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Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Buxton, NC

Photo: NPS Natural Resources, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorIconicOutdoor AdventureFree

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

NC-12 from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island · Buxton, NC

Why you should go…

The country's first national seashore, established in 1953, stretches more than 70 miles across Bodie, Hatteras and Ocracoke islands on the Outer Banks. You can fish and surf from the beach, camp at four campgrounds, and drive designated stretches of sand with an off-road vehicle permit. Three lighthouses stand along NC-12, and Bodie Island Lighthouse can be climbed for a fee. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is closed to climbing for restoration, but its grounds stay open.

  • #national seashore
  • #beach
  • #lighthouse
  • #outer banks
  • #camping

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

    Free

    See the black-and-white spiral-striped brick lighthouse that was moved 2,900 feet inland in 1999.

    3.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Bodie Island Lighthouse

    Free

    See the black-and-white banded 1872 lighthouse over the marsh, and climb its 200-plus steps in season.

    36 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Jockey's Ridge State Park

    Free

    Climb the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast, fly a kite, try hang gliding or watch the sun set over Roanoke Sound.

    46 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Wright Brothers National Memorial

    Under $25

    Stand where the Wright brothers first flew in 1903, walk the flight line and climb to the granite monument.

    50 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing