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
The National Scenic Byways Program recognizes, protects and promotes America’s most outstanding roadways. With its picturesque lighthouses, rolling sand...read more
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...read more
Pelican’s Roost is a full-service tackle shop offering fresh bait, ballyhoo, custom rods, equipment repairs, accurate fishing information and everything...read more
Primarily a kiteboarding lesson center, Radikal Kiteboarding offers both group and private lessons focusing on skill development and theory. All of their...read more
A new gym in Avon, Raise the Bar offers free weights, weighted circuit training machines and cardio equipment for all ages and fitness levels. Yearly and...read more
There’s something for everyone inside the REAL Flagship Store in the village of Waves. At REAL you’ll find one of the largest selection of men’s, women’s...read more
The legendary Red Drum, serving Hatteras Island since 1954, offers all the bait, tackle, custom rods, supplies, camping supplies, gear, ice and advice you’...read more
Ride Hatteras is a surf shop and watersports outfitter. The shop sells name-brand surf-inspired clothing and accessories for men and women along with all...read more
This playground in Rodanthe offers slides, swings and climbing equipment. It's on the site of the Rodanthe Community Center. read more
Rodanthe Surf Shop exists for the love of surfing alone. This classic, surf-only shop is the place to get your own Hatteras Glass custom surfboard. This...read more
Rodanthe, NC — What's in a Name?
Today’s Rodanthe, NC, is yesterday’s Chicamacomico, an Algonquin word supposedly meaning “sinking down sand.”...read more
Known as the Tri-Villages, the communities of Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo border one another on the north end of Hatteras Island (just south of Pea Island...read more
