We have compiled area information, attractions, things to do, driving directions, ideas and tips for an unforgettable island vacation full of fun, love and relaxation!

Still need to book your vacation home on Hatteras Island? No worries! Call or email our Event Coordinator and let her know what wedding you are with. She is happy to help you find the perfect accommodations! Toll free (800) 237-1138 | rent@surforsound.com Now, on to the fun stuff!

Entertaining the Entourage

It doesn’t get any better than a week at the beach. Below are a list of local Hatteras Island activities and attractions that are perfect for just the bridal party, the groomsmen or the whole group all together!

Shopping

Hatteras Island offers a variety of cute boutiques, unique art galleries and more! Visit Indian Town Gallery with the girls for one of their sea glass wrapping workshops. You get to take a piece of authentic sea glass and make it into a custom piece of jewelry to keep. Classes and prices vary throughout the season, so please be sure to call ahead at (252)995-5181.

The local surf shops, from REAL Watersports to Kitty Hawk Kites, offer a selection of men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing. Stop in for a cute summer dress, flip-flops, or matching sunglasses for the wedding party to sport in fun photos on the big day!

Spa Day

Whether looking for pampering or painted nails, a visit to one of our area spas offers the perfect dose of relaxation and rejuvenation! The In Touch Massage and Wellness Center offers a selection of facials, body and foot massages and acupuncture as well as Jane Iredale Make up and Eminence organic skin care. Make your appointments today at (252)995-4067. Spa Koru, also on the island, is a spa, fitness center and salon, offering everything from massages to hair styling, manicures and pedicures.

Adventure Chic

Okay, girls, we know you just wanna’ have fun! The latest water sport to make a splash on Hatteras Island is Stand Up Paddle boarding, more commonly called “SUP.” If surfing doesn’t sound like your thing, and body boarding the waves onto shore sounds like a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen, then SUP is just the activity to get you comfortably out on the water! Stop in one of the locally-owned surf shops, like FOX Watersports, to rent the board and paddle and get a quick how-to lesson. It’s pretty simple, really fun and the views from the board are amazing!

The Boys’ Club

With close friends and family on the island for the big day, what a better chance to get the guys together and head out for an unforgettable day of fishing the gulf stream! For avid anglers or first time fishermen, it is really an awesome experience. Hatteras Island is known as the “billfish capital of the world” for the Blue Marlin, White Marlin and Sailfish caught offshore. Depending on the time of year, you will also catch colorful Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna and Mackerel. Call Captain Jay with Bite Me Sportfishing and book your private charter today (252) 996-0295. Hatteras Island offshore fishing is a guaranteed good time for the guys!

Something for Everyone

Check out these unique island activities for even more fun, sun and adventure!

Kayaking

Try a Kayak Eco-Tour with Kitty Hawk Kites or rent a kayak from Ocean Atlantic Rentals and head out to explore the canals and waterways that lead to the beautiful Pamlico Sound. Many of the Day Use areas on the soundside of Highway 12 have pull-outs with parking and shallow areas to easily launch a kayak.

Parasailing

Looking for a different perspective of Hatteras Island? Try Parasailing in the Pamlico Sound. Even if you prefer watching, rather than parasailing, it is still a fun adventure to head out on the boat together.

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding on the beach can be a fun group activity or, if you prefer, head out there with your significant other and enjoy a romantic guided ride on the beach! Equine Adventures can accommodate up to 10 riders per trip. Give them a call for more details and information (252)995-4897. They also offer photography options to capture the fun memories!

Dolphin Cruise

Looking for something that everyone in the group can do? Head out on the Miss Hatteras Head Boat at Oden’s Dock for a Dolphin Cruise! The trips run Wednesday through Friday, 6 to 7 PM. Each trip accommodates 80 people and seats fill up fast!

Aerial Sightseeing Tours

We hope you left your fear of heights at home, because seeing the island and ocean from the sky is one trip you will never forget! Outer Banks Air Tours offers a bird’s eye view of Hatteras Island so grab one or two friends and schedule your flight with Dwight Burrus today!

Historical Attractions & Museums

If museums, history and mystery are more your speed, then you are in the right place! Hatteras Island is full of historical significance from the colonization of America, war battles at sea, shipwrecks, pirates and more!

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Celebrating, discovering and displaying our island’s rich maritime history, The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is located in Hatteras village just south of the ferry docks. The rough shoals off our coast made seafaring very dangerous for old sailing vessels and thus this became known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” due to the amount of shipwrecks. Admission is free to the public and donations are appreciated.

Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station

Located in Rodanthe, the Chicamacomico Historical Association’s purpose is to restore, preserve and interpret the buildings and history of Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, as well as the U.S. Life-Saving Service (USLSS) and its successor, the U.S. Coast Guard. This location has one of only two 1874 USLSS stations in the nation that are open to the public. The historical site offers programs in the summer from the filming of the “Nights in Rodanthe” movie to the mystery of the lost colony.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The world’s tallest brick lighthouse, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is an iconic symbol of Hatteras Island. The lighthouse is open for climbing from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day and the view from the top is well worth the 248 steps to get there! If climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is not for you, the visit itself is still very memorable and offers a great location for photos! Also, full moon tours and evening climbs are offered on select nights.

Day Trip to Ocracoke Island

Drive your car onto the free ferry to neighboring Ocracoke Island, home to the second oldest operational lighthouse in the United States. Only 13 miles long, Ocracoke Island has a charming village with little shops and restaurants that can be easily explored on foot or by rental bike or golf cart. Stop in Howard’s Pub for a vast selection of beer, a good meal and a fun atmosphere!

Family Beach Portraits

With close friends, family and loved ones together on vacation, it is the perfect time to get professional family photos at the beach, which make great holiday cards! Maybe the wedding photographer is available one day before or after the wedding. They will be so busy the day of the wedding that it is almost impossible to get every picture that you want and still have a great time with friends!
There are some great family beach photographers on the Outer Banks that know the best time, the best lighting and the best places to capture those special memories and moments. Local photographer, Daniel Pullen and his wife are team photographers with a passion for family, fun and everything naturally stunning about Hatteras Island. danielpullenphotography.com
Definitely take time to capture these special memories at the beach, you will be so glad you did!

Helpful Resources

From maps to travel information, click the links below so you can easily find your way to fun!

Hatteras Island Map

Driving Directions

Cape Hatteras Weather