Welcome to Hatteras Island

Cape Hatteras was named in the Top Ten "Best Beach in America" list for 2008 by respected beach expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman.

Stretching 60 miles in length with Cape Hatteras National Seashore occupying 70% of its land area, Hatteras Island is comprised of seven quaint villages.

Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo are adjoining villages located just 12 miles south of Oregon Inlet and approximately 30 minutes from Nags Head and Roanoke Island. The tri-villages offer some of the widest, least crowded and beautiful beaches on Hatteras Island. Attractions include one of the best windsurfing sites on the Island named "Emily´s", wrecks located just off the beach for convenient diving, vast bird watching areas at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, charter fishing from Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, and watersport rentals such as catamarans and sailboards. Lifesaving re-enactments are presented at the old Chicamicomico Life Saving Station during the summer season.

Some of our guests enjoy taking a day trip "up the beach". Sightseeing points of interest include: The Wright Memorial monument and museum in Kill Devil Hills dedicated to the Wright Brothers and man´s first powered flight; Jockey´s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, the largest sand dune on the east coast where hang gliding lessons are available for beginners and enthusiasts, and a sunset tour is offered by the Park Service; and the Elizabethan Gardens, North Carolina Aquarium, and the Elizabeth II, a replica sailing vessel docked at Festival Park, all Roanoke Island attractions. If it´s shopping you´re looking for, enjoy a stroll along The Waterfront Shops in Manteo. Dinner at Clara´s Waterfront Restaurant and The Lost Colony outdoor evening drama is a great way to end the day. Spending a busy day in town makes it especially nice to return to Hatteras Island where the roads are a lot less traveled!

Avon, home to the Arrowhead, located 12 miles south of Salvo, is perhaps best known as the mecca of east coast windsurfing. Every spring and fall as frontal systems push out into the Atlantic, Hatteras turns on and delivers strong winds and warm waters, perfect for the multitude of windsurfers who visit here annually. Avon is also noted for some of the nicest beaches and best fishing on the Island. Other attractions include para-sailing, windsurfing lessons and rentals, many restaurants (some with live music at night), a movie theater with four cinemas, shops with local arts and crafts, Avon fishing pier, a bike trail that runs south to Hatteras Village and north to Rodanthe, and a live grass miniature golf course. Visit Surf or Sound in the heart of Avon on the soundside of Hwy 12, directly across from the Avon Fishing Pier.

Buxton is home to Hatteras Island´s most historic landmark, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. While visiting the lighthouse and visitor center, you may want to experience a hike on the Nature Trail where you will learn about the flora and fauna of an Atlantic Maritime Forest. Buxton is also home to Cape Point and Diamond Shoals where ocean currents come together to produce some of the best surf fishing on the east coast. Every spring and fall schools of jumbo bluefish, red drum, speckled and gray trout, and flounder migrate along the coast and congregate at Cape Point. Buxton is also the closest village to the renowned "Canadian Hole" windsurfing site located just 2 miles to the north. You´ll also find a number of gift shops, in addition to windsurfing, tackle, surf shops, and several restaurants, both casual and upscale.

Frisco is home to the Island´s only golf course and airstrip. Ocean Edge is a 9-hole executive course. You can reach the Island by private plane and land at Billy Mitchell Field, named after the World War I army aviator. Other places of interest are the Frisco Native-American Museum, Cape Hatteras Fishing Pier, and one of the best oceanside windsurfing sites on the Island. A flightseeing service offers tours of the Island and surrounding waters. Frisco´s south-facing beaches offer some of the warmest sunbathing and calmest swimming waters around.

Hatteras Village
This village is home to the only charter fishing fleet on the Island and offers a shorter trip to the Gulfstream than other fleets on the Outer Banks. Offshore charters are available to the Gulfstream for such gamefish as blue and white marlin, tuna, dolphin, and wahoo. Diving charters are also available to many of the shipwrecks off the coast. Dive boats and gear are available through local marinas. Hatteras´ south-facing beaches are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It is perhaps the most picturesque of the seven villages with a variety of shops, restaurants, and a public library. The free ferry to Ocracoke Island departs from Hatteras on a regular daily schedule and makes for a perfect day trip.

For more information on renting the Arrowhead, contact Surf or Sound Realty [toll-free at (800) 237-1138].

Source:   Surf or Sound Realty