon Inlet, Frisco, Cape Level, and Ocracoke. Every campground is open year-round and has spots for tents, trailers, and RVs. Relying on the campground, you both make a reservation or request a website day of, however all funds are made online.

Greatest Issues to Do

Discover the Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore.

“Fingers down, the very best factor you are able to do is stroll down the seaside barefoot,” says Jarvis. “It is such a sensory expertise. You are feeling the solar, the sand; you odor and style the salt. The sound of the waves and seagulls simply grounds you.” Except for merely strolling or enjoyable on the pristine seashores, you may go shelling—preserve an eye fixed out for the uncommon Scotch bonnet, North Carolina’s state shell—or enterprise down the shore on horseback with Equine Adventures.

Snap a photograph of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

There have been a number of variations of the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse; the primary one, a 90-foot-tall construction, was accomplished in 1803. The present lighthouse, in-built 1870, stands at precisely 198.49 toes, with 269 steps as much as the lens room. In years previous, guests have been in a position to climb all the way in which to the highest, however the lighthouse is present process restoration efforts and, according to the NPS, possible received’t reopen till summer season 2026. You may nonetheless take all the photographs you need of the long-lasting black-and-white striped construction.

Dive into the historical past of the island.

“Hatteras Island has loads of historical past woven into its tapestry,” says Jarvis, who provides that guests ought to preserve their eyes out for all types of historic markers and indicators and make it some extent to go to the assorted museums and academic facilities on the island. “The Lost Colony Museum in Buxton homes artifacts from our earliest inhabitants ahead; the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a good place to study maritime historical past; there is a museum on the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and in Frisco, there’s the Native American Museum & Natural History Center that showcases native historical past,” she says.

Constitution a ship or hire a kayak.

The Atlantic Ocean is to the east of Hatteras Island, and the Pamlico Sound is to the west, creating loads of alternatives to get on the water. “We now have constitution boats, head boats, ferry boats, every kind of boats. You can even hire kayaks and different water gear. At our Ocean Center right here in Hatteras Village, we provide guided kayak excursions the place you just about present up and paddle,” says Jarvis. A number of corporations within the space have rental companies; try Hatteras Parasail, Hatteras Watersports, or Slask Creek Outfitters.

Learn to kiteboard.

Kiteboarders of all ability ranges flock to Hatteras Island—and for good purpose. This a part of the Outer Banks is thought for its constantly robust winds, significantly within the spring and fall, and the Pamlico Sound affords the flat, shallow waters that assist in instructing newbies. Take a category with Kitty Hawk Kites, then take a look at your new pastime at Kite Point in Buxton.

Villages to Go to

Rodanthe

For those who’re a Nicholas Sparks fan, Rodanthe will ring a bell; Richard Gere and Diane Lane starred within the film model of the writer’s 2002 novel “Nights in Rodanthe.” This enclave is a part of the Tri-Villages on the northernmost finish of the island (Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo are positioned proper subsequent to one another), and it’s the place you’ll discover the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, a protected place for migratory birds to relaxation and winter.

Waves

The village of Waves is thought for 2 issues: water sports activities and a quiet ambiance. So seize your surfboard or kiteboard—or hire one from Real Watersports—and revel in a peaceable day on the water.

Salvo

Just like Waves, Salvo is well-liked amongst water sports activities lovers and guests seeking a restful retreat. Nature is one other draw; Salvo sits proper between the Pea Island Nationwide Wildlife Refuge’s wetlands and the Salvo Day Use Space, which has a seaside, restrooms, a picnic space, and a few grills.

Avon

You’ll discover Avon on the midway level of Hatteras Island. One of many extra developed communities on the island, Avon has a number of eating places, reward outlets, a spa, a medical heart, and the world’s solely chain grocery retailer (Meals Lion).

Buxton

Anybody visiting Hatteras Island will ultimately make their solution to Buxton, residence to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and several other eating places and outlets. It additionally has essentially the most year-round residents on the island.

Frisco

Secluded however nonetheless handy to the shops and different facilities in Buxton or Hatteras Village, Frisco appeals to guests who wish to fish, surf, or camp; the Frisco Woods Campground has cabins, tent websites, and RV hookups.

Hatteras Village

“I’ve to say, I am fairly keen on Hatteras Village. I grew up right here, I nonetheless dwell right here. It is on the finish of the island, and it is just a bit quieter down right here,” says Jarvis. Situated on the southern finish of the island, Hatteras Village (or simply “Hatteras”) is likely one of the finest spots within the Outer Banks for fishing; the Gulf Stream, which is simply 15 miles away, brings in heat water and, with it, warm-water fish.

Greatest Eating places

Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe

You may’t go to Buxton’s Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe with out ordering its well-known pastry: the Apple Ugly (mainly an apple fritter). Whereas there, decide up a number of donuts, walnut sticky buns, and cheese danishes. It’s trip, in spite of everything.

Toucana

“I can say the very best smash burger I’ve ever had got here from our village meals truck, Toucana,” says Jarvis. Situated on NC Freeway 12 in Hatteras, Toucana additionally serves up burritos, tacos, sizzling canines, and breakfast sandwiches. It’s the proper pre- or post-beach cease, and you’ll even order on-line to choose up on the go.

The Froggy Canine Restaurant & Pub

Hatteras Island is an informal place, and The Froggy Dog embraces this perspective whereas concurrently serving up scrumptious fare. The menu has one thing for everybody—hen wings, Hatteras-style clam chowder, jumbo shrimp, and quarter-pound sizzling canines.

Sonny’s Restaurant

In line with Jarvis, “You simply cannot beat breakfast at Sonny’s.” Household-owned for greater than 40 years, the Hatteras waterfront restaurant is someplace you wish to arrive hungry. Count on hearty breakfast entrees, like do-it-yourself biscuits and sausage gravy or pancakes, or come for lunch or dinner and order the hushpuppies and crab desserts.

Greatest Purchasing

Conner’s Grocery store and Village Market Crimson & White

“Our regionally owned grocery shops—Conner’s Supermarket in Buxton and the Village Market Red & White in Hatteras—are nice choices to your grocery wants,” says Jarvis. Each are historic island companies, with the previous courting again to 1959 and the latter having roots that return to 1866—though Village Market Crimson & White was renovated and renamed in 2018.

Lee Robinson Normal Retailer

“Lee Robinson General Store has some nice specialty grocery gadgets and an unsurpassed wine choice,” says Jarvis. The Hatteras Village staple, which Wicker additionally recommends, has been round since 1948, offering locals and guests alike with every kind of sweets, snacks, and souvenirs.

Buxton Village Books

If you’ll want to decide up a seaside learn, Jarvis recommends Buxton Village Books. An area favourite, the independently owned bookstore is now in its forty first 12 months of service (it first opened in 1984), and it has every little thing from the most recent bestsellers you retain which means to learn to kids’s books, mugs, and T-shirts.

Greatest Time to Go to

In line with Wicker, early fall is the very best time to go to; the climate is delicate—anticipate temperatures between the mid-60s and low 80s—the seashores are much less crowded, and there are nonetheless loads of alternatives to fish, kiteboard, and collect round a seaside bonfire. (Notice that bonfires require a allow and are solely allowed in specific areas of the island.) However, says Jarvis, the very best time to go to Hatteras Island is decided by your perspective. “I like the autumn, however if you happen to’re in it for the seaside, you are going to love the summer season. In case you have younger kids, summer season might be the appropriate time to go to.” Even within the peak of summer season, temperatures on the island are comparatively comfy. The common each day highs in July and August hover round 86 levels Fahrenheit.

Tips on how to Get There

Most vacationers drive onto Hatteras Island through NC Freeway 12 on the north finish. There’s additionally the choice to reach by non-public boat, and there are a few marinas on Hatteras Island. For those who plan on flying after which renting a automotive for the ultimate leg of the journey, you’ll wish to take a look at flights into both Virginia’s Norfolk Worldwide Airport (ORF) or Raleigh-Durham Worldwide Airport (RDU) in North Carolina. ORF is roughly three hours from the island, and the drive from RDU will take simply over 4 hours.

Tips on how to Get Round

You’ll want a automotive to discover the island; there is not any public transportation, and the island’s cities are a bit too far aside to comfortably bike between them. That stated, you may bike across the particular person villages, and leases can be found from Slask Creek Outfitters in Hatteras and Island Cycles, which has places in Rodanthe and Avon.