The Cape Hatteras National Seashore needs to be your next beach destination. The CHNS is 70 miles of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina the national seashore stretches from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island. The National Park Service manages it. If you want a beach destination like no other look no further than Cape Hatteras National Seashore!
Here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of your visit:
Located on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches over 70 miles along the Atlantic coast. It’s a haven for nature lovers, fishermen, beachgoers, bird watchers, shell hunters, sun lovers, watersports enthusiasts, and history buffs alike!
Beaches: With pristine sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, Cape Hatteras offers endless opportunities for relaxation and fun in the sun. Whether you’re into swimming, sunbathing, fishing, or simply strolling along the shore, you’ll find your perfect spot here.
Lighthouses
Lighthouses: Don’t miss the chance to explore the iconic lighthouses that dot the North Carolina coastline within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America, is a must-visit. Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views! (Under renovations until the summer of 2024. Can view but unable to climb).
Bodie Island Lighthouse is located south of the town of Nags Head on Highway 12 South. It stands 156 feet tall and was renovated from 2009 to 2013. since renovated the public can now climb Bodie Lighthouse. The view from the top is of marshlands, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pamlico Sound.
Ocracoke Lighthouse, located on Ocracoke Island in Ocracoke Village. It is at the southern end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The lighthouse stands 75 feet tall. It is not open for climbing, but the base of the lighthouse is open to the public.
Wildlife
Get ready to encounter an array of fascinating wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins frolicking in the waves, sea turtle nests on the beaches, deer in the marshland and forest, and a variety of bird species soaring above. Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a haven for many types of shore birds. Sandpiper, sanderling, piper plover, Canada goose, laughing gulls, Willet, Brown pelican, Great Egret, and Great Blue Heron are some of the bird species commonly found at the national seashore. It’s a nature lover’s paradise!
Outdoor Activities
Beyond the beach, Cape Hatteras offers plenty of outdoor adventures. Go kayaking through the salt marshes, try your hand at windsurfing or kiteboarding, or embark on a scenic hike along the nature trails. Surf the waves. Bike the backroads and explore quaint villages like Avon and Hatteras Village. There’s something for everyone!
History and Culture
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the area. Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras to learn about the maritime heritage. Explore historic villages like Rodanthe. Discover the stories of shipwrecks and pirates that shaped this region. Visit Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center. The center has a large collection of Native American artifacts, exhibits, and natural history displays from across the United States. It also has native artifacts from the first inhabitants of Hatteras Island.
Camping and Accommodation
Extend your stay and experience the magic of Cape Hatteras by camping under the stars. The national seashore offers several campgrounds with stunning ocean views.
- Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort is located in Rodanthe. Has over 400 sites. Is located on the ocean side.
- Hatteras Sands Campground – located in Hatteras on Eagle Pass Rd.
- Frisco Woods Campground – located on Highway 12 in Frisco. Offers sound side sites and sound access.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore has four campgrounds within the park. All of the campgrounds have tent, trailer, and RV sites. The four include Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, Frisco, and Ocracoke campgrounds.
If camping isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of cozy beachfront rentals and hotels nearby.
Remember to respect the environment and follow the park’s guidelines to help preserve this natural treasure for future generations.
So, pack your sunscreen, grab your beach towel, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Cape Hatteras National Seashore!
