12 Best Things to Do on Hatteras Island
Hatteras Island, nestled off the coast of North Carolina, is a serene escape from the clamor of city life, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and adventurous activities.
This slender island is rich with natural landscapes and a keeper of deep maritime history. Renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities, it's a destination that also caters to bird watchers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the Outer Banks.
Whether it's the allure of exploring quaint villages, engaging in exhilarating outdoor activities, or simply unwinding by the ocean that brought you to an Edgecamp vacation rental or new 1-bedroom suites, Hatteras Island promises an unforgettable getaway that feels worlds away from the ordinary.
Here is your guide of the 12 best things to do while on Hatteras Island.
1. Learn How To Kitesurf
Photo Credit: Wallenrock
If there is one outdoor activity you should try on Hatteras Island, it is kitesurfing. The history of kitesurfing here is deeply intertwined with the island's identity as a premier destination for wind and water sports enthusiasts.
With its unique geographical location off the coast of North Carolina, Hatteras Island provides the perfect playground for kitesurfers and windsurfers alike, thanks to its consistent winds and varied water conditions.
You’ll see kiters flock to Hatteras Island in large numbers during the open season from April to October, as it offers the best conditions with its consistent winds and wide-open beaches.
Our concierge team at Edgecamp offers a variety of waterfront fun activities, including private or semi-private kitesurfing lessons. We also offer pontoon boat and jet ski delivery, bike rentals, and beachfront cabanas to use during your stay.
2. Explore the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Photo Credit: Cvandyke
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum focuses on maritime history, shipwrecks, lightkeepers, and even peculiar ghost stories of the Outer Banks. Since a stretch of the Atlantic coast is quite dangerous and infamously known as the Diamond Shoals, it’s a hazard for ships navigating the ocean waters off Cape Hatteras.
The museum provides an outlook on the countless shipwrecks that have occurred over the centuries. But no worries, the Diamond Shoals have become safer to navigate due to the advances in navigation technologies.
It’s also a learning and fun activity in Hatteras for those who love history. The museum offers scavenger hunts and creates new exhibits often, so each visit will provide you with new experiences.
3. Visit the Hatteras Island Ocean Center
Photo Credit: Mike Longenbaker
Located on the sound side of Highway 12, the Hatteras Island Ocean Center is a place for families to visit when looking for educational activities for their kids.
They offer kayaking nature tours where you can see the diverse wildlife, or opt for the turtle patrols where you can see and learn all about the sea turtle nests. You can also set out to explore the salt marshes—a coastal ecosystem filled with salt-tolerant plants and grasses.
4. Spend Time Relaxing at the Beach
Photo Credit: Kyle J Little
Hatteras Island offers plenty of beach access for those who wish to spend time relaxing. Public beach access is available along North Carolina Highway 12 down south from Cape Hatteras National Seashore or the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
We recommend visiting the Old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach in Buxton and Frisco Beach.
Other places where you can relax include Rodanthe Beach, Kinnakeet Beach, Coquina Beach, and Ocracoke Beach. Note that to get to Ocracoke Beach, you’ll need to take an approximately 60-minute ferry ride from Hatteras Village.
5. See the Wildlife at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Photo Credit: Malachi Jacobs
The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary in the Outer Banks that encompasses over 5,800 acres of habitats, including salt marshes, dunes, and maritime forests. It is the perfect place for birdwatching as it serves as a stopover migratory point along the Atlantic Flyway.
You’ll be able to see shorebirds and waterfowl. There are many activities to do as well, such as stopping by the visitor center, hiking the North Pond Wildlife Trail, or seeing the marsh birds from a canoe or kayak.
6. Eat Seafood and Watch the Sunset Views
Photo Credit: monofaction
Hatteras Island is filled with excellent restaurants, especially those featuring the local main attraction: seafood. There are a variety of menus and atmospheres to fit your mood.
Whether it's a place with a nautical theme or a simple coffee place, you’ll find something your palate will love and enjoy. Many of the establishments are also near the coast with open outdoor seating or at the marina, a great place to enjoy some crab cakes, live music, and sunset views. These are some of our favorite places to find the catch of the day:
7. Go on a Hike
Photo Credit: Wildnerdpix
Many of our guests love spending time at the beach, while others like to step away from the sand to go on a hike. You’ll be happy to know that some hiking trails you can explore are conveniently located at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Here are some of our favorites.
Buxton Woods Trail: This ¾ mile loop hiking trail starts at the Buxton Woods Picnic Area.
Open Ponds Trail: This is a 9-mile round-trip hiking trail where you’ll get to see dunes and shrub thickets.
Hammock Hills Trail: Another ¾ mile loop with views of the salt marshes and the Pamlico Sound.
8. Dip Your Fishing Line at Oregon Inlet
Photo Credit: Stephen B. Goodwin
Hatteras Island offers plenty of opportunities to reel in dinner! For any fisherman, pro, or beginner, casting a line in Hatteras is an essential experience.
Situated more than 20 miles offshore in the heart of the Outer Banks, this fishing-centric town is renowned for its rich catches. Here, local fishing crews are recognized as among the finest nationwide, backed by Hatteras's legendary boat-building traditions. Coupled with the presence of the ocean's most formidable predators, the fishing grounds of Hatteras offer a unique angling adventure unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
Red drum, cobia, king mackerel, tuna, wahoo, and marlin are all on the list here of potential catches. Miss Hatteras Fishing and Good Times Sport Fishing are both excellent options for guided fishing tours.
If you want to go off the beaten path, about 40 minutes north, you’ll find the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, located 8 miles south of Whalebone Junction in Nags Head. At the Oregon Inlet, you can go on fishing charters and check the fishing reports. There’s also the Rodanthe Fishing Pier (no fishing license required), a good spot to try. However, you’ll require a pier pass and the pier house has a tackle shop to get supplies and refreshments.
9. See the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Museum
Photo Credit: garystockbridge617
A short 30-minute drive on NC Hwy 12 N takes you to the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. Established in 1874, it was one of the seven life-saving stations built along the North Carolina coast to aid ships in distress.
The surfmen—as the station’s crew was known—were highly trained and risked their lives responding to distress signals. Today, the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station serves as a museum and historic site. You can opt for a self-guided or group tour to see the original building, the exhibits, and the artifacts.
10. Take a Day to Focus on Your Wellness
Photo Credit: UfaBizPhoto
Nothing compares to practicing yoga or getting a massage while enjoying the ocean views. The ocean provides the perfect background as you go through your sun salutation. Community Yoga of Hatteras and In Touch Massage and Wellness are excellent options to unwind with!
If you wish for a personalized experience, reach out to our concierge team to learn more about the wellness experiences we offer.
11. Explore the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Photo Credit: Cvandyke
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore encompasses a long stretch of barrier islands along the Outer Banks - it goes from Bodie Island and South Nags Head down to Ocracoke and Hatteras Island.
Due to its vast 70 miles of beach, there’s plenty to do during your stay. From fishing to seeing the sea turtles on the seashore during the summer, bird-watching, and kayaking or paddleboarding on the Sound off the shores of Ocracoke, you’ll have lively experiences, unlike any other place you’ll visit for summer getaways.
Note that the National Seashore is also open year-round, but each visitor center, museum, and lighthouse may differ in operating hours and seasons.
12. Visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Photo Credit: Chansak Joe
Constructed between 1868 and 1870, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is about a 20-minute drive from Hatteras Island. It is an iconic symbol in the Outer Banks and the tallest brick lighthouse in the US. There are 257 steps to reach the top, showcasing views of the Atlantic coast and the surrounding area. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark since 1998, and today, it is undergoing a restoration project due to its exposure to the elements.
Even though guests won’t be able to climb the lighthouse until restorations conclude in 2026, the Museum of the Sea and the Park Store will remain open. You can also opt for the virtual lighthouse experience the National Park Service provides with its official partner, the Outer Banks Forever (OBX).
This lighthouse is also located within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, providing many things to do in Hatteras, NC. However, Cape Hatteras isn’t the only lighthouse in the area, as there’s also the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse.
Stay and Discover the Things to Do in Hatteras, NC
From kitesurfing to relaxing beach and fishing days to eating delicious seafood, there are simply too many things to do in Hatteras, NC during your Edgecamp stay.
Whether you stay at the Pamlico Station or one of our waterfront villas, your itinerary will be filled with both adventure and relaxation. Book your stay today!
