Beach driving is one of the most popular things to do in Hatteras. You can take your own 4WD vehicle or rent one and drive out on the beach. This gets you farther faster, so you can explore more beach in less time. And it also helps you take more stuff to the beach, which is nice for families, parties and surf fishermen. Just keep in mind that the National Park Service has many rules about beach driving on Hatteras Island, and that you need a permit. Check below for the information you need.
Beach Driving in Hatteras
The Outer Banks is one of the few coastal places where you can actually drive on the beach. The beaches north of Corolla (aka Carova, home of the wild horses) and the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Hatteras and Ocracoke islands) are open to beach driving year-round, and the beaches of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills are open in the off-season (permits are...read more
Beach Driving in Nags Head
The first national seashore in the country, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches more than 70 miles along parts of three islands: Bodie Island (just south of Nags Head), Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. It is a place for recreation, immersion in nature and inspiration for humans as well as a safe haven for a variety of wildlife. The beautiful barrier island environment is a place...read more
Beach Driving in Hatteras
Hatteras Island Beaches Safety Information
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches are routinely named on Dr. Steven Leatherman's (aka Dr. Beach) annual Top 10 list of the nation's best beaches. It's a worthy honor – the beaches here are wide and flat with white sand and few crowds.
In North Carolina all of the beach below the high-tide mark is public property. So you can...read more
Beach Driving in Hatteras
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 at the Park Store for seashore-related gifts. Lots of parking and restrooms are on site. The Hatteras Island Park Store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Christmas.read more
Beach Driving in Hatteras
hattiebuilt Jeep Rentals offers Jeep rental on Hatteras Island. You can take the vehicle on the beach at approved NPS locations. Call to inquire about the day rate.read more
Beach Driving in Hatteras
Celebrating their 14th year in business, Island Cruisers offers a variety of auto rentals on Hatteras Island. They offer 4x4 Jeep Wranglers to cruise the beaches of Hatteras Island and two-wheel-drive sedans and SUVs for folks who just want to cruise the streets of the Outer Banks. Island Cruisers also offers four- and six-passenger golf cart rentals. Reservations are required and book up quickly, so give them a call in advance or book online.read more
If you find your car or truck stuck in the sand, Jarvis’ Towing is the place to call. They also offer other services such as unlocking cars, changing tires, 4-wheel-drive wrecker service, 4-wheel drive flat bed service and flat bed towing to dealers.read more
