Top Things to do in Hatteras Island
9 Museums in Hatteras Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Hatteras Island is a barrier island off the coast of North Carolina, on the Atlantic Ocean. Famed for its lighthouse and long sandy beaches, it is a great family friendly place for a relaxing holiday. Many people visiting Hatteras Island will be looking for a beach holiday, and the long sandy beaches looking out over the Atlantic Ocean are well worth exploring - even at the height of summer or the 4th of July weekend you can usually find a good stretch of beach all to yourselves. Canadian Hole, between the towns of Buxton and Avon, is a particularly good spot. In addition to the beach itself, the waters of Pamlico Sound are perfect for wading, and tourists flock there as the conditions are perfect for windsurfing and kite boarding. In terms of sightseeing there is also the lighthouse, which was moved inland in 1999 to protect it from coastal erosion, and the 825 acre Buxton Coastal Reserve, an area of maritime woodland full of spectacular wildlife (there have even been sightings of bald eagles) and plenty of hiking trails for those members of the family looking for a bit more exercise.
Restaurants in Hatteras Island
1. Kinnakeet Clay Studio & Showroom
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
A treasure worth taking the time to discover, seek us out in Historic Avon Village (Kinnakeet). Enjoy our Out-of-Ordinary collection showcasing an impressive selection of local and regional pottery including that of artist/owner Antoinette Gaskins Mattingly. Find 'jar frogs', local wall art, home decor, ornaments, handmade gifts and jewelry. Browse our showroom featuring the work of 40+ artists, take a pottery or painting class in one of our two working studios, watch demonstrations and shop to your heart's content. Savor the experience of art and fine craft.
Reviewed By brianjill - Glenside, United States
My wife and I are fortunate to have been able to spend an annual vacation in Avon each October for the past 15 years. There few things that we have not already seen, so it takes something special to get us away from our beach front rental. One place that is a annual must for us is Kinnakeet Clay. They have wonderfully crafted art, warm & welcoming staff, and a great artisan/owner. If you are staying in the OBX south of Nags Head, Kinnakeet Clay is well worth you time for a visit. ????
2. Pea Island Art Gallery, Salvo, NC
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By DonaldC1334
owner and help are great not pushy lots to choose from neat garden surrounding the house .We go in spring and the fall
3. Hatteras Island Ocean Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
The Ocean Center provides a wide variety of recreational and educational activities for people of all ages. Please come view the exhibits, experience the wetlands and coastal forest, attend our programs and events, and use our ocean access.
Reviewed By ailatanie
We attended a 2 programs at the Ocean Center (turtle patrol and marsh madness) and both adults and children absolutely loved it. My kids are curious about the places we visit and they were craving an opportunity to learn about the wildlife we are surrounded by in Hatteras. I cannot think of a better way! Shirley showed them around the nature center (only one family is allowed in due to COVID), described the life cycle of turtles and the efforts to protect them, and showed the nest on the beach. It was fun interactive and all kids (ages 6, 9, 12) were very interested and asked a lot of questions. The next day they went crabbing, caught and learned about blue crabs. We even spotted a snapping turtle. I highly recommend it!
4. Blue Pelican Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Shop American Made, Shop Handmade, Shop LOCAL. Blue Pelican Gallery and Gifts is a unique little shop with a lot of heART.With hundreds and hundreds of handmade and individually produced items, Blue Pelican is a great place to pick out an affordable, special, often one of a kind gift for a special person...including yourself. We have a huge selection of items under $20. We are constantly changing and adding new art and artists. Three generations of our family own and staff the shop. Remember to shop LOCAL on Hatteras Island!Some of the items you can find are: jewelry, pottery, prints, photography, soap, candles, ornaments, sun catchers, clay wall art, metal art, blown glass art, Outer Banks SeaSalt, pet sitter gifts, art cards, and much, much more.
Reviewed By TyiaP1
I ordered online from Blue Pelican Gallery. At the time of my order, the Gallery was up on stilts, being raised due to flooding. Jennifer contacted me and let me know that she couldn't get in her store (safety) at the time and asked me if I wanted a refund or if I wanted to wait until the Gallery was lowered back down. I told her I would be fine with waiting. It wasn't more than a week, but one of the items I had ordered got lost when they lowered the house and the display fell. Jennifer wrote me a note and sent it along with my order explaining that one item had been lost, she sent several replacements, refunded my shipping, and said that she will ship the lost item when she finds it. This woman is BEYOND NICE!!! She has gone above and beyond in making up for the loss of an item that was beyond her control! She is an example of what not only quality customer service, but a quality human being, should be! Thanks Jennifer! I will definitely be recommending and shopping from your store again!
5. SeaWorthy Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
On the Outer Banks of North Carolina and located in Hatteras Village, the SeaWorthy Gallery stands out as the premier showplace of collectible art on Hatteras Island. Here in a relaxed and tranquil setting, one finds an elegant presentation of eclectic art forms from paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and home decor.
Reviewed By M9229EUdavidt
There is no doubt that this is the finest shopping on Hatteras Island. Great jewelry, pottery and art work. Many customers when we were there. Almost all bought something or other. Definitely recommend a visit.
6. Studio 12
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Studio 12 is a fun place for kids and kids at heart. Bring in the whole family for some artsy fun. Grab a latte or all fruit smoothie from the coffee bar and then create your own mosaic, paint some pottery or make some glass fusion. Browse our gallery to find unique gifts made by local OBX artists as well as owners Carolyn and Gary Schena. Studio 12 is fun for all ages!
Reviewed By 251cathrync
So much to choose from for families to do and everyone had a blast. We painted animals and bowls and also did a mosaic. The staff is friendly and helpful and it's a nice relaxed atmosphere. We noticed we were not the only table of painters happily singing along to the music they played. The studio is bright and colourful and fun to look at all the artwork, both samples of painted pottery and art from local artists. Lots of art for the walls, as well as beautiful jewellery. They also have lotion and soaps and fun gifts for the kids. Loved that we could purchase a coffee and smoothies at the shop next door. Will come again!!
7. Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 505 reviews
Reviewed By S250LPmikeg
From the Fresnel light center stage in the main room to the historical info inside and out to the helpful staff and free all day run of short educational films, this is a must-see destination for anyone who loves and wants to know more about the Outer Banks from Blackbeard's time, through the Civil War to the present day.
8. Frisco Native American Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 82 reviews
Frisco Native American Museum houses exhibits with thousands of artifacts from Native cultures across the country and include a special gallery, dedicated to the local tribes (Hatterask, Croatoan, Roanoac) and features many items that were found locally on the Outer Banks. The museum is the life work of Carl Bornfriend. He and his wife Joyce worked together to create this special and friendly 501(c)(3) museum whose goal is to honor native people and expand communication between tribes and non-natives. Carl and Joyce both come from education backgrounds and those ideals have forged a distinctive place. Carl taught among the Delaware and Hopi, sharing his love of nature and learning with anyone who would listen. Joyce is a former teacher, principal, and school board member. Combining Carl's spontaneity and creativity with Joyce's warmth and organizational skills has produced a place of learning and respect.
Reviewed By JenniferM479 - Charlotte, United States
Educational visit while down in December. They have a nice variety of artifacts and information. Amber is super nice and very knowledgeable. We have passed by so many times, glad we finally stopped and will be back during our next vacation.
9. The Blue Lagoon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
