Hatteras Travel Guide

Only 15 miles from the Gulf Stream, Hatteras is a small village in North Carolina, famous for its fishing, history and pristine beaches. The village can only be reached by boat or plane and has a small population just exceeding 500. It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax during a summer vacation and the population swells in the summer months, so be sure to book accommodation with plenty of time in advance.

Things to Do in Hatteras, NC

Hatteras boasts some of the largest waves on the East Coast, providing the perfect base for water sports ranging from jet skiing, windsurfing and kayaking. Travelers also flock to the island for its abundant fishing activities, including an annual fishing contest with over 90 teams competing. Its beautiful beaches are a great place to get some much-needed R&R. There’s also an iconic lighthouse you can explore, alongside an interesting museum.

Elsewhere, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum gives visitors the chance to delve into centuries of maritime history, learning about legendary ships, tales from the coast guard and local legacies from the island. Round up the nautical visit by heading to the lighthouse for fantastic views of the island.

Best Time to Visit Hatteras

Peak season in Hatteras is over the summer months, where temperatures stay in the mid-80's.

A Local's Guide to Hatteras vacation rentals

Tucked away in the Outer Banks islands of North Carolina, Hatteras Island and the community located in Hatteras Village is the perfect setting for a beach vacation. Hatteras Village is the southernmost community on Hatteras Island and boasts a quaint small American beach town.

Fishing History

The tiny Outer Banks town of Hatteras Village is known mostly for fishing tourism, its picturesque beaches, and its unique history. In the 1700s, colonists relied on the surrounding area’s extensive estuary system to feed their population. Today, that same estuary system and small village have evolved into a major sports fishing destination known as “The Blue marlin Capital of the World.” Only fifteen miles from the Gulf Stream, the area boasts some of the best charter fishing in the Carolinas.

Meanwhile, if you fancy a stroll, visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which is considered the island’s main attraction. The lighthouse features dramatic black and white spiral stripes, and draws in thousands of visitors annually, all keen to climb the 257 steps to the top. The lighthouse opens in spring, and closes just before winter. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the ocean and island. For those of you who don’t want to climb to the top, you can still explore the grounds surrounding the lighthouse, and see the two keepers’ quarters. You can also find out more about the role the light house has played in the area’s history at the on-site museum.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for an adventure, hop on the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry, which is known as one of the most popular coastal ferries in North Carolina. The ferry provides an essential service between Ocracoke Island, Hatteras Island and to the rest of the Outer Banks. As the ferry leaves Hatteras you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the coastline.

See, Do, & Taste

There are no towering resorts, upscale communities, nor overbearing boardwalks in this stretch of the Outer Banks. Instead, visitors will find miles of open beach, tranquility, and relaxation. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, head to nearby spots such as Nags Head or Outer Beach Realty, or dine at one of the local seafood establishments. Be sure to take a trip to the lookout point at Cape Hatteras for a stunning Atlantic Ocean View too.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, you can find some delicious food at one of the island’s many local restaurants. There are barely any chain restaurants in Hatteras, meaning you have no choice but to sample local cuisine. The fish is fresh and truly spectacular on Hatteras island, and the beach vibes offer the perfect, relaxing vacation setting to accompany your meal.

Vacation rentals and Real Estate in Hatteras Village is sprinkled and spread out across the island’s beaches although you’ll find the largest selection of homes on Hatteras island along Pamlico Sound, rather than densely populated. Renters will find their vacation homes to be the perfect setting for a beach getaway, with pools, hot tubs, and a large selection of homes through Dolphin Reality. There are options for weekly rentals, vacation rental homes just for the weekend and large houses for families and friends with game rooms or pools. Hatteras has everything - and no matter what your style and budget is, it won’t be hard to find the perfect place for you. There are also several hotels, some with all-inclusive pricing so you can kick back and relax.