What to do and see in Hatteras Island, North Carolina (NC): The Best Free Things to do

November 10, 2021 Marissa Gamble

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. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

North Carolina Highway 12, Hatteras Island, NC 27954
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 563 reviews

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

A national seashore preserve that has the most extensive stretch of undeveloped seashore along the Atlantic coast.

Reviewed By mikelK1251FN - Clinton, United States

We had a great time here, clean, plenty of space, I recommend you get an off road vehicle permit and drive on the beach.

2. Frisco Beach

Frisco, Hatteras Island, NC
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 162 reviews

Frisco Beach

Reviewed By dzc00k - Arlington, United States

We stayed in Frisco and loved this beach. Great waves, easy parking and access to the beach itself, bathroom and shower as well. Plenty of space to roam on the beach.

3. Kinnakeet Clay Studio & Showroom

40462 North End Rd, Avon, Hatteras Island, NC 27915 +1 252-995-0101 [email protected] http://www.kinnakeetclay.com
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 60 reviews

Kinnakeet Clay Studio & Showroom

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. ????

57762 NC Highway 12, Hatteras Island, NC 27943 +1 252-986-2244 [email protected] http://www.bluepelicangallery.com
Excellent
76%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 29 reviews

Blue Pelican Gallery

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!

27766 Hwy 12, Salvo, Hatteras Island, NC +1 252-987-2879 http://www.peaislandartgallery.com
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 64 reviews

Pea Island Art Gallery, Salvo, NC

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

6. Harbor House Seafood Market

58129 Hwy 12, Hatteras Island, NC 27943 +1 252-986-2039 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harbor-House-Seafood-Market/249394310664
Excellent
94%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 54 reviews

Harbor House Seafood Market

We are a seafood market that offers both raw and prepared items.

7. Scotch Bonnet

51684 NC Hwy 12, Hatteras Island, NC 27936 +1 252-995-4242 [email protected] http://scotchbonnetfudges.com
Excellent
86%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 70 reviews

Scotch Bonnet

Named for the North Carolina State Seashell, The Scotch Bonnet is located in Frisco in the heart of Hatteras Island on the beautiful, windswept Outer Banks of North Carolina We have been a Hatteras Island landmark for over 60 years welcoming generations of families. The Scotch Bonnet is most famous for its rich, creamy and delicious fudge that is made right on the premises with real cream and butter! Our Fudge is so heavenly it was even featured on the Food Network! We also offer over 21 flavors of saltwater taffy, Jelly Belly jelly beans, seashells, t-shirts and unique gifts. So if your sweet tooth needs satisfying and you find yourself on the Outer Banks, a stop at the Scotch Bonnet is an absolute must!

Reviewed By jobo347 - Llano, United States

I love the fudge here. They sent me an e-mail telling me of flavor of the month, it was Bear Claw Fudge. Since I'm not going there till Oct. I had them send it to me. Wonderful!!!!! It tasted just like a Bear Claw Danish. I hope they still have it in OCT. when I visit. If not, they still have 30 + flavors to choose from. This is the best fudge and they always are having new flavors.

8. Sandcastles

39774 Highway 12, Avon, Hatteras Island, NC 27915 +1 252-995-0147 [email protected] http://Www.sandcastlesavon.com
Excellent
90%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Sandcastles

An eclectic mix of local art, photography, jewelry, pottery, nautical decor and other unusuals.

58401 NC Highway 12, Hatteras, Hatteras Island, NC 27943 +1 252-986-6510 [email protected] http://seaworthygallery.com
Excellent
82%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

SeaWorthy Gallery

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.

10. Cape Point Beach

Lighthouse Rd Follow Lighthouse Rd to Ramp 44, Hatteras Island, NC 27920 +1 252-473-2111 https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Excellent
69%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Cape Point Beach

Beach located along North Carolina's Outer Banks that is recommended for surfing.

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