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!

11/15/17

Free Winter Lighthouse Climb in December

Welcome the Holidays on Hatteras Island by enjoying a winter climb of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on the way to or from your premier vacation home. The Lighthouse will be open to the public for a free Winter Climb on Saturday December 9, 2017 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Volunteers from the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society and Cape Hatteras National Seashore park rangers will greet local residents and visitors at the lighthouse.

“This opportunity to climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse free of charge is one of many ways to welcome in the holidays along the Outer Banks,” said Dave Hallac, Superintendent of the National Parks of Eastern North Carolina.

Remember while planning your visit:

Children who wish to climb the lighthouse must be at least 42” tall, and children under 12 years of age must be escorted by a person at least 16 years old. Climbing the lighthouse is strenuous and is equivalent to climbing a 12-story building. For more information on what to expect, check the park website www.nps.gov/caha.

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.

07/20/16

Hatteras Island Named Top Beach for Horseback Riding

Young Riders Enjoying Their Hatteras Island Horseback Riding Experience

Riding alongside the ocean, salt air blowing through your hair, sun setting over the dunes. It’s the stuff of fairytales. It also happens to be one of the lesser-known activities available to you and your family on Hatteras Island. Our beaches are the perfect spot for horseback riding, in fact, Hatteras Island was named one of the top 5 places in the country for horseback riding on the beach by Drive the Nation!

Here’s more on the two locally owned companies offering this service:

Hatteras Island Horseback Riding

Hatteras Island Horseback Riding is open year-round and all of their riding is done on the beach in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Recreation Area. Since 2006 they have specialized in offering safe rides for families and those with very little horseback riding experience. For $190 total the whole family can enjoy the two horses at the beach for an hour. They also offer summer sunset rides and can accommodate those with special needs and all ages!

Equine Adventures

Equine Adventures is located in Frisco and offers a two hour guided group trail ride through the maritime forest to the beach. Riders will enjoy a 45 minute beautiful trail ride through the woods, 30 minutes on the beach, and 45 minutes back through the woods to the barn. Rides are $120/per person in the summer and riders must be 10 years of age. All experience levels are welcome.

Call or email to schedule this memorable event today!

Hatteras Island Horseback Riding
252-216-9191 |willemwish@centurylink.net

Equine Adventures
â€‹252-995-4897 | info@equineadventures.com

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.

06/1/15

2015 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Full Moon Climb Dates Announced!

Photo by Chuck Liddy – News & Observer

Sign up for a once in a lifetime experience to climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse under a full moon. Hear stories of keepers of old, view the working light close up in the lantern room, and catch the reflection off the Atlantic Ocean of the newly-risen full moon as you stand on the lighthouse balcony.

Tickets for the Full Moon Climbs must be purchased in advance and ticket sales will start the day before the climb and can be purchased at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse ticket desk. A limited number of tickets sell fast for each tour! Tickets are $8.00 per adult, and $4.00 for children (11 and under) and seniors (62 and older).

2015 Full Moon Tours will take place on:

Tuesday, June 2 at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 1 at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Friday, July 31 at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 29 at 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 27 at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Children joining the climb must be at least 42-inches tall and must climb the steps on their own. Also, keep in mind that some youngsters may not enjoy the dimly lit, sometimes claustrophobic environment. Children 11 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult (16 or older).

Grab your flashlight and experience the lighthouse at night!

04/20/15

Welcome to the Village of Waves

Located about 30 minutes south of Nags Head and other central Outer Banks attractions, the slower pace of Waves provides a great place for water and nature lovers who enjoy a little peace and quiet. This area has become renowned for water sports enthusiasts, such as kiteboarders, paddleboarders and windsurfers, who enjoy the slick, shallow waters of the Pamlico Sound. Surfers and ocean lovers can also enjoy some of the best WAVES on the East Coast. A paved multi-use path runs the length of the village for cyclists, joggers and strollers. Tucked behind windswept Live Oaks and Loblolly Pines, you’ll find neighborhood entrances, restaurants, galleries and shops — just off the beaten path.

Here are a few of the great places you’ll find in Waves:
Find their locations by choosing points of interest on the interactive map on our website

Ocean Gourmet and Gifts — Homemade fudge, Hand-dipped ice cream, and fresh-baked cinnamon rolls in the morning

Dairy Queen — Soft-serve ice cream, blizzards and classic burgers and fries from the take out window.

Hatteras Island Sail Shop — Since the 1980s, one of the best launches on Hatteras, with a hard sandy bottom and great exposure to the southwest winds. Shop offers lessons and rentals and a wide range of kiteboarding, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayak gear.

Atlantic Coast Cafe – Laid-back cafe serving breakfast and a casual lunch and dinner menu with a seafood flair. Enjoy your meal inside or outside on the deck where pets are welcome.

Hatteras Island Surf Shop — Established in 1971, the surf shop has every thing for your surfing, skim boarding, and body boarding needs and offers lessons and rentals.

Michael Halminski Gallery – A resident of Hatteras Island for over 40 years, Michael Halminski sells fine art prints and note cards of his iconic photography.

Charlies Boat Rentals — Rent Pontoon Boats, Motor Boats and Waverunners by the hour or the day.

Top Dog Cafe — Laid-back, Florida Keys-style restaurant for wraps, burgers, surf n turf and fish tacos.

REAL Watersports — Internationally recognized kiteboarding and surfing shop, and lesson center. Four acres of the latest and greatest gear, rentals and lessons.

Watermen’s Bar and Grille — Excellent food, drinks and coffee overlooking the sound with family-friendly with picnic tables on the deck and indoor/outdoor eating options.

Leonardos Pizza — Simply great pizza and subs.

Waves Market and Deli — Boars Head meats and cheeses, specialty beers and wine, groceries and quirky sandwiches, wraps and fries that have developed a cult following.

St. Waves Seafood and Steaks — Fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks, take home steamer buckets and fresh homemade desserts (try the key lime pie!)

04/15/15

Plan Your Visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

With the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse opening for climbing in just a couple of days, we wanted to share a quick guide to help you plan your visit to this beautiful historic structure.

More than Just a Lighthouse

While the structure itself, the tallest in the country with it’s stunning Fresnel lens, is an engineering marvel – there are plenty of other sites and activities surrounding it to make the trip even more worthwhile. The park is open year-round.

Keepers of the Light Amphitheater

The lighthouse was moved to it’s current location in 1999 to escape erosion. The foundation stones, inscribed with the names of the 83 lighthouse keepers, remained at the original site. When shifting sands continued to cover them these past few years, the Park Service agreed to begin carefully moving them to the new site where they now form the Keepers of the Light Amphitheater.

Visitors Center & Keepers’ Quarters Museum

A Hatteras Island Visitor Center on-site offers orientation information a bookstore. Just beyond the visitor center is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse ticket booth. You’ll also find an off-road vehicle permit office, a pavilion for ranger programs, and restroom facilities. Ranger programs are scheduled during spring, summer, and autumn months.

The lighthouse is surrounded by a wide lawn divided by a brick pathway leading to the “Double Keepers’ Quarters”. The Keepers’ Quarters houses the Museum of the Sea, a two-floor museum with exhibits on Outer Banks history and natural history and a small audiovisual room where you can watch video presentations (available on request).

Hit the Sand

The beach lies just beyond a stand of maritime forest, and is easily accessible from a separate parking lot. In summer months the beach is lifeguarded and is a favorite spot for families, surfers and fishing enthusiasts.

Hiking and Lunch

The Buxton Woods trail loop begins at a site just down the road from the lighthouse and is a great hike for naturalists of all skill levels. A relatively level path goes through a diverse maritime forest ecosystem, home to many different species of plants and birds. You’ll traverse some of the highest points on Hatteras Island!

The start and end of the Buxton Woods trail loop is at the Buxton Woods Picnic Area where you’ll find a number of tables where you can enjoy lunch in the shade of the maritime forest. Or pack up some Apple Uglies from the nearby Orange Blossom Cafe and Bakery to enjoy outdoors and fuel a morning hike!

Hours and Admission:

Address: 46368 Old Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920
Hours: 9:00 am — 6:00 pm (Memorial Day – Labor Day) 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (year-round)
Open for Climbing: (3rd Friday in April – Columbus Day)
Climbing tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for senior citizens (62 or older), children (11 and under, and at least 42″ tall), and the disabled. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and can only be purchased in-person at the site the day of the climb. There are no advance ticket sales for regular climbs.

Tickets:

Ticket sales begin at 8:15 am and climbs begin at 9 am, running every 10 minutes with a limit of 30 visitors per climb. Ticket sales close at 4:30 pm in the spring and fall, and 5:30 pm the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Ticket holders should arrive at the base of the lighthouse five minutes prior to their ticketed climb time.

03/19/15

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Opens for Climbing April 17

The National Park Service has announced that the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Bodie Island Lighthouse will be open for climbing in 2015 from Friday, April 17 through Monday, October 14.

Climbing hours for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily in the Spring and Fall, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., May 22 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Ticket sales for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse begin at 8:15 a.m. daily and close at 4:30 p.m. in the spring and fall, and at 5:30 p.m. May 22 through Labor Day.

Tickets to climb are $8 for adults and $4 for senior citizens (62 or older), children 11 years of age and under, and those holding a National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Access Pass. Tickets are available on a first come/first served basis and can only be purchased in-person at the site the day of the climb. There are no advance ticket sales.

Before you go, understand that climbing the lighthouse can be strenuous. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse climb is equivalent to climbing a 12-story building- and the view is spectacular. Children must be at least 42″ tall to climb and children under twelve must be escorted by a person who is at least 16 years old.

The Bodie Island Lighthouse, also part of the National Park and a great stop on the way to or from Hatteras Island, will be open as a self-guided experience this year to cut down on wait times that were often experienced for the 45 minute guided tours offered in years past. This change should allow more visitors to have an opportunity climb the lighthouse each day.

Opening day climbs will be FREE! Residents and visitors are welcomed to tour and climb the lighthouses at no charge on, Friday April 17. Free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and can only be obtained in-person, that day, on-site.

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: Local Outer Banks Attractions