Quick Answer
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore NC is a 70-mile stretch of protected coastline running from South Nags Head through Hatteras Island's seven villages to Ocracoke Island. Established in 1953 as America's first national seashore, it protects roughly 30,000 acres of beach, dune, and maritime habitat — home to three historic lighthouses, world-class fishing, and some of the best kiteboarding on the East Coast.
Most people have heard of Cape Hatteras, but what about the national seashore itself? Stretching from South Nags Head through Hatteras Island's seven villages (Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras) and down to Ocracoke Island, this protected shoreline covers more than 70 miles and 30,000 acres of beach and wildlife habitat. Even if you're staying up on the Northern Outer Banks, it's well worth the drive south to see this irreplaceable stretch of coast. Keep reading for what this park is, how it came to be, and what it means for your next Outer Banks vacation.
Where Is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Located in NC?
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC, sits entirely within Dare and Hyde Counties, spanning three barrier islands: Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island. It runs south from Whalebone Junction near Nags Head all the way to Ocracoke, with NC Highway 12 as the only road connecting the villages in between. Because the park is so spread out, most visitors base their trip around one of Hatteras Island's seven villages and explore north or south from there.
What is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is one of ten "national seashores" that are operated and protected by the National Park Service. It consists of 70 miles of coastline which preserves a wide variety of ecosystems and historic areas that are essential for the preservation of culture and wildlife on the Outer Banks. The establishment of the seashore is also meant to help protect against beach erosion, which is currently eroding as much as twelve feet per year on the Rodanthe coastline.
As it currently stands, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore provides endless stretches of beach that are ideal for sunbathing, watersports, and more. This area boasts some of the best fishing and kitesurfing in the world with unobstructed views of the ocean and countless spots to enjoy the beach in privacy. Meanwhile, the protected ecosystems are home to a wide variety of wildlife including sea turtles, deer, and waterfowl who migrate to the Outer Banks each year in search of the pristine maritime forests and clean, undisturbed shoreline.
The History of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The shoreline itself was authorized as a national seashore by Congress in 1937, with funds donated, in part, by Paul Mellon, of Carnegie Mellon University fame. In 1940, the 70 miles and 30,000 acres of shoreline became the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area but it wasn't until January 12, 1953 that the area was established as the first "national seashore." Since its establishment, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has become a haven for vacationers to the Outer Banks while providing numerous educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
What to Do at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
Actually getting to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is easy! All you have to do is find a public parking lot, beach access, ORV access, or clear stretch of shoreline and step out into the ocean air! While you're at the beach, you'll definitely want to pick a spot and relax with a picnic lunch and enjoy frolicking through the waves, looking for seashells, and working on your tan. But this spot is also an unbeatable location for some of the best fishing in the world, due to the location of the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current right off the coast. Don't forget that this is the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of the world while kayaking and traditional surfing are also amazing options to make the most of this brilliant combination of wind and waves.
Visitor's Centers
Bodie Island Visitor Center
8180 Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd., Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 473-2111
Hatteras Island Visitor Center & Museum of the Sea
46375 Lighthouse Rd., Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 473-2111
Ocracoke Island Discovery Center
38 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 475-9701
Public Accesses with Restrooms and/or Showers
When you're traveling with kids or animals, sometimes it can be essential to find facilities with accessible parking, restrooms, and other facilities. Fortunately, there are several of these areas up and down the island. For a list of updated facilities and any potential closures, always be sure to check the NPS website before planning your trip.
Coquina Beach Bathhouse
Coquina Beach Road, MP 26
Amenities: Large Parking Lot, Handicap Parking, Lifeguard, Bathhouse, Changing Rooms, Outdoor Showers, Water Bottle Station, Wooden Walkway, Bike Rack, Pet Waste Bags, ORV Ramp 2 Entrance
Salvo Day Use Area
South Salvo Sound Access, MP 44
Amenities: Paved Parking, Handicap Parking, Bathrooms, Outdoor Showers, Sand Access, Picnic Tables, Grill, Kayak/Kiteboarding Launch
Haulover Day Use Area/Canadian Hole
NC Hwy 12, South of Avon
Amenities: Bathhouse, Showers, Changing Rooms, Bathrooms
Frisco
Hwy 12, South of Frisco
Amenities: Bathhouse, Showers, Bathrooms
Climb a Lighthouse
There are several historic lighthouses in and around the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Some you can climb, some are open for virtual tours, and some offer amazing exterior visuals and insightful education centers. Either way, it's more than worth a stop at each one of these places to complete your vacation.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road
Nags Head, North Carolina 27959
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
46379 Lighthouse Road
Buxton, North Carolina 27920
Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
Lighthouse Road
Ocracoke, North Carolina 27960
Go Fishing!
Hatteras Island is arguably one of the places places to go fishing in the world! With charters heading out daily, multiple piers to choose from, and miles of beach perfect for surf fishing, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is an angler's paradise. The mixing of currents off of Cape Point makes this a premiere destination for catching large fish like you won't find anywhere else! From sheepshead to red drum, the waters off the Cape Hatteras National Seashore make this a prime fishing destination. Check out our Fishing Fanatics Outer Banks Trip Planning Guide for a day-by-day itinerary for making the most of your Outer Banks fishing experience.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore NC: Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
It covers more than 70 miles of coastline and about 30,000 acres, stretching from South Nags Head to Ocracoke Island.
When was the Cape Hatteras National Seashore established?
Congress authorized it in 1937, and it officially opened as the first national seashore in the United States on January 12, 1953.
What towns does the Cape Hatteras National Seashore NC run through?
It runs through Hatteras Island's seven villages — Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras — plus Bodie Island near Nags Head and Ocracoke Island.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is free to enter; only the lighthouse climbs charge a separate fee.
Plan Your Cape Hatteras Adventure Today!
So whether you're hoping to come for a short stay getaway or you're excited to introduce the kiddos to some important North Carolina history while recreating memories of your childhood beach vacation, we've got the perfect place for you to stay while you're in town. Check out our available rentals on Hatteras Island and book your own exploration of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore today!
Keep an eye on our specials and deals and book now before your dream Outer Banks beach house fills up for the summer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks. And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today!
We'll see you at the beach.
