Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Stretching more than 70 miles along the Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is one of the most treasured and unspoiled coastal destinations on the East Coast. Managed by the National Park Service, this protected shoreline preserves the natural beauty, wildlife, history, and maritime culture that make Hatteras Island so special. From wide-open beaches and iconic landmarks to world-class outdoor recreation, the Seashore offers endless opportunities to explore and reconnect with nature.

Established in 1937, Cape Hatteras National Seashore was the first national seashore in the United States. Its purpose: to protect the dramatic barrier island landscape, diverse ecosystems, and historically significant sites of the region. Today, visitors enjoy a coastal environment that feels peaceful, undeveloped, and authentically wild—something increasingly rare along the East Coast. 

You’ll find rolling dunes, maritime forests, salt marshes, and miles of pristine beaches. Whether you’re walking along the surf at sunrise, watching pelicans glide overhead, or enjoying the quiet sounds of the ocean, the Seashore offers a chance to slow down and experience nature at its most pure.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse 

The iconic black-and-white spiral lighthouse stands as the symbol of the Seashore, protecting mariners since 1870. Its dramatic history—including the 1999 relocation—is a story every visitor should experience. 

Bodie Island Lighthouse 

Located at the northern end of the Seashore, this beautifully restored lighthouse offers spectacular views and a peaceful surrounding marshland rich in wildlife. 

Ocracoke Lighthouse 

One of the oldest operating lighthouses in the country, this landmark anchors the charming village of Ocracoke at the southern tip of the Seashore.

The Seashore’s beaches are famously uncrowded, wide, and natural. There are no boardwalks, commercial areas, or high-rise buildings—just miles of shoreline open for swimming, surfing, shell hunting, sunbathing, and long walks. Many families return year after year to enjoy the untouched beauty that makes Hatteras Island so unique. 

For adventure seekers, the Seashore offers some of the best surf, kitesurfing, and windsurfing conditions on the East Coast. For nature lovers, birdwatching, turtle nesting, and shoreline photography are everyday highlights.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a premier fishing destination. From surf fishing along the beach to soundside spots and offshore charters, anglers can reel in red drum, flounder, cobia, trout, tuna, and more. The famous Cape Point area in Buxton is a must-visit for serious fishermen.

Fishing permits are required through the National Park Service, and local bait shops are always ready to help with insider tips.

For those with a permitted 4×4 vehicle, designated ORV routes provide access to remote stretches of beach perfect for fishing, shelling, and peaceful exploration. Driving on the beach is a uniquely Outer Banks experience—just be sure to follow all NPS guidelines and seasonal protections for wildlife.

The Seashore is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including: 

• Sea turtles (loggerhead, green, and Kemp’s ridley) 
• Shorebirds like oystercatchers 
• Dolphins that often cruise just offshore 
• Migratory birds traveling the Atlantic Flyway 

Visitors often catch glimpses of these animals while strolling the beach or exploring the soundside marshes.

Beyond the shoreline, the Seashore offers nature trails, boardwalks, soundside picnic areas, and visitor centers. Rangers provide seasonal programs, guided talks, kids’ activities, and historical demonstrations that bring the island’s story to life. 

Favorites include: 

• Buxton Woods Trail – maritime forest walking trail 
• Bodie Island Marsh Boardwalk – excellent for birdwatching 
• Hatteras Island Visitor Center – exhibits, programs, and history 
• Ocracoke Pony Pens – home to the island’s historic wild pony herd

Whether you’re visiting the lighthouse, exploring the beaches, casting a fishing line, or simply watching the sun sink into the Pamlico Sound, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers a rare chance to experience the coast the way it was meant to be—natural, peaceful, and full of wonder. 

It’s more than a destination. 

It’s a feeling, a tradition, and a place that keeps visitors returning year after year.