Hatteras Island is part of the beautiful North Carolina Outer Banks. It’s a barrier island that is one of the longest in the contiguous United States, measuring roughly 50 miles. The island consists of seven villages, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo (these first three villages are called the Tri-villages), Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras.

To get to Hatteras Island, you can cross the Basnight Bridge, south of Nags Head, that runs over the Pamlico Sound. On the other hand, you can enter from the south, via a ferry from Ocracoke Island. However, to come this direction you first must take a ferry to Ocracoke Island, either from Swan Quarter or Cedar Island.

Listed below are the main areas and villages of Hatteras Island. Each section detailing don’t miss spots. No matter where you stay on Hatteras Island, you will find adventure, relaxation, and great food!

Pea Island

Once you cross the Basnight Bridge towards Hatteras Island, you will enter what is called Pea Island. On this narrow stretch of Highway 12 you will find shifting sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the beautiful Pamlico Sound on the other.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge makes this area perfect for bird and wildlife watching. You can explore the sound-side via the North Pond Wildlife Trail or by kayak/canoe.

This area of beaches is typically less populated and great for a family beach day, surfing or fishing. Conveniently, there is a welcome center about halfway along this stretch of the island. There is a parking lot for visitors wanting to cross the highway to the beach. Plus, there are restrooms that are open 24/7. This is good to know, because this may be your last bathroom stop for a while, depending on the time of day you’re driving through.

Tri-villages – Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo

Rodanthe on Hatteras Island — Photo Credit: Visit NC

You will leave Pea Island by crossing the Jug Handle Bridge. This bridge takes you directly into the first village, Rodanthe. I must note, the e in Rodanthe does make the long e sound at the end of the name. You may quickly be corrected if you say it wrong while visiting.

I have listed the Tri-villages together because it easy to miss where one of these villages starts and ends. In Rodanthe you will find the Rodanthe Pier. Here is the spot to find all your fishing needs, refreshments and merch. You can get daily or weekly fishing passes to fish off the pier.

The Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Center is the perfect place to take the kids when you need a break from the water. Here you will find a skatepark, large playground, picnic area and basketball courts. Bonus, there are public restrooms!

If you are looking for an amazing dinner with a view, then Watermen’s Bar & Grill is were to head. Enjoy great food (breakfast, lunch & dinner), a local brew, all while watching kitesurfers in action. After eating walk next door to Real Watersports for all your beachwear and water sport needs.

Another place to find amazing food to take to the beach or sound is at Waves Market & Deli. Once you grab your food, head to the Salvo Day Use Area on the sound side. This public park has a bathhouse, picnic tables and grills, plus direct access to the Pamlico Sound. You can enjoy playing on the sound beaches, calmer waters and getting on your kayak or paddleboard.

Avon

I consider Avon the heart of the island. In this larger village you find the main grocery store (Food Lion), a medical center and pharmacy, and many restaurant choices. Originally named Kinnakeet, this village is lined with sidewalks, perfect for walking, running and biking the entire village.

Where to Eat in Avon, NC

There are plenty of breakfast and coffee shop options in Avon. On your next visit check out Duck Donuts, Muffins & Scones, Uglie Mugs and Isla Coffee. Here are a few ideas for places to find lunch and dinner: The Froggy Dog, Oceanas Bistro, Made with Love (delicious grab & go food), Ketch 55 Seafood Grill, and Gidget’s Pizza & Pasta.

Things to do in in Avon, NC

Avon Pier

The Avon Pier is a must visit spot on your Hatteras Island visit. The beach area is great for surfing and bodyboarding. There is a fee, but fishing off this pier is almost always worth it! When your kiddos get tired of the water, there is a playground located beside the pier’s parking lot. Plus, you can enjoy food from Stu’s Food Truck.

Arcades & Shopping in Avon, NC

For fun that doesn’t involve water, there are two arcades in Avon. A new one just opened in the Food Lion shopping center, next to Wings. The other is located next to the Simply OBX shop. Also, there are multiple shops that rent bicycles for you to use all week. If you are into shopping, there is an endless amount of souvenir, clothing and unique arts shops in Avon.

Buxton

Buxton is dear to my heart because that’s where I live! It is a very family-oriented community. Here you will find the public schools & community center, the Fessenden Center. The Fessenden Center is for everyone to enjoy. There are various workout classes available throughout the week. Outside you will find, basketball and tennis courts, a playground, skatepark and large open sports field.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is found in Buxton. When you visit the lighthouse, you can now see where it originally sat, and see the path it took to its new home in 1999. There is a walk-on beach access at the old lighthouse site. New walking and riding paths now lead to the new lighthouse site. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is currently under a large restoration project. However, you can still tour the grounds, visit the museum and gift shop. Bonus, there are public restrooms.

National Park Service (NPS) Visitor Center

The National Park Service (NPS) Visitor Center in Buxton, NC, is located at 46500 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920. It’s part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and offers information, exhibits, and ranger programs.

Where to Eat in Buxton, NC

There are many family-friendly restaurants and stops to enjoy in this village. Angelo’s Pizza, Fatty’s and Sandbar & Grille are all tasty places to eat. Plus, they all have arcades inside. So, your kiddos are having fun while you wait for your food. Reel Swirly is the place to go for frozen yogurt and tons of toppings. For another sweet option and a round of mini golf, head over to Uncle Eddy’s Frozen Custard. Then dive into local history at the Lost Colony Museum and find out what really happened to the “Lost Colony”. Finally, end a perfect island day with a sunset sail with Hatteras Sailing.

A few other noteworthy spots for food, coffee and treats in Buxton are Orange Blossom, Beads & Grinds, Dillion’s Coffee Bar and Diamond Shoals. For grocery needs, stop by Conner’s Supermarket. This market is family-owned and was established in 1959.

Haulover Day Use Area

The Haulover Day Use Area, or locally called The Canadian Hole, is the place to go for sound-side fun! This spot is known for great kite and windsurfing. Plus, families enjoy the shallow waters for play and paddleboarding. This location also has bathrooms, a shower and changing rooms.

Frisco

Where to Eat in Frisco, NC

Though the Village of Frisco is a thin section of Hatteras Island, it still has much to offer. It is home to some of the island’s favorite restaurants. Tavern on 12, Frisco Sandwich Company and Pamlico Deli all offer unique and local inspired cuisine. For a caffeine fix, head over to Alien Java. They have out of this world coffee and baked goods. Plus, you might get a sighting of the shop kitty, Cosmo. Across the street from Alien Java is the famous Scotch Bonnet Fudge & Gifts. Their rich, creamy and fabulous fudge was featured on the Food Network!

What to do in Frisco, NC

For a day of fun and adventure, go to Frisco Mini Golf & Go Karts. Play 18-holes of mini golf, then take a spin around one of the two go kart tracks. Need to cool off? Head inside to enjoy the game room and concessions. If you really want to cool off, walk across the street to Chilly Hank’s Ice Cream. Plus, they just announced they now offer açaí bowls!

Frisco Native American Museum

Have you ever been curious about the original people of Hatteras Island? Visit the Frisco Native American Museum. The museum has thousands of artifacts from Native American cultures across the country. However, they have an exhibit dedicated to Croatoan people that lived on Hatteras Island. Outside you will find a nature trail through a maritime forest, that has exhibits interspersed along the walk.

Hatteras

Hatteras is the final village that makes up Hatteras Island. This tightknit community is strong and proud. And rightfully so. They have helped each other rebuild many times after hurricanes and strong storms with flooding. No matter what is thrown at them, they maintain their village as the most beautiful place.

Rent Golf Carts in Hatteras, NC

This village is a golf cart driver’s dream come true. Golf carts roam throughout the village, making it convenient for visitors to head to their favorite spot. Thankfully you don’t have to bring your own. There are multiple shops that rent them for your convenience. Check out Slash Creek Outfitters to rent a golf cart and other beach needs.

Shopping in Hatteras, NC

There is plenty of variety of things to do in this little village. If shopping is on your mind, check out all the shops off Marina Way, by the ferry docks. For locally made goods and souvenirs, there is nowhere better to shop than Lee Robinson General Store. If you enjoy art then check out Blue Pelican Gallery and SeaWorthy Gallery.

Water Activities in Hatteras, NC

For the more adventurous folks, book an outing with Family Water Adventures. Captain Tami will show you all the fun and beauty the waters of Hatteras have to offer. In Hatteras Village there is an abundance of fishing charter boats that will take you out for a day of fishing. These knowledgeable sailors will make sure you come home with a catch!

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

The newly remodeled and reenvisioned Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a must visit. The area gets this nickname from the number of shipwrecks in the area. This museum guides guests through the maritime history of Hatteras Island. There are interactive exhibits and a scavenger hunt for kids. The is a FREE museum but donations are greatly appreciated.

Where to eat in Hatteras, NC

Great food is not hard to find in Hatteras. Plus, most all the restaurants have a gorgeous water view. The Wreck Tiki Bar is a fun atmosphere, with great views of the charter boats coming into dock and the ferry boats coming and going. Sonny’s is a family-owned restaurant with amazing local cuisine. Another wonderful eat spot with great views is Hatteras Sol. Don’t forget to stop by The Dancing Turtle for your caffeine and baked good needs. Sticky Bottom fresh produce stand is perfect for stocking your rental house fridge. Additionally, if you need a few grocery items and don’t want to drive all the way to Food Lion, go to the Village Red & White Market.

Cape Point & Beach Driving Tips

Hatteras Island Driving on the Beach — Photo Credit: Visit NC

Cape Point, near Buxton, is a legendary surf-fishing destination and one of the best places to catch a stunning Outer Banks sunrise or sunset. You can drive on the beach at Cape Point with a valid ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) permit. Be sure to air down your tires and check the NPS ramp access map before heading out.

You are allowed to drive on the beach and some sound-side spots on Hatteras Island. However, you do need to buy a ORV pass. You can either get a 10-day or yearly pass. Use this map to see where all the access ramps are located. And don’t forget to air down your tires before trying to drive on the sand!

Hatteras Island Overview

Here are a few final thoughts when you are planning your Hatteras Island vacation.

Hatteras Island Rentals

Unlike many other coastal vacation areas, there are not a lot of hotels and motels on the island. There are some but many people use rental homes through a rental company or rent an Airbnb.

This is only a few highlights of what to do and where to eat on this beautiful island. Every time you come, you will discover something new. One thing is for sure, once you come, you will find it hard to leave. The island has a way of capturing your heart and soul!

Other blogs you might like:

Family Vacation Idea: Little Gasparilla Island
NC Lighthouses: Coastal Landmarks with a Story to Tell
Bald Head Island, NC
Best Family Beaches in North Carolina for Kids & Parents 2025 Guide
Best North Carolina Beach Towns for Families

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Hatteras island FAQs

Is Hatteras worth a visit?

Absolutely! Hatteras Island is rich in history, natural beauty, and recreational activities. Whether you’re into beachcombing, lighthouse exploring, kiteboarding, or simply relaxing, Hatteras delivers.

What is Hatteras famous for?

Hatteras is known for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Graveyard of the Atlantic, world-class fishing, and its strong community that continually rebuilds after storms.

Do you have to take a ferry to get to Hatteras Island?

You can drive to Hatteras Island via the Basnight Bridge from Nags Head. Alternatively, visitors from the south can reach the island by ferry from Ocracoke Island, which itself is accessed by ferry from Swan Quarter or Cedar Island.