Our Favorites For Making the Most of Your Hatteras Vacation
If you’re wondering what to do on Hatteras Island, look no further! Our top ten list of island activities and favorites covers all the bases for a truly memorable time in the Outer Banks. There are so many adventures to be had and things to see on Hatteras Island, so get out there and enjoy yourself!
1. Hit The Beach
It’s a no-brainer that our top thing to do on Hatteras Island is taking advantage of our wide-open beaches for hours of blissful fun in the sun. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, an adventure enthusiast, or just in need of a little R&R, the beach has something for everyone! From snorkeling to surfing, fishing to sunning, you can power up or down on these white sandy beaches to make the day yours however you see fit!
2. The Gallery Tour
From Salvo to Hatteras there are a variety of art galleries that take part in the Gallery Tour on the first Friday of every month during the summer. This community of artists comes together to support one another and during the official tours, will boast everything from discounts to mimosas! That being said, it doesn’t have to be the first Friday of the month for you to load up the car and do the gallery hop from one end of the island to the next, because these are definitely some shopping opportunities that you won’t want to miss!
3. Eat! Eat! Eat!
Utilize that state-of-the-art kitchen in your Midgett Realty vacation rental to put your culinary skills to the test! Try a number of recipes using fresh ingredients purchased at one of the island’s local seafood markets or cook up your fresh catch for a delicious meal for all to enjoy. Also be sure to make time to try some of the local eateries and delicious fare that is served all along Hatteras Island. Seafood, land, and even plant lovers will leave with pleasantly pleased palette’s as they taste-test the local cuisine and all its many flavors.
4. Beachcombing
Beachcombing is a serious pastime for many who visit Hatteras Island. Plenty of folks get up with the sun to comb the beaches for treasures ranging from seashells to beach glass, with hopes of finding that special souvenir to remember their time in Hatteras.
5. Book a Charter
With half day inshore and full day offshore charters available, a day on the water with friends and family is always a day well spent. Explore the deep blue as our fleet of experienced captains hook you up with the Atlantic’s best catch and a slough of stories to write home about.
6. Drive an ORV Route
Permit required! While the drive down Highway 12 is certainly a scenic one, the drive on Hatteras Island’s various ORV routes is another all in itself. With proper permitting, folks can drive from ramp to ramp to explore the seashore as the salt air blows through your hair and the sun shines on your face. Trust us, it’s one drive you won’t forget! Just remember to air down!
7. Catch a Sunrise/Sunset
There aren’t many sights more beautiful than watching the sun rise or set over Hatteras Island. Depending on the time of year, you can largely catch the sunrise on the oceanside and the sunset on the soundside of the island. Pick your favorite spot to cozy up and watch the magic happen right before your eyes with plenty of opportunity for some Instagram-worthy shots before, during and after!
8. Surf Fish at Cape Point
Head over to the local tackle shop to get the skinny on what’s biting, load up on gear and head over to Cape Point to throw a line or two out and wait and see what happens. As one of the most renowned fishing locales on the East Coast, fishermen have long been frequenting this stretch of beach where the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current meet with excited expectations for hooking up some fish that come with full bragging rights. Psst! The rule is, whoever caught dinner doesn’t have to clean up dinner.
9. Try A Watersport
Whether gravity tends to side with you or against you, watersports offer a variety of difficulty levels ranging from low to high intensity, so what better time than the present to try something new and exciting? YOLO! Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, jetskiing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing, and more all offer fun and excitement, exercise, and an opportunity to try something that you might not otherwise get the chance to. And good news! A variety of equipment rental shops are available along the island, and several places offer lessons as well for those who are looking for a little help taking the first step.
10. Live Music on The Deck
Several restaurants, particularly in Hatteras Village, offer music at night on their outside decks. Breakwater, Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill, and The Wreck Tiki Bar each have sunset decks hosting local musicians several nights a week. Live music, drinks, and a view? Yeah, we’ll take it!
