If you've been following Seaside Vacations for any amount of time, you'll know that we recently opened our office in Avon. We're excited to get the chance to share our love of Hatteras Island with our guests and owners! And if you've been coming to the Outer Banks for a while but you have some questions about Hatteras Island, we want to help fill in those gaps. There are so many amazing things to see and do on Hatteras, from watersports to dining to simply enjoying the beauty of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. So whether you're an experienced Hatteras visitor, someone looking to change up your OBX vacation spot, or a potential homeowner trying to decide where to buy your dream vacation home, keep reading for some history, frequently asked questions, and the top 10 things you need to know about Hatteras Island!
View Our Hatteras Island Guides
- Inside Guide to Hatteras Island
- About the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Things to Do: Restaurants on Hatteras Island
- Things to Do: Shopping on Hatteras Island
- Must-Do Things on Hatteras Island
- Guide to Fishing on Hatteras Island
- Outer Banks History: Moving the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- Bodie Island Lighthouse
- Outer Banks History: OBX Native American Heritage
History of Hatteras Island
Hatteras Island consists of seven individual villages - Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. It's believed that Hatteras Island has been occupied since 500 A.D. when it was settled by a tribe of Croatoan or Hatteras Indians. The Indigenous people living on Hatteras Island are believed to be an Algonquian-speaking subgroup of native tribes who thrived on the island well into the 16th century (when Sir Walter Raleigh brought his band of settlers to Roanoke Island). To find out more about the Indigenous people who lived on Hatteras Island, check out the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center.
(P.S. Seaside Vacations guests can receive 10% off admission with Club Seaside!)
Raleigh's infamous Lost Colony actually landed on Hatteras Island first before heading to Roanoke Island but it wasn't until the 1700s that Hatteras Island was colonized by Europeans who began taking advantage of the pristine fishing grounds, availability of lumber, and location on maritime trading routes. This particular feature has earned Hatteras Island the moniker "Graveyard of the Atlantic" due to the dangerous shoals and barrier islands that resulted in hundreds of shipwrecks throughout the years.
Hatteras Inlet opened in 1846, the result of a hurricane, while Oregon Inlet opened a few years later, separating Hatteras Island from Ocracoke and northern Hatteras Island. In the years following, Hatteras Island had a unique role to play in the Civil War, when it was originally a Confederate island before being captured and maintained by the Union. Finally, in 1870, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built and several lifesaving stations were created to limit the loss of life due to the tumultuous waves of the Atlantic.
The beautiful and pristine Cape Hatteras National Seashore was established in 1953, designating it as the first "national seashore" and ensuring an unspoiled vacation and education destination for generations to come! This was also the decade that the entire island received electricity and NC Highway 12 was established - bringing the island forward into the 21st century and preparing it to be the dreamy vacation spot that we've all come to know and love.
Top 10 Things to Know About Vacationing on Hatteras Island
1. Don't Let the Village Names Confuse You
Hatteras Island is a 42-mile long island that is made up of seven individual villages: Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. Despite being several small villages, the island itself feels like one large, unified community - so don't get too hung on up trying to figure out where one village ends and another begins. In fact, the lines of separation are relatively thin and fluid. Just know that the Tr-Villages (Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo) will be the first ones you see when you pass the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge and the village of Hatteras will be the last one before you hit water and will either have to turn around or hop on the ferry for a day trip to Ocracoke!
2. Plan for the Drive
Especially if you're driving down from the northern part of the Outer Banks, be prepared for a bit of a haul down to the island - but trust us, it's TOTALLY worth it! You can get to the island via NC Highway 12, a beautiful, winding, and scenic stretch of road that offers plenty of chances to stop and take some incredible photos of the ocean or get a bite to eat on the way down. During the off-season, it's a pretty easy drive, but if you're coming down during the summer, expect occasional stop-and-go traffic. Plan ahead by getting gas early, as gas stations can be pretty spread out between villages and you don't want to get stuck.
3. Plan Ahead for Groceries - But Don't Forget About Small, Local Shops
And speaking of stocking up before heading south, if you're looking for a wide variety of food options, it may be best to go ahead and pick up groceries before you leave Nags Head. There are no grocery stores in the Tri-Village area (Rodanthe, Waves, & Salvo), but there are several gas stations and produce stands that offer a limited selection of groceries and fresh produce. You can also stop by the Dollar General when you're in a pinch, but if you're looking for something specialized or in bulk, stop by Food Lion or Fresh Market before the turn-off to Hatteras Island. There is a Food Lion in Avon and a fully-stocked grocery store and supermarket in Buxton, as well as several smaller shops sprinkled throughout the island, so if you're open for a little more flexibility, these could be a good option.
4. Put On Your Hiking Shoes - And Find a Haunted Tree
We know that most people don't necessarily think about hiking when you hear "Outer Banks," but hear us out. Not only are there a wide variety of hiking opportunities up and down the Outer Banks, but Hatteras Island has many trails, totaling several miles, that provide an unforgettable oceanside and/or soundside experience! Avon offers several gorgeous trails down by Kinneket Shores and the opportunity to see some beautiful sunsets at Avon Habor. In Buxton, you'll find several trails that lead from NC Highway 12 back down to the lighthouse as well as in Buxton Woods. A small trail at the Hatteras Island Ocean Center in Hatteras provides a nice side adventure and the great precursor for an ice cream pit stop at Happy Belly. A section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs through Hatteras Island and if you're feeling a little adventurous, make your way down to 50175 Snug Harbor Drive in Frisco and catch a glimpse of the Outer Banks' very own witch tree! This tree is said to be the site of a witch trial where the accused (and her baby) disappeared in a flash of lightning with the letters CORA emblazoned on the tree where the pair were last seen. Find out more about this incredibly spooky local legend here and don't miss out on other haunted spots on the OBX in our Top Spooky Places on the Outer Banks Guide. And don't miss out on our podcast "Ghost Stories of the Outer Banks!"
5. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone with Watersport Adventures
Hatteras Island is quite literally known around the world for its access to watersports and creative watersports endeavors! Don't miss out on kayak tours, surf lessons, or sailing. This is the premier spot to try kiteboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding! Take a private or group beginner windsurfing lesson with Hatteras Island Surf and Sail. Kitty Hawk Kites offers lessons for wakeboarding as well as stand-up paddleboarding and parasailing! And you can save on hourly jet-ski rentals with Kitty Hawk Kites! If you love kayaking but would like to try something new, consider taking a kayak tour through Kitty Hawk Kites.
6. Be Aware of the Tides & Changing Weather
Because of its location on the Gulf Stream, weather on the Outer Banks can be a bit touch and go, and with Hatteras Island jutting out so far into the Atlantic, it is important to pay attention to the weather and tide schedule. Coastal storms can pop up quickly so if you're planning an outdoor activity like surfing or sailing, it's usually a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast and always have a backup plan just in case. The same goes for keeping an eye on the tides. Roads to Hatteras Island can sometimes flood at high tide during larger storms and hurricanes. But as long as you're aware of the forecast and prepared for things to change, you won't find better sunsets and stretches of beach anywhere else.
7. Take Time to Try the Local Restaurants and Bakeries
While most people come down to Hatteras Island looking for ocean adventures, pristine beaches, or a secluded getaway at the beach, one of the best things about Hatteras Island is the abundance of fresh local seafood, delightful family restaurants, and bakeries that are worth the drive alone. In the Tri-Villages, Lisa's Pizzeria is always a good option as is the Hoy Lechon Food Truck, which specializes in Asian-inspired grill cuisine, at the "Jug Handle Bridge" Liberty Gas Station in Rodanthe. Hatteras Bowls is ideal when you're looking for something light or head further south for even more options. The Roots & Leaves Donut & Espresso Bar in Buxton always delights while the Orange Blossom Bakery sells out of their world-famous Apple Uglies every day. Cafe Pamlico is ideal for a more sophisticated dining experience while The Froggy Dog and Buxton Munch offer a more relaxed experience with delicious meals and views. The only thing better than the food on Hatteras Island is the people who make and serve it.
8. Be Sure to Check Out the History
Whether you're into shipwrecks, lighthouses, or museums, there's a little bit of something for every history buff on Hatteras Island - and you don't want to miss it. Stop by the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station to find out more about the rescue missions completed by this precursor to the Coast Guard. Climb the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and be sure to stop by the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, the Native American Museum, and the Lost Colony Museum to find out more about how Hatteras Island became what it is! And for a unique history experience, visit the Hatteras Island British Cemetery in Buxton where you’ll find the graves of 2 unidentified British sailors who washed ashore on Buxton during WWII.
9. Plan for Excursions North and South
Hatteras Island is beautiful and you can certainly spend your entire vacation without leaving the island. But, if you want to make the most of your time at the beach, Hatteras Island is also a fantastic launching place for visiting the northern Outer Banks and Ocracoke Island. Definitely drive down to the ferry and spend the day walking around Ocracoke. Stop by one of the quaint restaurants for lunch, visit the lighthouse, and be sure to pay a visit to the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum to learn more about the island's history. When you're ready to head north, there are endless things to do from Nags Head to Corolla! Check out our blog and trip planning guides for even more ideas.
10. Book Early to Get the Best Spot
Wherever you're staying on Hatteras Island, it's important to book early - especially in the peak summer season. Figure out how many rooms you need and what amenities are essential and book as soon as possible to get your premier spot. Lock in the dates that you want and take advantage of our easy layaway plan. If you're still not convinced, check out our blog for reasons why you should book your Outer Banks vacation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Hatteras Island?
Drive straight down NC Highway 12 where you'll enter the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and make your way onto the rest of the island. It's also possible to access the island by small plan and boat.
Can I drive on the beach?
There are parts of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore where you are able to drive with an ORV, though a permit is required. Find out more here.
Can I have a fire on the beach?
Yes, with restrictions. You'll need a Beach Fire Permit and you must abide by all laws on the permit including location, proximity to wildlife, and size of fire. Find out more information here. Additionally, check out our blog which offers more information about beach fires on the OBX. For an all-inclusive beach fire experience, book with Outer Banks Beach Fires and save 10% off your Beach Fire Package!
Does Hatteras Island have public transportation?
No. You will need your own form of transportation, usually a car, to access and move around the island.
Is there a toll to drive on Hatteras Island?
No, there are no tolls on NC Highway 12. If you are planning to visit Ocracoke Island, the ferry will charge a fee.
What is the best time to visit Hatteras Island?
The summer peak season from June to August is usually the best time to visit for beachgoers looking to enjoy the warm weather while spring and fall over cooler weather, less crowding, and amazing opportunities for watersports and fishing. The winter is ideal for a quiet retreat when you just need to get away from it all.
Are there grocery stores on Hatteras Island?
Yes. The Food Lion in Avon is the largest grocery store on the island, but you can also find smaller, locally-owned shops and markets such as Village Red & White Market, Conner's Supermarket, and the Frisco Shopping Center.
Do I need a fishing license to fish on Hatteras Island?
Yes, unless you are fishing from a commercial pier, you will need a North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License. If you are fishing from the Avon or Hatteras Island commercial fishing piers, these piers have a blanket license that covers you while you are on the pier.
Book Your Hatteras Island Vacation Now!
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next unforgettable adventure to the Outer Banks. There so much to do and see. With amazing food and drinks, exciting excursions, and plenty of sand for everyone to relax, there's something for everyone here on the Outer Banks.
And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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