Go kiteboarding in the East Coast's Hurricane Alley, where big wind and big waves equal big air. Pamlico Sound is where the best action is, although the choppier Atlantic Coast also offers some stiff challenges. Get schooled at the world's biggest kite school, Real Kiteboarding, which will take you from starter waves to monster chop in three short days.
Scuba dive the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," where more than 600 ships scuttled by extreme weather, lurking German U-boats, and captain error rest beneath the waves. The warm currents, courtesy of the Gulf Stream, create Caribbean-worthy conditions and visibility.
Explore laid-back Ocracoke Island, where you can beachcomb, paddle, and hike in quiet seclusion. Camp at the island's 137-site campground, nestled among cedars and sand dunes.
Find birding nirvana at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, on the north end of Hatteras Island, where some 365 bird species—terns, swans, herons, egrets, and brown pelicans, among others—seek shelter and food as they migrate along the Atlantic Flyway.
Paddle the five miles from Spence Creek to Avon along the Pamlico Sound, a great place to kayak because of its sheltered location from the wind and waves of the Outer Banks' Atlantic shore. Weave through salt marshes, stop at secluded beaches, and keep your eyes peeled for wading shorebirds.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Overview

From Whalebone Junction in South Nags Head, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches 70 miles south down the Outer Banks barrier islands. The drive along N.C. 12 (about 4 1/2 hr.) takes you through a wildlife refuge and pleasant villages, past miles of sandy beaches untainted by commercial development, and on to Buxton and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest on the coast. Since...

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Hotels

Inn on Pamlico Sound on Hatteras Island
48684 Highway 12
Buxton, NC 27920

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

Distance: 3.0 Miles
(from destination center)

Active Expert Rating

5.0 out of 5

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Not Yet Rated

Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel

Ocracoke Campground
4352 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

Distance: 23.6 Miles
(from destination center)

Active Expert Rating

5.0 out of 5

Traveler Rating

Not Yet Rated

Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel

Cape Point Campground
46700 Lighthouse Rd.
Buxton, NC 27920

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

Distance: 3.6 Miles
(from destination center)

Active Expert Rating

4.0 out of 5

Traveler Rating

Not Yet Rated

Recommended for:
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Attractions

Canadian Hole, Avon
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina Map

Distance: 0.5 Miles (from destination center)

Description: Canadian Hole is the Outer Banks' best... Read More

Active Expert Rating

4.0 out of 5

Traveler Rating

Not Yet Rated

Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel

Cape Point
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina Map

Distance: 3.1 Miles (from destination center)

Description: Cape Point marks the easternmost tip of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A campground is located here that is suitable for both tents and RVs.... Read More

Active Expert Rating

4.0 out of 5

Traveler Rating

Not Yet Rated

Recommended for:
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Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve
Open Pond Road
Buxton , North Carolina 27920

Distance: 3.0 Miles (from destination center)

Description: Buxton Woods spans 825 acres and is located on... Read More

Active Expert Rating

4.0 out of 5

Traveler Rating

Not Yet Rated

Recommended for:
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Feature Articles

GORP - America's Best Beaches - Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina
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Trip Ideas

Best Water Playground: Cape Hatteras National Seashore (North Carolina)
America's Best Beaches

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Vacation Rentals

Details

from: $171

3 Bedroom VACATION HOME in NATIONAL, WA 98304
Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1.5 Sleeps: 10

Amenities: Air Conditioning, Alarm Clock, BBQ, Blender, CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, DVD Player, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Freezer, Full kitchen, Garage, Hot Tub, Iron, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, Non-Smoking, Oven, Patio, Phone, Refrigerator, Stereo, TV, Toaster, Utensils, VCR