Things to Do in Hatteras, NC

Hatteras Island’s recreation offerings are a magnet for people who love sporting by the sea: surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, standup paddleboarding, sport fishing, bird watching, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, camping and roaming the miles of Outer Banks beaches. For a vacation destination that you can visit any time of year, the things to do in Hatteras, NC, will not run out.

The active crowd loves participating in the things to do in Cape Hatteras for a number of reasons – pleasant temperatures for about 10 months of the year, abundant and accessible beaches at the ocean and sound, numerous outfitters catering to the practically everything to do in Hatteras, NC, and the very laid-back lifestyle. Most important to the things to do in Hatteras, NC, and the outdoorsy personality of the island, however, is Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This 72-mile national park is a sight to behold. It includes parts of Bodie, Hatteras and Ocracoke islands and is left in its complete near-natural state. The National Seashore offers undeveloped ocean and sound beaches where eco-friendly outdoor things to do in Cape Hatteras are plentiful and often involve up-close glimpses of wildlife in their natural habitats.

Where to Find Things to Do in Hatteras, NC

In the seven Hatteras Island villages – RodantheWavesSalvoAvonBuxtonFrisco and Hatteras Village – you’ll find many Hatteras Island recreation outfitters offering all the gear, rentals and lessons you’ll need to get out there and enjoy the outdoor things to do in Hatteras, NC, barrier island style. The villages also offer other recreational opportunities, like mini-golf, movies and bike rentals.

And a note in case we confused you with our repeated references to Hatteras Island and Cape Hatteras: They’re the same thing! Lots of people refer to this entire area as Cape Hatteras. Others call it Hatteras Island. So keep in mind that the Cape Hatteras things to do are the same as Hatteras things to do.

Rodanthe, Waves & Salvo | Avon | Buxton & Frisco | Hatteras Village 

Charter Boats on the Outer Banks

Charter fishing on the Outer Banks is one of the most popular activities. Thousands of visitors and locals take advantage of the excellent fishing these waters offer, so not surprisingly there are many businesses that can connect you with the sort of charter you're interested in. Without a doubt, the offshore charter boats that go after the Gulf Stream big game of tuna, wahoo, mahi...read more

Charter fishing on the Outer Banks is one of the most popular activities. Thousands of...read more

Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station

Hatteras Thing To Do
23645 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe
(252) 987-1552

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is the nation’s largest and most complete existing example of the life-saving stations that were built along the Atlantic coast in the late 19th century to attend to shipwrecks and to rescue survivors. The 1874 Station was the first operational U.S. Life-Saving Service station built in North Carolina, serving until 1954. Chicamacomico has been partially restored, thanks to numerous volunteers who...read more

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is the nation’s largest and most complete existing example of the...read more

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

Hatteras Thing To Do
59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras village
(252) 986-0720

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 windows and curved timbers. One of three North Carolina Maritime Museums operated by the North Carolina Division of Natural and Cultural Resources, the museum focuses on the maritime history and culture of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The Outer Banks’ stretch of sea is...read more

At the end of N.C. Highway 12 just past the ferry docks, Graveyard of the...read more

Hatteras Island Boardsports

Hatteras Thing To Do
41056 N.C. Highway 12, Avon
(252) 995-6160

Hatteras Island Boardsports has more than 5,000 square feet packed with swimwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and kids. Some brand names you’ll find here include Billabong, Quiksilver, Volcom, Roxy, O’Neill, Rip Curl and RVCA, along with surfboards by Dewey Weber, Haydenshapes and Channel Island. If you need new sunglasses, Hatteras Island Boardsports has hundreds of styles from Costa, Oakley, Electric, Von Zipper and more....read more

Hatteras Island Boardsports has more than 5,000 square feet packed with swimwear, apparel and accessories for...read more

Hatteras Parasail and Watersports

Hatteras Thing To Do
57878 N.C. Highway 12, Oden's Dock, Hatteras Village
(252) 986-2627

There’s nothing like a bird’s-eye view of the Pamlico Sound to lift your spirits. Hatteras Parasail can take you hundreds of feet above the islands for a view you won’t forget. Parasailing can be done as singles, tandems or triples. This family-owned company has been operating for more than 20 years. They also rent Waverunners that carry up to three people and offer boat rentals...read more

There’s nothing like a bird’s-eye view of the Pamlico Sound to lift your spirits. Hatteras...read more

Island Acupuncture and Massage Therapy

Hatteras Thing To Do
3105 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 5.5, Seagate North Shopping Center, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 449-8122
24267 N.C. Highway 12, Pamlico Station, Rodanthe
(252) 995-4481

In business since 2001, Island Acupuncture is the premier acupuncture facility on the Outer Banks. Acupuncture, massage therapy, cupping, moxibustion, aromatherapy, herbal prescriptions and more are offered at this professional healing center, which has locations in Kill Devil Hills and Rodanthe. read more

In business since 2001, Island Acupuncture is the premier acupuncture facility on the Outer Banks....read more

Kitty Hawk Kites

Hatteras Thing To Do
Ocracoke Civic & Business Association Member
58848 Hatteras Landing, Hatteras Landing, Hatteras
(252) 986-1446
39432 N.C. Highway 12, Island Shops, Avon
(252) 995-6060
24502 N.C. Highway 12, Waves Village, Rodanthe
(252) 987-2297
794 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village, Corolla
(252) 453-8845
819 Ocean Trail, Monterey Plaza, Corolla
(252) 453-3685
1216 Duck Road, Wee Winks Square, Duck
(252) 261-4450
3933 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5, Jockey's Ridge Crossing, Nags Head
(252) 449-2210
307 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo
(252) 473-2357
Community Square, 270 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke
(252) 928-4563
7517 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Whalebone Watersports Center, Nags Head
(252) 441-4124
(877) 359-8447

Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly since 1974. With 10 retail locations from Corolla to Ocracoke, Kitty Hawk Kites boasts an impressive selection of kites, flags and spinners, toys, apparel, gifts and games on the Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk Kites specializes in kites, from the single-lines for kids to high-tech stunt varieties. The stores also sell fun outdoor goodies such as...read more

Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly since 1974. With 10 retail...read more

Kitty Hawk Surf Co.

Hatteras Thing To Do
58848 Hatteras Landing, Hatteras
(252) 986-1446
24502 N.C. Highway 12, Waves Village, Rodanthe
(252) 987-2297
819 Ocean Trail, Montery Plaza, Corolla
(252) 453-3685
790 Ocean Trail, TimBuck II Shopping Village, Corolla
(252) 453-4999
1216 Duck Road, Wee Winks Square, Duck
(252) 261-8787
3933 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5, Jockey's Ridge Crossing, Nags Head
(252) 441-6800

Ready for some action? Kitty Hawk Surf Co. has everything you need to enjoy all the Outer Banks has to offer, from the wind and waves to flat water adventures. At Kitty Hawk Surf Co., you can find a huge selection of new and used kayaks, kayaking gear and equipment, standup paddleboards, surfboards, Zap skim boards, wetsuits and more. You can also find top selections...read more

Ready for some action? Kitty Hawk Surf Co. has everything you need to enjoy all...read more

OceanAir Sports

Hatteras Thing To Do
39450 N.C. Highway 12, Avon
(252) 995-5000

In a primo location right on Pamlico Sound, OceanAir Sports has been making Hatteras Island watersports adventures happen since 1987. That’s right, locals and visitors of all ages and experience levels have trusted this iconic north Avon business for family-oriented outdoor fun for more than 30 years! OceanAir rents kayaks, standup paddleboards (SUP), Jet skis and Hobie Cats and offers lessons and rentals in windsurfing...read more

In a primo location right on Pamlico Sound, OceanAir Sports has been making Hatteras Island...read more

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

8770 Oregon Inlet Road, off N.C. Highway 12, Nags Head
(252) 441-6301

It's all about making fishing memories at this legendary Outer Banks marina. A fleet of 48 boats offers a variety of fishing excursions at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center year round (weather permitting). Nearshore, inshore vessels offer half-day or full-day trips, while the headboat offers a choice of morning or afternoon inlet/sound fishing. Offshore vessels travel to the Gulf Stream, where anglers enjoy a full day on...read more

It's all about making fishing memories at this legendary Outer Banks marina. A fleet of...read more

Rodanthe Watersports & Campground

Hatteras Thing To Do
24170 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe
(252) 987-1431

Watersports enthusiasts love staying at this soundfront campground, where they can view awesome sunsets, windsurf, kiteboard or kayak right out from their RV or tent site and get discounts on renting the watersports equipment. Right on the sound, it has easy, uncrowded access to the warm, shallow water, which is perfect for the entire family. Rodanthe Watersports offers lessons (no experience necessary!) and affordable rentals...read more

Watersports enthusiasts love staying at this soundfront campground, where they can view awesome sunsets, windsurf,...read more

Slash Creek Outfitters

Hatteras Thing To Do
57698 N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras village
(252) 986-1500

In the historic A.S. Austin Building in the heart of Hatteras village, Slash Creek Outfitters can make your Hatteras vacation more enjoyable. This is the place to rent four-person and six-person golf carts for tooling around the village, and they also rent bikes of all sorts (for kids and adults), which you can enjoy on the new Hatteras bike path once it's finished this summer. They...read more

In the historic A.S. Austin Building in the heart of Hatteras village, Slash Creek Outfitters...read more