Visiting parks is one of the favorite things to do in Hatteras. With Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve taking up the majority of the island, Hatteras Island is basically one big park. Whether you’re looking for a wide-open nature park experience or a playground and swings for the kids, you’ll find fun parks on Hatteras Island. Look to these parks on Hatteras Island, all of them free and open to the public.
Parks in Hatteras
This playground in Avon provides a castle-style climbing area and shaded picnic tables. read more
Parks in Hatteras
Near the lighthouse on the National Park Service grounds is a 3/4-mile trail through the maritime forest of Buxton Woods. From N.C. Highway 12, turn onto Lighthouse Road and continue around the curve to the right past the lighthouse. The trailhead is on the right at the picnic area. A pine needle-covered path leads back into the forest. Along the way there are informational signs...read more
Parks in Hatteras
Buxton Woods is one of the largest remaining maritime forests in the Southeast. It consists of pine- and oak-covered dune ridges interspersed with maritime swamp forest and unique marshy wetlands known locally as sedges. It’s a very rare global ecosystem, and most visitors don’t even realize it exists. The North Carolina Coastal Reserve, a program of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, maintains more than 1,000...read more
Parks in Hatteras
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 become the icon of the island, representing the hopeful, stalwart, survivalist attitude that is so pervasive among the people of Hatteras. This is one of the most famous lighthouses in the nation, especially since it survived a controversial, precarious move in 1999. The...read more
Parks 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
Parks in Hatteras
The Dare County-run Fessenden Center has a fitness center, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a playground, a skate park and tennis courts. Tennis courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis during daylight hours. The Fessenden Center's concrete skate park is a gem for local skaters; it's open from sun up to sundown, and protective gear is required. The center offers fitness classes five days a week,...read more
Parks 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
Parks in Hatteras
Hatteras Village Park is a nature preserve with a trail that winds through a maritime forest and salt marsh. You'll see high marsh and tidal marsh and cross an elevated boardwalk. Self-guided booklets will point out the plants and animals you might see. Parking and bike racks are available. read more
Parks in Hatteras
The refuge’s visitor center, located on the northern end of Hatteras Island about 4 miles south of Oregon Inlet, is a good place to start a Pea Island visit. It gives an introduction to the ecosystems and wildlife of the refuge and the activities that are permissible there. You may also pick up informational brochures and trail maps. Restrooms and parking are available. You may...read more
Parks in Hatteras
This playground in Rodanthe offers slides, swings and climbing equipment. It's on the site of the Rodanthe Community Center. read more
