Hatteras Island, North Carolina
The Outer Banks
Two of our stays sit on the quiet, southern end of Hatteras Island: Bluebird Cottage, soundfront in Avon with a private dock, and Dune Haus, oceanfront in Salvo with Cape Hatteras National Seashore for a backyard. This is the Outer Banks without the crowds — a thin ribbon of sand between the Atlantic and the Pamlico, where the big draws are the water, the light, and how little there is to do besides enjoy both.
Days here tend to sort themselves: mornings on the beach or the sound, an afternoon drive north to the lighthouses or Jockey’s Ridge, and dinner close to home. Stock the kitchen at Waves Market or Food Lion, because the good nights are the ones you cook in and eat on the deck at sunset.
For the longer story on Hatteras — the ferry, the shipwrecks, the lighthouse history — see our Journal guide to Hatteras Island.
Lighthouses & landmarks
The drive north toward Nags Head strings these together.
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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Map ↗Buxton
The tallest brick lighthouse in the country — the black-and-white spiral you picture when you picture Hatteras. Climbable in season.
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Bodie Island Lighthouse
Map ↗Nags Head
The horizontally-striped light at the north end of the national seashore, with a boardwalk out over the marsh.
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Jockey's Ridge State Park
Map ↗Nags Head
The tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast. Go at sunset, or take a hang-gliding lesson off the top.
On the water
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Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
Map ↗Charter fishing out of the inlet.
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REAL Watersports
Map ↗Waves
Kiteboarding, surfing, and water-sports central — right up the road.
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Hatteras Watersports
Map ↗Jetskis, kitesurfing, SUP, and kayak rentals.
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Avalon Fishing Pier
Map ↗Kill Devil Hills
An arcade, bar food, and a rooftop tiki bar for a sunset drink. Fishing pier if you're up for it.
Where we eat
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Alex's Shrimp Shack
Map ↗Local shrimp, and it's excellent.
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Hatteras Bowls
Map ↗Our pick for a healthy breakfast or lunch.
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Watermen's Bar & Grill
Map ↗Waterfront on the sound and a minute from the house — great for food and drinks when they're open. Call ahead to confirm hours.
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Pangea Tavern
Map ↗Avon
A low-key spot with great beer, fifteen minutes south in Avon.
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Village Conery
Map ↗Ice cream, close enough to walk to.
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Leonardo's Pizza
Map ↗Local pizza.
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Austin Fish Co
Map ↗ -
Ketch 55 Seafood Grill
Map ↗ -
Oceanas Bistro
Map ↗
Stocking the house
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