Hatteras Island stretches roughly 50 miles along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, forming the elbow of a narrow ribbon of sand between the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound.
1. Lighthouse Beach, Buxton
The most photographed spot on the island sits at the foot of the 198-foot Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
2. Cape Point, Buxton
Where the Gulf Stream meets the Labrador Current, Cape Point juts into the Atlantic like an arrowhead.
3. Canadian Hole, Buxton
Named for the Canadian windsurfers who "discovered" it in the 1980s, this sound-side beach is one of the premier wind-sport spots in North America.
4. Rodanthe Beach (Mirlo Beach)
The northernmost village on Hatteras Island, Rodanthe gained fame as the filming location for Nights in Rodanthe.
5. Salvo Day Use Area
Salvo is one of the quietest stretches on the island with paved parking and restrooms.
6. Avon Beach (Ramp 38)
Avon is the commercial hub of Hatteras Island, but its beach feels anything but urban.
7. Frisco Beach (Ramp 49)
Outstanding shelling, especially after a nor'easter.
8. Hatteras Village Beach (Ramp 55)
At the southern tip of the island, access to the inlet area where the ferry departs for Ocracoke.
9. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
13-mile wildlife refuge that hosts over 365 species of birds.
10. Waves Beach
The village of Waves is small but that's its appeal. The beach here faces due east, catching the first rays of sunrise.
About Sarah Mitchell
Sarah has been exploring the Outer Banks for over 15 years and manages guest experience at Surf or Sound. She loves sharing her favorite hidden gems with visitors.