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 

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...read more

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...read more

Located on the sound in Salvo, Hatteras Watersports is a family-owned business that’s celebrating 32 years of providing watersports fun on Hatteras Island....read more

On the southern end of Hatteras Island, Hatteras, or as the locals call it, Hatteras village, is known for its ties to offshore fishing. The village borders...read more

The Haulover Day Use Area is also known as Canadian Hole because it is a hotspot for windsurfers and kiteboarders, many of whom hail from Canada. This...read more

Hwy 12 Amusements has a lot to offer for family fun. Outdoors there’s an 18-hole minigolf course right on the sound and a 45-foot tall rock climbing wall on...read more

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...read more