03/24/22

Top Outer Banks Beach Vacations

Some of the finest vacation beaches are in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, and Ocracoke and Buxton were ranked as two of the top ten beaches in the USA! Dr. Beaches, aka Dr. Stephen Leatherman, is a coastal research specialist. He’s been compiling this list every year since 1991. He compares more than 650 beaches, and his choices are based on water and sand quality plus 50 other criteria. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach and Buxton’s Old Lighthouse Beach are consistently in his top ten. We understand why.

Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach is a haven that can only be reached by sea. Part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you will find lifeguards present during the season. Whatever time of year you choose to go, you will find beaches that are pristine, wild, uncrowded, and clean.

The nights are clear and made for stargazing. Obtain a permit from the National Park Service, and you can build a bonfire on the beach. While there, visit Ocracoke’s lighthouse. With five-foot thick walls at its base, it is a sold beauty and the second oldest lighthouse in the nation.

Buxton’s Old Lighthouse Beach on Hatteras Island is another experience. This stretch of beach attracts surfers and other ocean sports aficionados. The same energy that creates superb surf carries seashells to the shore; it is a joy for beachcombers. Rent a boogie board or a surfboard. Go to nearby Kite Point, Canadian Hole, or Cape Point for windsurfing, kiteboarding, or surf fishing. Or, simply spread your towel on the beach, get into your chaise, pull out a good book, and marvel at the power of the ocean.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse towers over beach dunes near Buxton, North Carolina, US

This is the perfect time to plan your beach getaway. The Outer Banks is made for honeymoons, romantic escapes, or a friends and family vacation. The top-rated beaches of Buxton and Ocracoke have unparalleled appeal. Make plans for your dream beach vacation today!

09/4/17

Celebrate Community and Seafood in September at Day at the Docks

Mid-September is a beautiful time to visit Hatteras Island and the annual day at the docks on September 16th gives you one more reason. Whether you stay the week before and enjoy the event on your way out of town or visit the event to kick-off your vacation, it’s sure to be a fun experience.

A celebration of community heritage, Day at the Docks kicks off on Friday night at 4:00pm with the sixth annual Taste of North Carolina, Hatteras Style. The event takes place at Lee Robinson General Store and Sticky Bottom produce in Hatteras Village. Enjoy foods, beverages and music from the Old North State.

Talk of the Villages will take place the same day starting at 6:30pm at the Hatteras Village Community building between the post office and fire station on Highway 12 in Hatteras Village. Acclaimed Hatteras Island photographer Daniel Pullen and the fisherman he photographs will share stories about the photographs on exhibit.

Saturday’s action packed schedule starts off with the Fishy 5K starting at 8am – a fun run that starts and ends at Hatteras United Methodist Church looping through historic Hatteras Village. Runners (and walkers) of all skill levels are welcome. Children’s activities will be taking place throughout the day. There will be Coast Guard boat tours, crab races, and a kids fishing contest as well as activities like making fish print T-Shirts and marsh tours.

All day long you’ll also find entertainment from storytellers, musicians and singers on the main stage. You won’t want to miss the culinary events like the Shrimp and Grits Showdown under the big tent at 2 pm where 5 celebrity judges will choose between the makings of Chef Armstrong of Vinnie’s Steakhouse in Raleigh, North Carolina and Chef Jay Pierce, Author and Shrimp Chef of the Traveled Farmer in Greensboro, North Carolina. There will also be a Chowder Cook Off and Seafood Tent.

Join the local and regional community in celebrating seafood and Hatteras Village at the Day at the Docks.

03/30/17

Boating on Hatteras Island

boating girls

You would expect that a vacation destination that’s surrounded by hundreds of miles of water would have a booming boating culture, and when it comes to Hatteras Island, you’d be exactly right. The island’s roots have long been tied to boating, from the first wave of tourists in the 1930s who would commission locals to take them on fishing and duck hunting trips, to the charter and tour companies that provide more modern expeditions today. And as a result, all a visitor has to do to join in the fun is to contact a local marina or charter boat, step aboard, and dive right into the scene.

So where can you go, and what can you do while you’re on board one of the countless vessels that call Hatteras Island home? There are plenty of options for exploring the seemingly endless waters, ensuring that vacationers of all tastes can craft an Outer Banks boating experience that exceeds all expectations.

Charter Fishing

As any seasoned visitor knows, Hatteras Island is one of the best destinations in the world for fishing, and with a fleet of inshore and offshore charter fishing businesses at multiple marinas, it’s easy to dedicate a half or full day to enjoying island fishing at its very best.

Offshore vessels venture out to the Gulf Stream — a warm water major current that’s found roughly 15 miles off the island shoreline. In these deep and clear blue waters, anglers can target the big prize catches, including marlin, Mahi, tuna, and sailfish, depending on the season. For a fishing adventure on a smaller scale, visitors can also embark on an inshore fishing trip. These boating excursions target the ocean, sound, and inlet waters that are closer to the island in search of tasty species like cobia, trout, bluefish, flounder, and sheepshead, and can even veer off course for a little clamming or island-hopping while en route.

Boat Tours

Boat fans who’d prefer a more relaxed and thorough exploration of the island will also find a wide range of boat tours available at multiple Hatteras Island areas. Often offering different themes, (like dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, or eco-tours), these adventures present the island landscape in an entirely new perspective — from the vantage point of the wide Atlantic Ocean or Pamlico Sound waters. A must for kids and families alike, a boat tour is a truly inspiring way to see all the highlights of Hatteras Island.

Commandeering your Own Vessel

Vacationers who come to Hatteras Island with their own vessel in tow will find plenty of opportunities to explore on their own steam as well. The village of Hatteras has more than a half dozen marinas to load up on supplies and fuel, and virtually every major community on the island has a public or private boat ramp for visiting mariners’ use. With nice wide channels that connect with the open water within minutes, mariners are always a quick and easy trek away from endless on-the-water adventures.

Ready to discover your inner island mariner? Then get your crew down to Hatteras Island. With a centuries-old and inherent love of the water, the island-wide boating scene of Hatteras Island is genuinely the best on the Outer Banks.

Bringing Your Own Boat

What if you’re already an avid boater and you have a boat of your own? A number of our vacation homes have private docks. Just be sure to check the description as the drafts vary.

03/15/17

Hatteras Island Parks and Playgrounds

parksplaygroundsheader

Tried and true Hatteras Island vacationers will certainly attest that the best “park” within Hatteras Island is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore — the National Park that extends 70 miles along its shoreline. We have to agree that you’ll undoubtedly spend quality time soaking up some oceanfront fun. Maybe reclining in a beach chair with the latest summer read, or watching the kids as they furiously dig for sand fiddlers and coquina clams. There is always ample entertainment to be found at the beach.

When you are ready to expand your horizons — check out these cool Hatteras Island parks and playground options, just off the beaten path, that are great for family members of all ages to stretch their legs and have a lot of fun.

Fessenden Center, Buxton

The Fessenden Center is a pinnacle of community activity. From fitness classes that are nicely priced to an on-site playground, baseball fields, and a brand new skate park, many active interests can be pursued at this local community center. Regular fitness classes are held throughout the day, year-round, and everyday visitors can always pop into this central destination to enjoy the slides, swing sets, and other traditional playground equipment that keep young vacationers and locals alike smiling.

Avon Community Playground, Avon Village

One of the newest attractions on Hatteras Island for the young local and visiting public is the family-friendly Avon playground that’s found on the outskirts of Avon Village, directly across the street from the Avon Fire Station. Featuring a secure area that boasts all the play equipment young guests love — including slides, swings, and everything in between — this destination is a great place for moms and dads to let their kids let loose while watching from an on-site bench or picnic table.

Rodanthe Waves Salvo Community Center, Rodanthe

At the north end of Hatteras Island across from the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, you’ll find the Rodanthe Community Center. This center has an on-site playground with restrooms available inside. The playground includes a play center with slides, tunnels and climbing bars, a merry go round, swing set and picnic tables where you can enjoy a picnic lunch while little ones run off some energy.

Salvo Day Use Area, South of Salvo

Young vacationers who might not be up to the task of tackling the ocean waves will adore the shallow waters and splashing areas of the Salvo Day Use Area. This National Park Service (NPS) maintained site that’s found on the southern outskirts of Salvo boasts lots of parking, seasonal restroom facilities, and plenty of shallow waters for kids to splash, wade, and play to their hearts’ content.

Wading in the warm waters of the Pamlico Sound at the Salvo Day Use Area

Canadian Hole, South of Avon

Vacationers who are staying further south will find an equally inviting soundside oasis at Canadian Hole or Haulover Day Use Area between Avon and Buxton — an iconic NPS managed soundside site that’s popular with windsurfers, kiteboarders, and young families in search of a calm place to play. With no waves and water depths that average around 3’ ft., visitors will effortlessly enjoy their own on-the-water natural playground, with seasonal restrooms and ample parking located just a short stroll away.

No matter where you land on Hatteras Island, it will soon become crystal clear that the surrounding world is your playground. From the vast beaches of the National Seashore to the cool community parks that have become favorite destinations for locals and visitors alike, there are plenty of reasons to get out, grin, and go wild during a Hatteras Island vacation.

08/4/16

Kitty Hawk Kites Adventure Tower Opens in Rodanthe

From lighthouse climbing, kiteboarding, and surfing, to paddleboarding, kayaking and deep sea fishing, Hatteras Island is full of opportunities for adventure. Now there’s a brand new one in Rodanthe -Kitty Hawk Kites just opened an Adventure Tower next to their Waves Village shops. This interactive ropes course offers three levels and 15 different climbing elements and will challenge you both mentally and physically.

The course was designed by KristallTurm, the leading ropes course manufacturer known for it’s high level of safety standards. A one and a half hour climbing adventure for adults is $45 and kids 6-9 can climb for just $35. For more information on this exciting new activity check out the Kitty Hawk Kites website.

06/21/16

Outer Banks 4th of July Celebrations

Long lazy hours on the beach, pool parties, cookouts – all the things you love to do to celebrate the 4th of July can be perfectly accomplished on your Hatteras Island vacation. Let the day take you to one of these great Independence Day celebrations!

Avon Fireworks Display

Surf or Sound Realty is proud to sponsor the 4th of July Fireworks at the Avon Fishing Pier. A fun event for the whole family, fireworks begin around 9 pm. Fireworks are visible all along the Avon beach and parking is limited, so walk, bike or carpool! Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials have decided that this year, off-road vehicles may remain on the beaches near Avon past the 9 pm closing time to allow passengers to watch the fireworks.

4th of July Bash at Koru Village

An Independence Day celebration at Koru Village’s Beach Klub! Live music by Dale and the Zdubs will happen on the Papawack Theater’s stage, their tiki bars will be open for drinks and snacks, the firework show will happen right in front, at the Avon Pier, and afterwards Koru Village’s fire dancing troupe will take center stage to delight you with a fire show. Cost is $10.68 and the event is family friendly.

Hatteras Village Golf Cart Parade

Join us for our annual July 4th Golf Cart Parade in Hatteras Village! Residents and visitors alike are invited to participate. Line up begins at 3:30 at Hatteras Harbor Court. No entry fee, just show up decorated in your best red, white and blue! Gift certificates to village businesses are awarded as prizes!

Town of Manteo 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 3:00 PM

Take a day trip to Manteo to celebrate Independence Day with small town flair. Watch the 440th Army Band perform, participate in wacky hat contest, decorated bike contest, apple pie contest and so much more. Then after the sun goes down take in one of the best firework shows on the Outer Banks.

Ocracoke Island Independance Day Celebrations

Planning a day trip to Ocracoke? They will have fireworks on Sunday July 3 and will have events going on both July 3 and 4th

Sunday, July 3, 2016:

Classic Car Show, Traditional Island Square Dance: Music by Molasses Creek, with Philip Howard as caller. Party at the NPS docks with Deejay Tommy Hutcherson. Enjoy some rockin’ tunes while you what for the fireworks to begin!

9:15pm: Fireworks! Amazing Pyrotechnic Show! Gather around Silver Lake harbor to see the show. Please walk or bike; parking is limited.

Monday, July 4, 2016:

Flag Raising Ceremony and Singing of the National Anthem: Led by Ocracoke Boy Scout Troop # 290 at the School Circle on School Road. 39th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest: At the NPS Lifeguard Beach. Ocracoke Lighthouse: The lighthouse will be open for viewing — all are welcome to see inside! Skydivers at Ocracoke Community Park, Old Time Ocracoke Parade, and then from 7pm — 10pm: Community Beach Fire at Lifeguard Beach. Join friends and neighbors at the Lifeguard Beach for a family-friendly beach fire and party!

02/24/16

Top 7 Free Activities on Hatteras Island

While the snow is still melting around the country, we wanted to help get you in the right state of mind. Let’s talk vacation. And not the crazy expensive lavish one. The real one that you can not only afford, but which will create so many meaningful memories. They say the best things in life are free, and we tend to agree here on Hatteras. Without further ado, here are a few recommendations of some things to do that won’t break the bank while you’re staying with us.

1 – BEACH | It’s obvious why you chose this beautiful place. And there’s nothing better than just taking it all in with friends and family. With miles of pristine coastline, there’s no shortage of serenity.

2 – LIGHTHOUSES | The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the world’s tallest brick lighthouse standing at 208 feet tall. Known for its black and white candy cane stripes, its beam of light spans 20 miles into the ocean, protecting one amazing stretch of land. While there is a fee to actually climb the lighthouse, the grounds, Hatteras Island Visitor Center, museum, book store, shaded picnic area,.75-mile nature trail and beach ramp access to Cape Point are free, making this an attraction offering a little something for everyone. Note: You can also check out Bodie Island and Ocracoke Island Lighthouses on either end of the Seashore as well!

3 – PEA ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE | Located on the north end of Hatteras Island, the bird list for Pea Island Refuge consists of more than 365 species; the wildlife list of 25 species of mammals, 24 species of reptiles and five species of amphibians. The Visitor Center is chock full of state-of-the art exhibits and is totally free to check out. With walking trails, wildlife displays, birdwatching, and seasonal guided canoe tours.

4 – GRAVEYARD OF THE ATLANTIC MUSEUM | The Museum is dedicated to the preservation, advancement and presentation of the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks from the earliest periods of colonization to the present day, which greatly emphasize the 1524-1945 period. If shipwrecks and history are your thing, you will absolutely dig this expedition. While this attraction is free, donations are welcome.

5 – FERRY RIDE | The Hatteras/Ocracoke Ferry is one of the most popular of the seven coastal ferry routes run and managed by NCDOT. Free, with no reservations required, this island-hopper runs 365 days a year and is a great way to jet on over to Ocracoke Island for the day. You’ll catch a number of folks boarding in cars, trucks, bikes and on foot for a scenic ride offering views of sun, sand, surf, water and wildlife. Dolphins love springing up beside the ferry when the water’s warm, so keep your eyes peeled!

6 – GET YOUR ART ON | Let the inner artist in you come out to play. Hatteras is saturated in creativity! Check out local artisan works in these lovely one-of-a-kind island galleries: Kinnakeet Clay Works, Pea Island Art Gallery, Blue Pelican Gallery, SeaWorthy Gallery, Indian Town Gallery, and other hidden gems you’ll surely find along the way with galleries in each village on the island.

7 – WATERSPORTS + FISHING | Shallow sound waters and great ocean wave action have made Hatteras Island a prime destination for folks who enjoy kiteboarding, windsurfing, surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. You’re sure to fulfill some lifelong adventure dreams right here…and for free! Always be on the lookout for clinics and demo days where you can try these out at no cost. If you try it and rock (like we know you will), many of the local establishments offer super affordable classes and even rental equipment that they’ll deliver right to the door of your rental home.

07/23/15

Hatteras Island’s Other Coast

Soundfront Homes

The waters that surround an island often contribute to its character. It’s the Pamlico Sound, the Atlantic Ocean’s quieter counterpart, that sets the slower pace of life on Hatteras Island with its calm waters, saturated sunsets, endless views, and open starry skies.

A low, sandy barrier island, Hatteras Island sits 30 miles “out to sea” from the mainland of North Carolina. The “sea” between the island and the mainland is actually the Pamlico Sound. Part of a large interconnected network of lagoon estuaries, the sound is part of one of the biggest estuaries in the United States, second only to the Chesapeake Bay. Alive with waterfowl, fish, crabs, shellfish, marsh grasses, seals and turtles, the sound also serves as an important habitat for spawning fish like striped bass, shad and herring. Even larger species like dolphin can occasionally be found spending time there. Fed by inlets from the Atlantic Ocean and freshwater rivers to the west, the sound water is a brackish mix of salt and fresh water and is shallow throughout, with an average depth of 5-6 feet. These shallow depths, paired with the soft sandy floor, make it an attractive place for kids to play and swim and have helped make Hatteras Island a world-class kiteboarding and watersports destination.

SoundSUP

A Soundside Vacation

Vacationer Kathleen Holmes explains why her family chooses to rent a home on the sound: “…not only are the views wide-open and amazing, but our family likes to spend all day on the water, boating, fishing, crabbing, stand up paddleboarding and swimming. Some of us may head to the ocean for a while, but we all come home to enjoy dinner together every night in the glow of the setting sun. Then we soak in the hot tub underneath the millions of stars visible in the unpolluted night sky. It’s truly a giant breath of fresh air coming from New York City.”

Some soundfront vacation homes have their own dock or walkway and a number of neighborhoods on the sound have a community sound access or boat ramp. Surf or Sound Realty manages premier vacation homes, while homes on the sound may be valuably priced there is no shortage of amenities, like elevators, private pools and hot tubs.

Surf or Sound Realty is known for offering some of the Island’s most spectacular oceanfront homes, but the soundfront experience is one that’s equally incredible. No matter where you stay on Hatteras Island the ocean is never far away.

Sound Sunset

06/24/15

4th of July Events on Hatteras Island

Flag Waving on the Beach

A fish fry, a parade, two art shows, fireworks and great live music – it’s 4^th of July on Hatteras Island!

If you haven’t booked yet, don’t worry – we still have some beautiful homes available.

Here’s some of what’s going on to celebrate:

Friday, July 3

Rodanthe

Island Art Show (10am — 5pm)

The Island Art Show is a free indoor/outdoor community event featuring live music from Dragonfly and dozens of incredible local and regional artists and craftsmen. BBQ sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs will be available for purchase. The show takes place at the Rodanthe Waves Salvo Community Center at the end of the tri-village multi-use path. Ride your bikes, scooters, skateboards, or walk on over. Lots of parking will be available as well. A portion of food sales, artist booth fees & raffle ticket sales will go to Outer Banks SPCA. There’s even a playground area & basketball court on-site for kids.

Saturday, July 4

Avon

4th of July Fireworks at the Avon Pier

Fourth of July Fireworks at the Beach sponsored by the Avon Property Owners Association and funded in part by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. The fireworks display will begin around 9 pm from a launch site at the end of the Avon Pier.

Beach Klub 4^th of July Bash

Enjoy live music by Raygun Ruby, Firedancing, and watch the Fireworks from the Beach Klub right next to the Avon Pier. Tickets will be $5 at the door. Food and drinks available for purchase.

Hatteras Village

July 4^th in the Village Celebration

Noon — 5 pm: Art show, flea market, fun and food in the Village Center

3:30 pm: Golf Cart Parade. Begins at Harbor Seafood and winds through the village. Spectators can park along Highway 12 in the village to watch.

5:00 pm: Hatteras Village Volunteer Fire Department’s weekly summer fish fry at the station

7:00 pm: Street dance with live music by Dragonfly on the Community Center lawn.

08/5/14

Rainy Day Activities on Hatteras Island

You know what they say, a rainy day at the beach is better than a rainy day at home! Here are a few of our favorite things to do when it rains on the Outer Banks (hint – all of these activities are fun when it’s sunny too!).

Make Stuff

From paint your own pottery to jewelry creation, there are lots of way to express your creative side here on Hatteras Island – even when it’s raining. Try one of these spots to start:

Studio 12 in Avon – From glass bowl creation to making your own natural bath products, they have classes for all sorts of ages and interests. See more at: http://www.studio12hatteras.com/classes.php

Uglie Mugs Coffee Shop and Bead Shop in Avon – Grab a Latte and head to the Bead shop in the back to create your masterpiece.

Kinnakeet Clayworks in Avon – Learn watercolor techniques, or get your hands dirty turning a lump of clay into a beautiful functional object. View their Facebook page for class updates: https://www.facebook.com/kinnakeetclay

Red Drum Pottery in Frisco – Offering Paint on Pottery and Raku classes – call or stop by for times and details: (252) 995-3686

Indian Town Gallery in Frisco – Painting Parties, Oil Painting Workshops and Seaglass Jewelry Making. Check out their Facebook for all the details on these top notch activities: https://www.facebook.com/indiantowngallery?fref=photo

Sunsational Designs and Beads of Paradise in Frisco– Thousands of beads to create your own custom jewelry or stop in for a hair wrap or henna tattoo.

Go Shopping

An artist’s mecca, Hatteras Island is full of Art Galleries and small shops. You’ll find handmade and local items in our galleries and gift shops and the latest fashions and most advanced gear in our surf shops. Stop into Buxton books for the perfect reading selections for your entire family. Check out our shopping page here: www.surforsound.com/things-to-do/shopping/

Play in the Rain

While we don’t advise going outside during a thunderstorm, summer rainshowers can actually be a lot of fun. Don’t want to get your clothes wet? We bet you packed a bathing suit!

Watch a movie

Snuggle up with your loved ones, pop some popcorn and watch a family flick. The Food Lion in Avon has a RedBox kiosk and some rental homes provide DVDs and streaming movies.

Have Your Own Restaurant Crawl

Have an all afternoon food-fest with a self-guided restaurant crawl through some of our best restaurants: Appetizers at Pangea Tavern, Soup and Salad at at Oceana’s Bistro, Entrees at Ketch 55, Dessert at the Dolphin Den and After Dinner Cocktails at Turner’s High Moon Bar.

Indulge at the Spa

Treat yourself to a day (or a couple of hours) at the spa.

In Touch Massage and Wellness Center in Frisco – Dedicated to enhancing well-being by providing a variety of services for the body and mind.

Spa Koru – Located right next to our Avon office, Spa Koru is a great place to relax with a Hot Stone Massage, an Organic Facial, or body wrap. Stop by the salon for a hair cut, waxing and nail services or take a yoga class next door in the fitness center.

Cook or Bake the Day Away

You may not have time to create gourmet meals every night at home, but vacation is the perfect time to get the family together to cook. Besides, once you master the recipe it can be much easier to make the second time around and will bring back fond memories of your vacation cooking!

Check out Local Arcades

Pinball anyone? Old-fashioned beach vacation fun can be had at some of our local arcades!

Rodanthe Pier – Chill out in the Air Conditioned Game Room and enjoy some snacks while you stay dry and watch the surf.

The Sandbar and Grille in Frisco – pinball machines, a jukebox, pool table, and a number of classic video games.

Angelo’s Pizza Arcade in Buxton – 25 Arcade games and pool tables and you can order a pizza while you’re there!

Museums

History, culture and education – there’s so much to learn about at Hatteras Island in our museums and historic sites.

Graveyard of the Atlantic in Hatteras Village across from the Ferry Docks

Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station in Rodanthe

Frisco Native American Museum – View Native American art, artifacts and culture, from the island and other native tribes.

Hatteras Island Visitor’s Center and Museum of the Sea – Located at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Site

Whatever you decide to do remember that sometimes the best memories come from just spending time together. Our vacation rental homes are cozy comfortable places to spend a rainy day, many are even equipped with game rooms and theaters. Before you know it the clouds will lift and the rain will come to an end.

Hatteras Island Vacation Blog

Category Archives: Fun for the Kids