Of all the family activities on Hatteras Island, a day at the beach is undoubtedly the most popular. The island is well-known for its beaches, which make up the majority of the 70-mile Cape Hatteras National Seashore. In North Carolina, all of the beach below the high-water mark is considered public property, so you can wander up and down the shore as much as you want.
Swimming is a popular activity on Hatteras Island, although we’ll warn you that the currents there are particularly strong. When your children are swimming or playing in the water, keep an eye on them and teach them what to do if a rip current pulls them out. If you don’t feel secure swimming in the ocean, you can always take the family to the other side of the island to swim in the calmer waters of Pamlico Sound. However, on most days, the ocean off Hatteras Island is perfectly safe, so don’t let the warnings prevent you from having a good time.
If you’re not interested in spending your whole vacation by the beach, there are plenty of other family activities on Hatteras Island. We recommend a hike through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge or Buxton Woods if you want to spend time outside. Some of the best indoor attractions include the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, and the Frisco Native American Museum.
The island also has a ton of opportunities for outdoor sports and activities, including kayaking, surfing, and paddle boarding. Anglers should definitely head out into the ocean for some sport fishing. Hatteras has earned the nickname “Blue Marlin Capital of the World” for a reason. Finally, take the free ferry out to remote Ocracoke Island, the former home of the dread pirate Captain Blackbeard, who met his fate at the hands of the British Navy only a few miles off the coast in Pamlico Sound.
To make the most of your trip, check out our bundle of Self-Guided Outer Banks Driving Tours, or you can sign up for Action+ to gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
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