Hatteras Thing To Do
23645 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe
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 formed a nonprofit organization to save it, and it is now a fine museum and historic site; all structures are original buildings.
On a visit here you’ll see the 1874 Station, the 1911 Station, two cookhouses, water tanks and a cistern, a stable, a tractor shed, the smaller boathouse and a village home built in 1907. In the museum, you’ll learn about the U.S. Life-Saving Service Station and some of the rescues that occurred here. Artifacts, uniforms, rescue equipment, displays, video presentations and self-guided tours help complete your knowledge of place and history. These stations have many stories to tell. Life-Saving crews at Chicamacomico performed many daring rescues, including one of the greatest rescues of WWI, that of the British tanker Mirlo in 1918. When the Mirlo was sunk by the German submarine U-117, Chicamacomico’s crew rescued 42 of 51 British sailors. The gift shop is full of unique nautical items and works by local craftspeople plus books and old-fashioned toys.
The historic breeches buoy demonstration is held every Thursday at 2 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The 100th anniversary of the Mirlo rescue was commemorated on August 16, 2018, with a centennial event.
Check their website for special program information, admission fees and hours of operation and to see what is happening on any given day. Chicamacomico is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit raising all of its own funds; it has no federal, state or other budget.
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
Hatteras Thing To Do
24170 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe
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 of sailboats, kayaks, surfboards and standup paddleboards (SUP), and they also rent beach chairs, umbrellas and bikes. Rentals are available by the hour, day or week, and you can use them on site or have them delivered to your place. Electric and water hookups are available at the campground, and there’s a full bathhouse with hot showers. It’s within walking distance of the ocean, pier, convenience stores and restaurants. Look for them next to the Chicamacomico Water Tower.
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
Hatteras Thing To Do
This family-owned and -operated gem can now be found right on the sound, just across the street from the old location, in the same building as Austin's Seafood and next to Lisa's Pizzeria. The coffee shop offers true Italian-style cappuccinos, lattes, frappes, coffees (iced & hot) along with their dark, smooth, Dutch-drip cold brew, matcha, chai and Numi organic teas. They also serve real, whole-fruit and...read more
Hatteras Thing To Do
Cape Hatteras Massage offers mobile massage therapy in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras. Robin Hollister has been a massage therapist since 2006.read more
Hatteras Thing To Do
Looking to get out on the water? Charlie’s Boat Rentals rents 19-foot Caribbean Skiffs, a 24-foot Carolina Skiff and a variety of pontoon boats in different sizes, including a 30-foot pontoon boat that holds a crowd. Boats are available by the day or week. The Caribbean Skiff flat bottom boats have either 50 hp or 115 hp motors. Charlie’s also rents Waverunners. All safety equipment...read more
If you’re looking for an exhilarating water adventure, check out Charlie’s Waverunners. They specialize in renting Waverunners and have lots of brand-new options. Charlie’s is the only company that will let you go out of the buoyed area. They also offer tubing and boat rentals. read more
Hatteras Thing To Do
A surf shop staple in Duck for almost two decades, DVO also has a location in Salvo on Hatteras Island. A trusted local outfitter, DVO rents bikes, kayaks, surfboards and paddleboards and offers kayak tours, surf lessons and standup paddleboard (SUP) lessons for all ages. With fresh stock daily, this surf shop has been part of the Outer Banks community for a long time, offering great deals...read more
Hatteras Thing To Do
This soundfront recreation center offers rentals of kayaks, sailboats, standup paddleboards (SUP) and windsurfing equipment plus lessons in windsurfing, kiteboarding and SUP. An on-site launching facility makes it easy to slip into the water. They sell SUP, kiteboarding and windsurfing equipment as well as active-inspired clothing and all the gear you need for your favorite watersports.read more
Hatteras Thing To Do
This classic surf shop in an old cottage has been a fixture on the island surf scene for more than 40 years. The shop sells new and used boards and surf-related gear and rents surf, body, skim and standup paddleboards plus beach gear. Surf lessons are available for adults as well as kids. They sell all the watersports equipment, accessories and wetsuits you could need...read more
Hatteras Thing To Do
Hatteras Jack is well-known for its expertise in building custom rods and reels. They also stock all the bait and tackle you could need for a Hatteras Island fishing trip. In addition to their custom rods and reels, they sell Century fishing rods, the finest in fishing and tournament casting. Hatteras Jack offers lessons for everyone from beginners to experts in anything fishing-related that you...read more
Ocracoke Thing To Do
For a local historian’s perspective of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, you won’t want to miss this bus tour of Hatteras Island. Island native Danny Couch leads tours in a 28-passenger mini-bus, telling fascinating stories and bits of island history along the way. Couch grew up on the island and is passionate about its history. The stories he tells will intrigue you. Tours include Chicamacomico (Rodanthe,...read more
