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Settled on North Carolina’s renowned Outer Banks, with the Pamlico Sound on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Hatteras Island offers miles of unspoiled beaches, wild ocean breezes, and charming villages for an unforgettable coastal vacation. Sitting on the Outer Banks, popularly known as OBX, Hatteras is about 30 miles from the mainland and less than a mile wide in some parts. Sculpted by wind and seas over centuries, this picturesque destination is known for its laidback vibe, surf, deep-sea fishing, and historic significance.
Our Casago Hatteras team invites you to explore Hatteras Island on the OBX to make cherished memories at your own pace. Enjoy outdoor recreation, family-friendly fishing villages, and incredible, unspoiled beaches for a unique North Carolina beach getaway!
Along the 200-mile stretch of the Outer Banks (OBX) hugging the Atlantic coast, the 50-mile sliver of Hatteras Island stands out as one of the most charming areas to explore. Welcoming tens of thousands of vacationers each year, this barrier island is recognized for its lighthouses, seaside cottages, fishing traditions, water sports, and access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Globe-trotters will appreciate that Hatteras is home to the largest brick lighthouse in the country.
Hatteras is renowned as an epicenter for commercial and charter fishing, as a kitesurfing playground, and for the picturesque villages dotting NC-12 as one makes their way down the island. Notorious for its strong winds and crashing waves, which continue to shape the landscape, Hatteras blends timeless shipfaring traditions with modern sportfishing, hospitality, and natural beauty.
Located between the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, Hatteras was first inhabited by the Croatan Native Americans in the 16th century. By the 1700s, this group came to be known as the Hatteras Indians. Croatan Island, which the area was once called, also figures in stories of America’s “The Lost Colony.”
Of additional historical significance is Hatteras’ role as home to one of the earliest U.S. Weather Bureaus, and as a U.S. Life-Saving Station meant to save mariners from treacherous storms. In fact, the shallow waters of shoals along the Atlantic side of the Hatteras coast are commonly referred to as “The Graveyard of the Atlantic” because of its history of shipwrecks. Similarly, tales of pirates, including Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard), add to the mysterious allure of the island and nearby inlets.
Booking a trip to Hatteras Island for an OBX vacation getaway opens the door to slowing down and stepping into a windswept seaside paradise away from it all. Whether fishing off the pier, exploring the nearby villages of Avon, Rodanthe, and Buxton, or ferrying across to Ocracoke, Hatteras offers outstanding access to adventure.
Most travelers drive to Hatteras Island, taking NC Highway 12 over Oregon Inlet via the Bonner Bridge on the northern side of the island. Another option is the free Ocracoke / Hatteras ferry across the Hatteras inlet.
The closest airports to Hatteras Island offering the best connectivity include Norfolk International Airport (ORF), about 2½ hours away, and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) at roughly 4 hours. The smaller Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern is another option at 3½ hours driving distance, servicing Breeze Airways and American Airlines.
While Hatteras is principally a drive-to destination, marinas are available to boaters at the southern end of the island in Hatteras Village. In addition, the National Park Service’s Billy Mitchell Airfield in Frisco can receive small planes.
As a beach vacation spot, summer tends to be the peak season on Hatteras Island, though, truth be told, the best time of the year depends on what you like to do. Spring and Fall offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather for outdoor recreation, though some may not feel the water is warm enough in early Spring. September is the peak season for hurricanes, so keep in mind you may have to contend with the weather. Winters on the OBX are generally mild, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore the island, lighthouses, and walking trails.
There are plenty of spots to explore in and around Hatteras during an OBX getaway, though be sure not to miss:
A permit is required for beaches around Hatteras Island that are open to off-road-vehicles. ATVS, UTVs, and motorcycles are not permitted on Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beaches. Permit information and purchase can be found online at Recreation.gov (search for Cape Hatteras ORV).
Yes. A North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required. This is generally available at local tackle shops.
