Summer
Things to Do on Hatteras Island in Summer
Summer on Hatteras Island is a classic coastal vacation season: long sunny days, warm water, and endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Whether you're here for surf and sand, fishing and watersports, local events, or family adventures, summer brings the best of everything this coastal destination has to offer.
Helpful Tips for Visiting in Summer
- What to Pack: Sunscreen, hats, bathing suits, and plenty of water are summer essentials.
- Weather Expectations: Mid-day temperature highs range from the 70s to 80s, with water temperatures rising to the low 80s. Mornings and evenings are often the coolest and most comfortable for outdoor activities.
- Plan Ahead: Popular attractions, tours, and restaurants can book up quickly during the peak season. Make reservations in advance so you don't miss out on your favorite spots!
- Driving Tips: Summer traffic can be heavier at peak times. Keep your adventures within walking and biking distance, or plan for longer car rides if you want to drive.
Dive Into Classic Summer Fun
Swimming, Surfing & Beach Days
Summer means perfect beach weather filled with warm sunshine and Atlantic swells calling you in. Hatteras Island has miles of sandy beaches ideal for swimming and boogie boarding, with lifeguards on duty at many popular access points for added peace of mind.
Surfers of all levels also love Hatteras Island and other local breaks, where seasonal swells offer consistent waves. Local shops such as Slash Creek Outfitters and Ride Hatteras rent boards and offer lessons, regardless of your experience.
Fishing, Crabbing & Charter Adventures
Fishing is one of Hatteras Island's top summer pastimes. Warm water and active summer fish migrations make this one of the best times of the year to get out on the water. Cast from world-famous piers like Rodanthe Fishing Pier or Avon Fishing Pier; neither requires a fishing license. For a fun activity with the whole family, try crabbing in the sound! All you need is some simple gear and a sense of adventure to get started.
Consider chartering a fishing boat, by booking a charter excursion for the best chances of catching the big one that didn't get away! Many offshore charters catch mahi-mahi, tuna, and more. Call one of the local marinas to book your adventure:
- Oregon-Inlet Fishing Center
- Hatteras Harbor Marina
- Hatteras Landing Marina
- Teach's Lair Marina
- Oden's Dock
Kayaking, Paddleboarding & Watersports
Calmer mornings on the Pamlico Sound are perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding through serene coastal marshes and inlets Rentals and guided tours are available throughout the island, offering a chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the peaceful side of summer waters.
Explore Nature & Scenic Spots
When it's time for a break from the crystalline waters, explore the shoreline and surrounding remarkable landscape. Discover the hidden gems of your village on a bike or purchase an off-road (ORV) permit to drive along the coast. Since summertime brings abundant wildlife across the island, you're sure to catch sights of dolphins in the surf, herons soaring over the sound, and much more.
Hatteras Island is home to one of the most extensive, unspoiled maritime forests on the East Coast. This ecosystem has trails throughout the island and within Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This national park also features fantastic fishing opportunities and nearly 70 miles of wide-open beaches.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to learn more about the wildlife and habitats that make up this stunning reserve. For a truly unique experience, sign up for a summer canoe tour or one of the many other programs offered.
Enjoy the unbeatable wildlife and nature viewing only experienced during the summer. Sea turtles sun themselves by the North Pond Trail, and southbound shorebirds make use of the drained, moist soil. As you wander along the Pea Island Trails, keep your eyes open for great blue herons, snowy egrets, and great egrets.
Lighthouses
Visit the island's iconic lighthouses, which capture the history and scenic beauty that define Hatteras Island:
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, a centerpiece of the National Seashore.
- Please note that the lighthouse has been under restoration since 2023, with completion expected in 2026. Extensive restoration is being done inside and outside of the lighthouse, along with the landscaping. Click here to see more information and updates on the restoration.
- Bodie Island Lighthouse with panoramic views of marsh and sound.
Venture off Hatteras Island to experience the other iconic lighthouses of the Outer Banks:
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a historic beacon with panoramic views from the top.
- Ocracoke Lighthouse, the oldest operating light station in North Carolina.
- Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse contains exhibits and information on the area's maritime heritage.
Family Fun & Summer Events
Outdoor Shows & Festivals
Summer brings a variety of local events, like kite festivals and community celebrations. The Rogallo Kite Festival at Jockey's Ridge fills the sky with colorful kites, and the Outer Banks Watermelon Festival adds family-friendly fun with games and treats.
The Lost Colony
One of the region's most beloved summer traditions is The Lost Colony outdoor drama on Roanoke Island. It's a captivating historic performance under the stars, perfect for audiences of all ages.
Kid-Friendly Stops & Rainy Days
Even across summer's perfect weather, it's nice to have indoor or varied options for rainy days, or when you're ready for a change of pace:
- Set off on a day trip to the central and northern Outer Banks to explore the rest of the area.
- The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island provides close-up marine encounters and educational opportunities.
- Jennette's Pier in Nags Head offers fishing, educational exhibits, and stunning sunset strolls.
- Don't forget about the many other activities in the Outer Banks, like the movie theater in Kill Devil Hills or Turf's Up OBX in Kitty Hawk.
Take a Daytrip to Ocracoke
Ocracoke, an island off the coast of Hatteras Island, can only be reached by water. One of the best ways to get there is by hopping on a ferry; several ferry routes take you to Ocracoke from Hatteras Island, near the Hatteras Landing Shopping Center. While there, swing by the Ocracoke Lighthouse, explore quaint Ocracoke village, ride a golf cart around the island, enjoy a locally brewed beer at 1718 Brewery, or live out your pirate fantasies!
Eat, Shop & Evening Activities
Summer evenings are perfect for ice cream runs, seafood dinners, and local nightlife. Browse local shops and galleries, try iconic spots like Duck Donuts, or time your dinner around a sunset view with a local craft cocktail (or mocktail) in hand.
Stay in the comfort of your Hatteras Island home and enjoy local flavors without leaving the house. Order a seafood boil to prepare at home, or hire a local caterer or chef to handle the dirty work for you.
Spend Your Summer on Hatteras Island
Summer on Hatteras Island is the classic coastal experience: relaxing beaches, warm water, lively events, and endless ways to play. Whether you're here for surf and sand, outdoor adventures, local culture, or family time, the season delivers memories that last long after the sun sets. Enjoy it all directly from your sublime Hatteras Island vacation rental home.
