Welcome to Hatteras Island!
- Tri-Villages (Rodanthe, Waves, & Salvo)
- Avon
- Buxton
- Frisco
- Hatteras
- Wind & Watersports
- Fishing on Hatteras Island
- The Graveyard of the Atlantic
- The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Why Choose Hatteras Island?
Welcome to Hatteras Island, a hidden gem nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound! This slice of paradise is one of the most cherished spots on the entire Outer Banks, and we can't wait to share its wonders with you.
Picture miles of untouched, sandy shores, hugged by pristine marshlands and lush maritime forests. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer looking for some of the best watersports and fishing opportunities in the world or you’re just looking to relax on a peaceful island far away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag, Hatteras Island has something for everyone.
Now, let's talk about the villages that make up this unique island. Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras may be small in size, but they're big on charm. With only a handful of year-round residents, you'll experience the kind of peace and tranquility that can only be found on a barrier island. It's like stepping into a serene coastal dreamland. Filled with historic sites, wildlife refuges, and the famed Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Hatteras Island truly feels like the land that time forgot. Get as close to an original Outer Banks vacation experience as you can and let your worries tail the breeze as you take in world-famous sunsets and gracious local hospitality.
So, come on over and join us on this 50-mile stretch of uncrowded beaches, where the sea oats sway and the worries of the world melt away. Hatteras Island is waiting to welcome you with open arms!
Tri-Villages (Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo)
Just south of the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge, past the bridges and sand dunes, you’ll find three villages that are collectively known as the Tri-Villages: Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo. Because these towns are so small and closely knit together, it can be hard to determine where one town ends and the other begins. So while there are plenty of wonderful things to do in each town, we’ve lumped them together to help make your Hatteras Island navigation a little easier.
The northernmost village of the Hatteras Island "Tri-Villages," Rodanthe is one of the Outer Banks' small, coastal towns that seems to fade right into the others, including Waves and Salvo. This town, however, is most famously known as the setting for the famous Nicholas Sparks novel Nights in Rodanthe and as the home of Old Christmas. This celebration takes place on January 6 and is based on the "Old Style" Julian calendar.
Making your way south through the Outer Banks, you'll pass through Rodanthe before getting to Waves. This unincorporated area derives its name from its pristine beaches and the mesmerizing waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing onto the shore. If you're seeking a serene and unspoiled oasis on Hatteras Island yet still want easy access to the restaurants and attractions found in the larger towns of the Outer Banks, then Waves is the perfect destination for your Outer Banks vacation.
Welcome to Salvo, the last gem in the Tri-Village trio! After cruising through Rodanthe and Waves, you'll stumble upon this charming town, which was once part of Chicamacomico. Salvo is like the cool, laid-back cousin of the Outer Banks – predominantly residential and delightfully secluded. You won't find big-name chains here; instead, it's all about the cozy mom-and-pop shops and restaurants that give Salvo its unique flavor. And the best part? You're just a short drive away from the Outer Banks' hottest attractions, like the epic Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head and several iconic lighthouses. Dive into a relaxing Outer Banks vacation and pick up some new hobbies along the way. Cast your line into the perfect fishing conditions, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, or give kiteboarding a whirl – these memories are bound to be legendary and last a lifetime!
Do It Like a Local
Grab your cooler and your surfboard and head on over to the Salvo Day Use Area. Take advantage of this isolated stretch of sand just south of Salvo that also boasts paved parking, bathrooms, showers, and a kayak/kiteboarding launch. Riding the waves while forgetting what time it is as you relax on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is about as local as it gets.
Grab a drink at Waterman’s Bar and Grill and take in some unforgettable views over the water as you enjoy a yummy meal, sample their amazing coffee & espresso menu, or take advantage of their exclusive rum bar!
Must Do
Check out a water rescue reenactment at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. This active museum is one of the most complete remaining life-saving stations in North Carolina. Experience the thrills and the history of what would become part of the United States Coast Guard. The building now serves as a museum and educational center, offering events and live-action reenactments throughout the summer. The museum is open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM, Monday through Friday. Check the museum website for additional event information!
Avon
Nestled on Hatteras Island, Avon is a cozy small town where the Atlantic Ocean kisses one side and the Pamlico Sound greets you on the other. As of 2020, this charming community was home to just 832 permanent residents, covering less than 3 square miles. With an average annual high temperature hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and inviting water temperatures rounding out at an average of 64 degrees (heating up to a delightful 80 degrees during the summer), Avon is a hidden gem turned tranquil, bustling waterside haven. It's known for its marvelous waves, unbeatable ocean breezes, and mild winter months. Regardless of when you choose to visit, you're in for a treat. And, just like the rest of Hatteras Island, if you're seeking a perfect spot to stay that lets you dive into a myriad of watersport activities and year-round events, Avon is unquestionably the place to be.
Do It Like a Local
Be sure to check out the annual summer concert series at Koru Beach Klub. Stop by to go swimming and to check out the other summer events that locals and visitors alike adore. Grab a drink at the tiki bar, head out onto the dance floor, and let your worries fade away with the sounds of summer music and a lively atmosphere, the likes of which you can only find on Hatteras Island.
Must Do
No visit to Avon is complete with a fishing trip at the Avon Pier. Step right onto the water and embark on an adventure to create unforgettable memories at this world-famous fishing spot. For those seeking the thrill of catching Red Drum, you've come to the perfect destination. Plus, with the pier's all-encompassing fishing license, there's no hassle - just grab your fishing gear and bring the whole family along for a day of making cherished moments by the water. Learn more about fishing on Hatteras Island.
Buxton
Buxton is home to some of the most famous landmarks associated with Hatteras Island. Located at the highest point on the island, Buxton offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and exciting activities. After exploring the area around the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and capturing stunning Instagram-worthy moments, Buxton transforms into a surfer's haven. It's renowned as the annual host of the Eastern Surfing Association's championships. Buxton's challenging geography for ships becomes a blessing for those seeking the perfect Outer Banks wave.
When you're not riding the waves, Buxton has a wide range of enjoyable activities to offer. You can go hiking, take a horseback ride along the scenic beaches, or embark on a guided tour of the island's wonders. Buxton is a hidden gem, far enough from the bustling northern Outer Banks to ensure privacy and tranquility, yet close enough to keep you connected to modern conveniences. With average annual temperatures and water temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, there's no wrong time to visit Buxton. It's a year-round destination that promises a memorable vacation experience.
Do It Like a Local
Everyone on the Outer Banks knows that one of the best places to grab breakfast on the beach is Orange Bloom Bakery with their world-famous "apple uglies." This bakery is a local's favorite with roots dating back to the 1950s. Apple Uglies are their trademarked fried apple fritters that bring people back to the island year after in. And while the unique name and history brings people in, it's the taste that keeps them coming back. But be sure to get there early - these suckers sell out quick!
Must Do
Any trip to Buxton requires a visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. One of the most recognizable landmarks on the Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse sits 210' above sea level and boasts 257 climbable steps throughout the year (closed in 2023 for repairs). But whether you get the chance to climb the lighthouse, or simply spend your time exploring the grounds surrounding it, there's no doubt that your visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the trip of a lifetime.
Frisco
Like the rest of Hatteras Island, Frisco is known for its watersports like kiteboarding, kayaking, surfing, and fishing. You'll find long stretches of untouched beach, quiet residential neighborhoods, and lots of fresh, open air where you can embrace the island state of mind. Local legend suggests that the postalmaster who lived in the area wanted to name the area fter San Francisco, shortening the name to Frisco. Prior to English colonization, this area was home to a large and thriving indigenous population. In fact, archeologists believe that there were potentially upwards of 5,000 people living in and around Frisco before the English ever arrived on this coast.
Do It Like a Local
While in Frisco, be sure to stop by the gallery at Red Drum Pottery. Local artists Rhonda and Wes create amazing artwork to purcahse and explore while relaxing with some friendly folks over a cup of coffee or a cool drink. This is also a great spot to grab some last-minute Christmas presents or other gifts such as ornaments, mugs, and paintings.
Must Do
Another must-do while you're in Frisco is a visit to the Frisco Native American Museum. Located in a building with a section dating back to 1880, the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center contains a nationally recognized collection featuring art, pottery, weavings, baskets, weaponry, jewelry, stonework, and MUCH more! And when you stay with Seaside Vacations, you're eligible to receive 20% off your purchase at the museum gift shop.
Hatteras
Last but certainly not least, on the south end of Hatteras Island, you'll find the Hatteras (also known as Hatteras Village). One of the best things about Hatteras Village is its supreme location near both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound. What this means is that you will have access to some of the best fishing in the region as well as fantastic windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing, and kayaking on this side of the Atlantic. This is also one of the only areas that has not changed its name throughout history. During the American Civil War, the Union army established the Hotel D'Afrique, a refuge for enslaved African Americans during the Civil War. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum commemorates the refuge's importance as part of the National Park Service's National Underground Network to Freedom. Since that time, Hatteras has continued to grow at its own pace. And while it is now a tourist destination and a popular place for outdoorsmen and lovers of natura, alike, it remains a quiet, peaceful place to spend an idyllic beach vacation.
Do It Like a Local
Spend a day at Hatteras Landing. Here you will find two full-service marinas ready to get you out on a fishing charter, lots of shopping, dining, and more to keep the whole family entertained! It's also very close to the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, making this ideal for a day's worth of fun.
Must Do
No trip to Hatteras is complete without spending some time on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Drive down to Cape Point for some of the best fishing imaginable and be sure to spend some time soaking up the sun and resting by the waves on this untouched stretch of protected land. This is the perfect spot for beachcombing and relaxing with your favorite beach read.
Wind & Watersports
One of the highlights of visiting Hatters Island is the premier wind and watersports opportunities that its location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound provide. Head down to Canadian Hole for kiteboarding adventures. Positioned with perfect access to the wind, waves, and turning currents where the shallow waters create an amazing practice ground for kiteboarding, kitesurfing, and other watersports along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Visitors can access the Pamlico Sound from any number of private and public sound beaches (including the Salvo Day Use Area and the Canadian Hole between Avon & Buxton) to look for wildlife, cast out a line, or spend the day swimming in the shallow waters without worrying about dangerous ocean currents. Water sports enthusiasts especially flock to the Pamlico Sound due to the ideal conditions for paddleboarding, parasailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kayaking. Kitty Hawk Kites, long-time Seaside Vacations partner, is one company that offers private kiteboarding lessons, kiteboarding camps, and kiteboarding equipment rentals for those who already know the sport.
Fishing on Hatteras Island
Hatteras Island and the full stretch of land from Nags Head to Ocracoke that makes up Cape Hatteras National Seashore are known around the world for their spectactular fishing locations and regular access to a wide variety of large fish species. In fact, Natioanl Geographic filmed an entire show all about the fishing grounds on the Outer Banks called Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks. With miles of protected shoreline, Hatteras Island offers numerous spots that are sure to give you the fishing experience of a lifetime.
Cape Point
Cape Point is arguably one of the best spots in the United States for surf fishing. This out-of-the-way beach is the "geographic" center of Hatteras Island and the easternmost beach on the Outer Banks.
Hatteras Inlet
Make your way half a mile pass Hatteras Village, and you'll find the long stretches of beach that border Hatteras Inlet. The beaches on either side of the inlet area great for for surf fishing or kayak fishing in the Pamlico Sound. You can also go by foot out into the sound to see what you can get.
Avon Fishing Pier
There are no shortage of piers on the Outer Banks that are great for fishing, sightseeing, or just unwinding after a day of travel. If you're looking to take advantage of the amazing availability of red drum, sea mullet, spanish mackerel, and croaker that you'll find just off the shores of Avon, the Avon Fishing Pier is the place for you.
Rodanthe Fishing Pier
The Rodanthe Pier, or the Hatteras Island Fishing Pier, is a strong structure that withstood several hurricanes and storms. Jutting 500 feet out into the ocean from Rodanthe, one of the farthest east towns on the Outer Banks, you'll be able to take advantage of some of the most spectacular catches available on Hatteras Island.
Bonner Bridge Pier
If you're looking for somewhere a little more out of the way, the Bonner Bridge Pier is a designated spot on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore for sightseeing, walking, and fishing.
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
While the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is technically in Nags Head, just 8 miles south of Whalebone Junction, it's a great spot to launch or hire a charter with this full service marina. Launch from the marina, schedule a charter, or sign up for a make-up charter to get out into the currents and start catching something big!
Diamond Shoals Frying Pan
The Diamond Shoals "Frying Pan" is a great spot to take your boat out for some private fishing 32 miles offshore. The waters surrounding the tower are home to large fish and other marine species as well as a reef ecosystem where skilled boaters will find amberjack, cobia, and even barracuda.
The Graveyard of the Atlantic
For centuries, the coast off the Outer Banks has been known as The Graveyard of the Atantic. Because of the shifting sands and inlets as well as the Diamond Shoals off the coast of Cape Hatteras, these treacherous waters have become the final resting place for thousands of vessels throughout the years. The area now is known for its wealth of archeological findings dating back to the time of Blackbeard and is also a popular spot for recreational diving. To learn more about the vessels that have come and gone off the coast, a visit to The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum at 59200 Museum Drive in Hatteras, NC is in order. This museum holds many artifacts from famous wrecked ships of the OBX coast, including the USS Monitor: a Civil War battleship that sank only 16 miles off the coast of Hatteras! You can even view priceless artifacts from one of the most well-known shipwrecks of the Atlantic, Queen Anne’s Revenge. (The museum is temporarily closed for construction into early 2024 when rennovations are expected to be completed - with exciting new exhibits and updates.)
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
In light of the dangers off the coast, Congress authorized the construction of a lighthouse in 1794. This lighthouse would eventually become the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, one of the most recognizable symbols of the Outer Banks. Standing at a height of 208 feet, this is the tallest brick lighthouse in North America. It also made history when, in 1999, it was moved 2,900 feet to its current resting place where it will be protected from beach erosion and the waves of the Atlantic. A new virtual tour of the Cape Hatteras Ligthouse and webcam are available for visitors to virtually experience climbing the lighthouse and enjoy the breathtaking view from the top. In the meantime, you can also walk the grounds, learn more about the history of seafaring on the Outer Banks, and enjoy a truly iconic landscape with the lighthouse in the backdrop. And don't forget to keep an eye out for the ghost cat, as well, as it meanders the grounds looking for the light keeper.
Hatteras Island Property Management with Seaside Vacations
Thinking of buying a home on Hatteras Island? Looking to increase your rental income? We love property management on the Outer Banks and it shows. Family-owned and locally managed for over 30 years, Seaside Vacations goes above and beyond to make sure property management is Hassle-Free, meaning that we’ll take care of the details so that you can get back to taking care of the things that matter most to you.
If you’re not already working with us and you're ready to find out more about how we support YOU in your rental property business, request your Complimentary Rental Projection today! Get your complementary rental projection today and learn more about our team here. Simply fill out this form to receive a commitment-free call from Michelle Russell, our Business Development Director at Seaside Vacations, who can answer any questions you may have about how Seaside Vacations can help you make the most of your Outer Banks vacation rental property.
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