Cape Hatteras National Seashore Surfing Vacations

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Surfing Travel Guide

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Travel Guides Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore

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Cape Hatteras National Seashore Surfing Highlights

By Travel Expert: Linda Samuel

  • Pamlico Sound has shallow water and mild waves for beginners, while the Atlantic is a playground for experienced riders with big winds and swells.
  • Visit in spring and fall, when winds are most consistent.
  • Don't miss Canadian Hole, a world-renowned windsurfing spot, named for northern neighbors who flock to the area.
  • Call ahead to Windsurfing Hatteras in Avon—it's one of the few area outfitters that offers lessons.

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 1870, the light has been a beacon for ships passing through these treacherous waters, which have claimed more than 1,500 victims by means of foul weather, strong rip currents, and shifting shoals. This is where the ironclad Union gunboat Monitor went down during a storm in December 1862. Read More

Hotels

expert favorite hotel
GOOD FOR SURFING
Captain's Landing
324 Highway 12
Ocracoke , NC 27960
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 29.6 Miles
(from destination center)
Beaches Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Beach travel
expert favorite hotel
GOOD FOR SURFING
The Cove B&B
21 Loop Road, PO Box 1300
Ocracoke, NC 27960
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 29.6 Miles
(from destination center)
Beaches Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Beach travel Active and Adventure travel
GOOD FOR SURFING
Outer Banks Beach Club
Mile Post 9 Kill Devil Hills
Nags Head , NC 27959
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 19.5 Miles
(from destination center)
Beaches Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Beach travel Active and Adventure travel
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Attractions

expert favorite attraction
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
Beaches Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel Beach travel Parks and Outdoors travel
expert favorite attraction
Jockey's Ridge State Park
P.O. Box 592; Carolista Drive
Nags Head, North Carolina 27959
Distance: 19.4 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Jockey Ridge State Park offers an opportunity to... Read More
Beaches Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Beach travel Family travel Parks and Outdoors travel
expert favorite attraction
Ocracoke Pony Pens
Highway 12
Ocracoke , North Carolina 27960 Map
Distance: 24.1 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Ocracoke Pony Pens features wild ponies, the... Read More
Beaches Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Beach travel
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