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 fishing on the Outer Banks is one of the most popular activities. Thousands of visitors and locals take advantage of the excellent fishing these...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...read more

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

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

Kitty Hawk Kites

Hatteras Thing To Do
Multiple locations
(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...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
Multiple locations

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...read more

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

Ocean Air Sports

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

In a prime location right on Pamlico Sound, Ocean Air Sports has been making Hatteras Island watersports adventures happen since 1987. Locals and visitors...read more

In a prime location right on Pamlico Sound, Ocean Air Sports has been making Hatteras...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...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 heart of Hatteras village, Slash Creek Outfitters strives to make your Hatteras vacation the best one yet. This is the place to rent a four-person or...read more

In the heart of Hatteras village, Slash Creek Outfitters strives to make your Hatteras vacation...read more

The game room and arcade at this restaurant is enormous, great for kids and adults who are looking for something to do. There are pool tables, air hockey,...read more

Stretching about 600 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, Avon Fishing Pier opened its doors in 1963 and was the final pier to be built on Hatteras Island. It’s...read more

Avon Harbor Sailing offers day sailing, sailing lessons, sunset cruises and private charters. You can explore the beautiful Pamlico Sound in a new way...read more