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 – Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco 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
In a charming restored 1950s Hatteras cottage, Blue Pelican Gallery offers an eclectic mix of artwork, most of it local. Owner/artist Jennifer Johnson is a...read more
Bob's Frisco Tackle and Convenience offers everything you need for fishing – bait and tackle, gear, ice, beer and wine, drinks, convenience items, rod and...read more
Buxton and Frisco are two distinct villages but they border one another (without any parklands in between) so they kind of blend together. Both of these...read more
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...read more
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...read more
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...read more
Cape Hatteras Massage offers mobile massage therapy in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras. Robin Hollister has been a massage...read more
The first national seashore in the country, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches more than 70 miles along parts of three islands: Bodie Island (just...read more
Cape Hatteras Secondary School has tennis courts that are open to the public in daylight after school hours.read more
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...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...read more
For those on southern Hatteras Island, yoga classes are available at Community Yoga in Frisco. Classes for beginners and all levels are held in a beautiful...read more
