Things to do in Hatteras Island

Top Things to Do in Hatteras Island, NC - Hatteras Island Must See Attractions

Things to Do in Hatteras Island

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Top Attractions in Hatteras Island

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • Binghamtonians
    Newport, RI8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic state park. We highly recommend visiting. We were off season when we went exploring to the southern most part of the OBX.
    If visiting in summer, grab water, sunblock, hat and flip flops. Explore the beautiful beach, go shelling, be mindful if swimming and only swim where there are lifeguards on duty. We saw many ocean rip currents and we both enjoy swimming however, we are forever mindful of our surroundings before we venture in for a dip.
    If you do not know what a rip current looks like, take the time, educate yourself and your party and ask a lifeguard on duty.
    The museum is tastefully done and the park ranger staff is excellent, professional and most informative. The history of the light house, its keepers and then the task of relocating is fascinating.
    We highly recommend venturing into the national park.
    Written 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • punjren7325
    Somerset, NJ10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a beautiful bird sanctuary where no dogs are allowed on the paths. The paths are very long and run alongside the open areas where the birds hangout.
    Written 5 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • punjren7325
    Somerset, NJ10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a simple, dog friendly, very clean beach. It was only 5 minutes away from where we stayed and we loved it! Will definitely go again.
    Written 5 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cheri
    Raleigh, NC13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went on a campfire crabs and constellations tour. The kids were amazed. They got to learn how to catch ghost crabs safely. We got sand fleas/ saw females with eggs and return them safely to the ocean. We cooked marshmallows, and ate s’mores over an open fire and looked at the stars. They learned about the constellations. It was a beautiful night an amazing experience, and we are going again this month. This is for kids and families of any age. We had teenagers and middle school elementary and even the little kids there was something for everyone to learn and enjoy! This is the best kept secret on the beach!
    Written 30 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • psudino
    Weehawken, NJ4,150 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stayed during one of the busiest weeks in the summer and this beach did not feel crowded at all. Yes the dunes are steep, but once you cross them, the uncrowded and wide beach awaits. We had not problem spreading out and even in the afternoons when the beaches are normally packed there was plenty of space.

    Warning to first time visitors: There are no lifeguards on duty here. The waves are typical OBX and the rip tide is very strong, so if this is your first time staying at the OBX, please be careful
    Written 10 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SkiKCI
    Kansas9 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great beach for little ones on days where the surf is too rough in the ocean to enjoy the water. Even on the windiest days it would be hard to call the waves here real waves. Restroom facilities on site are primitive but there are several outdoor sand showers to clean off before the car ride home.

    Great for kite surfing - wide open and expansive shallow flat are great for learning. It’s possible to walk 100 yards out into the water and be no deeper than knees-deep.

    Bring a kayak and get out into the deeper water for some mean trout fishing.
    Written 6 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vhash77
    North Wilkesboro, NC1,045 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    While exploring the OBX we decided to stop and walk out on this pier. Being a NC resident from the foothills, we know all too well the weather the OBX gets. It was very interesting to see how the pier over the years has been shaped in the curvy pier that it is - we were surprised especially after the last few storms on the coast that the pier was still standing so well. It's an old wooden pier, with repairs - and no it is not in a straight line any more. Still at $2.00 per person for an all day pass it was well worth the experience. The staff who run the pier office were very pleasant to chat with as well.
    Written 21 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fonda W
    9 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    On a day trip to Hatteras we visited Frisco Native American Museum. It's a small museum,but admission is only $5. We really enjoyed it. A variety of items from different tribes. They have trails but we weren't able to walk them because it was shortly after hurricane Dorian.
    Written 23 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jean H
    Pleasant Prairie, WI296 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum was recommended by locals as well as found in the North Carolina Visitor's Guide, and I'm glad we stopped here. It took less than an hour for my hubby and I to go through. It is a nice little museum with a unique story to tell.

    Having worked at a museum for 15 years, I can appreciate what all goes into the exhibiting, labeling, and rotating of artifacts, as well as the best use of space and general traffic flow. A few things that caught my eye right away were:
    1. The design of the building - the side facing the street looks like the main frame of a wooden ship.
    2. First-order Fresnel lens - this is the largest order of lens Fresnel made for lighthouses, and the first one I've been this close to. It's story of survival is pretty incredible.
    3. Unique exhibit - how citizens used goods scavenged from shipwrecks including books, tables, and even sewing machines.
    4. Panels and displays discussing what all is involved in conservation, documentation, archaeological information, stabilization, preservation, storage,
    and displaying of an artifact - the "so what" factors of finding anything from a previous time period or civilization and the basic reason museums exist. Every museum should have this type of exhibit - BRAVO! And the story of Blackbeard's ship Queen Anne's Revenge makes the point - Arrrr! Well done, Matey!
    5. Glass wall allowing visitors to view the conservation lab and what happens before an artifact is put in a museum exhibit. People often do not realize that only a small percentage of a museum's artifacts are on display at any given time - again BRAVO!

    Some things seemed out of place to me, such as:
    1. All the space dedicated to the evolution of diving equipment; I could understand having some diving gear and talking about scavenging shipwrecks, but going into the history and displaying all the different breathing apparatus didn't quite fit in with the "mission" of shipwrecks.
    2. The panel on when Hatteras Village received electricity
    3. The exhibit on commercial fishing
    These seemed like odd "oh by the way" topics, too far distantly related to shipwrecks for the space they were given.
    Written 27 November 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Helen M
    Altoona, PA32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    After reading other reviews, my friend and I stopped at the gallery for some unique locally made gifts and we were not disappointed. The gallery has an amazing about of things to choose from. While some of the things are rather expensive, particularly the handmade pottery and paintings, but there are many reasonably priced items as well. The owners of the gallery are extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the various artists. The only problem I had was limiting what I bought!
    Sadly, after 21 years, at the end of October, the gallery will be closing it's doors for good. However if you are visiting the Outer Banks and you're looking for a wonderful experience, make the drive to Salvo and visit and enjoy the Pea Island Art Gallery.
    .
    Written 8 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dave911nj
    Pipersville, PA1,172 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome experience riding the horses on a beautiful beach. The guides were awesome and very friendly. Definitely should do it if you have a chance.
    Written 15 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Monica_W1970
    Raleigh, NC82 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you're looking for a gift/specialty shop that sells quality items at remarkably affordable prices, this is the place. Everything still has that beachy, OBX vibe but with a more artistic flair. We not only found some cute items for ourselves but managed to pick up some gifts for family. I especially loved their handmade, paper Christmas ornaments. The owners were friendly and even dove into their stockroom to see if they could find more options for the items we liked the most. I'm wishing today I'd bought a few things I left behind. Would definitely return if I find myself on Hatteras again.
    Written 19 August 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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