Hatteras, North Carolina, USA

Hatteras, North Carolina: A Coastal Gem

Overview

Hatteras is a charming coastal town located on the southern tip of Hatteras Island in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Known for its stunning beaches, laid-back vibe, and abundant natural beauty, it offers visitors a quintessential beach experience. With a small population and a strong maritime culture, Hatteras is perfect for those seeking a relaxing escape while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities and local attractions.

How to Get There

Hatteras is accessible by car, with the main route being NC-12, which runs through the Outer Banks. Travelers typically arrive via ferry from the mainland, or by driving north along the scenic highway from Ocracoke or south from Nags Head. The nearest major airport is in Norfolk, Virginia, which is about a 3-hour drive away.

Beaches

The beaches of Hatteras are known for their pristine, unspoiled beauty, with wide stretches of sand and clear waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Popular beaches include Hatteras Village Beach, Frisco Beach, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore, offering a mix of quiet spots and areas for water activities.

Key Attractions and Landmarks

• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: One of the most iconic lighthouses in the U.S., the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse offers stunning views from the top and is a must-visit for anyone coming to the area.
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A protected stretch of coastline with pristine beaches, dunes, and marshlands, perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking and birdwatching.
• Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum: Learn about the shipwrecks and maritime history of the Outer Banks in this small but fascinating museum.
• Hatteras Island Ocean Center: A family-friendly educational center focusing on local marine life, ecology, and history.

Water Sports and Beach Activities

• Kitesurfing and Windsurfing: Hatteras is world-renowned for its wind sports, with consistent winds making it an ideal destination for both beginners and advanced enthusiasts.
• Surfing: With various breaks along the coast, surfers flock to Hatteras for its legendary waves, especially at areas like S-Turns and the point break at Cape Hatteras.
• Fishing: The waters around Hatteras are a fisherman’s paradise. Both deep-sea and surf fishing are popular activities.
• Kayaking and Paddleboarding: The calm waters near the Sound make for great kayaking and paddleboarding adventures.
• Boating and Sailing: Explore the coastline from the water, whether you’re sailing or cruising on a boat.

Water Temperatures by Season

• Winter (Dec – Feb): 50°F – 60°F (10°C – 15°C)
• Spring (Mar – May): 60°F – 70°F (15°C – 21°C)
• Summer (Jun – Aug): 75°F – 80°F (24°C – 27°C)
• Fall (Sept – Nov): 70°F – 75°F (21°C – 24°C)

Marine Life

The waters off Hatteras are home to a diverse array of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and various species of fish. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a popular spot for spotting migratory birds, including pelicans and osprey, along with a variety of shorebirds. The nearby waters also support rich coral reefs, making for some excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Outdoor Activities

• Hiking and Biking: Hatteras has numerous nature trails, including those through Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking or biking amidst dunes, marshes, and woodlands.
• Wildlife Watching: The Outer Banks are known for birdwatching, especially migratory waterfowl, and Hatteras provides ample opportunities to spot native species.
• Camping: There are several campgrounds in the area, particularly within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, offering a true outdoor experience.

Things to Do

• Fishing Charters: Hire a local charter for deep-sea or inshore fishing.
• Sightseeing Cruises: Take a boat tour to see dolphins, enjoy sunset views, or explore the local waterways.
• Explore Local History: Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum or check out the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
• Beachcombing and Shelling: Spend time on the beach searching for shells, sea glass, and driftwood.

Festivals

• Hatteras Island Art Show (April): A celebration of local artists, with an outdoor market featuring unique art pieces, crafts, and live music.
• Hatteras Village Offshore Open (June): A popular fishing tournament attracting anglers from across the region, with opportunities to catch marlin, tuna, and other species.
• Outer Banks Seafood Festival (October): While typically held in Nags Head, this event is a short drive from Hatteras and celebrates local seafood, with food, music, and activities for all ages.
• Island Heritage Day (July): A community event in Hatteras celebrating the history and culture of the island with traditional music, food, and crafts.

Art and Culture

Hatteras maintains a strong maritime culture, reflected in its museums and local galleries. The island hosts local artists and craftsmen who showcase their work in galleries and at outdoor markets. The community embraces its history, with maritime art and photography capturing the area’s beauty and traditions.

Nightlife

While Hatteras is more laid-back compared to larger beach towns, there are still opportunities for evening entertainment. Casual bars, beachside spots, and local music performances offer a relaxed nightlife scene, often centered around live acoustic or folk music.

Food

The local cuisine is dominated by fresh seafood, with fish, shrimp, and oysters being staples of the area’s dining scene. Southern and Low Country dishes, including crab cakes, clam chowder, and hushpuppies, are also common. Many restaurants focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering dishes with a distinctive Outer Banks flavor.

Accommodations

Accommodation in Hatteras is mostly in the form of beach houses, small inns, and campgrounds. Many visitors opt to rent homes along the coastline for a more private and spacious experience. There are also cozy boutique inns that offer a more intimate stay. The area caters to a wide range of budgets, from luxurious oceanfront properties to budget-friendly rentals.

Peak Season

The peak season for Hatteras is during the summer months, from June to August. This is when the town sees the highest number of visitors, with warm weather and abundant outdoor activities attracting families and vacationers.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Hatteras is in the spring (April – May) and fall (September – November), when the weather is still pleasant, the crowds are thinner, and the rates for accommodations are more affordable.

Best Time to Enjoy Water Activities

The best time to enjoy water activities in Hatteras is during the summer months (June – August) when the water is warm, but spring and fall (April – May, September – October) are also great for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and kitesurfing, as the weather is still mild and the waters are less crowded.