Explore All Hatteras Island Attractions
The natural world is the most stunning of Hatteras Island attractions — from Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to Hatteras Island National Seashore. It’s hard for anything else to compete with the wonders that Mother Nature provides here, so many of the local points of interest are nature-oriented. You can walk mile upon mile of beautifully undeveloped shorefront searching for shells and other treasures or get yourself out into the deep, blue sea on anything that floats — standup paddleboards and kiteboards are the latest crazes. But beyond the water, the landscape and the wildlife, there are some fantastic Hatteras Island attractions that offer interesting diversions and inform visitors about the rich history of Hatteras Island. The most well-known of Hatteras Island attractions is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, but other popular sites will get you up close and personal with the Native Americans who were the real first inhabitants of these islands, teach you about how locals predicted weather years ago, about the courageous men from the U.S. Life-Saving Service who went to the aid of hundreds of shipwreck victims and about the long and storied history of the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The Hatteras Island attractions are either free or charge a very modest fee. Several of the places listed here are also included in Hatteras History, so you may want to refer back to that section for more information. Also see Hatteras things to do for other ways to get to know this island.
Hatteras Island Attraction by Location or Category
Hatteras Village is the offshore fishing capital of the Outer Banks. Big-game marlin fishing began here in the 1930s. To see a blue marlin (one that's been...read more
If one thing represents all of Hatteras Island, it has to be the famous black-and-white, spiral-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The lighthouse has...read more
The first national seashore in the country, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches more than 70 miles along parts of three islands: Bodie Island (just...read more
The Native American history of Hatteras Island and the Native American culture of our nation are preserved at this must-see museum in Frisco. The building,...read more
At the end of N.C. Highway 12 just past the ferry docks, Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum attracts attention with its composite of ship shapes, porthole...read more
Hatteras Island Ocean Center is an indoor/outdoor nature center that provides a wide variety of interactive educational activities for people of all ages....read more
The Hatteras Island Park Store is located on the grounds of Cape Hatteras Light Station. No visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is complete without a stop...read more
A monument at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras honors Hotel De Afrique, the first safe haven for African Americans during the Civil War. The...read more
Three vehicle ferries bring cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles and bicycles to Ocracoke Island. The free Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry offers multiple trips daily...read more
The National Scenic Byways Program recognizes, protects and promotes America’s most outstanding roadways. With its picturesque lighthouses, rolling sand...read more
