In Hatteras, the range of experiences extends from the shipwreck history of the Outer Banks to activities on the water. There are also trails through marshland and events that celebrate local traditions. This gives you different ways to shape your trip, which you can prioritize according to your interests.
Maritime History and Culture
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras is dedicated to the maritime history and shipwrecks of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The museum also presents and preserves the maritime history and culture of the islands. It offers programs for people of all ages year-round. So the museum is about more than a single historical topic: shipwrecks and maritime culture provide a common framework for its exhibits and programs.
Marshland, Trails and Water Activities
At Hatteras Village Park, an elevated boardwalk runs through high and tidal marshes. The park is a nature preserve, and the trail provides access to both types of marshland. Another trail option is the 3.1-mile Hatteras Village Pathway, a multi-use trail for residents and visitors. Its length and classification give you a concrete reference point if you’d like to include trails in your plans.
At Sandy Bay, recreational activities are available on both the sound and ocean sides. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are possible there. A boardwalk over the dunes provides access to the ocean beach; the facility has 26 standard parking spaces. This lets you consider the water sports and beach access as separate aspects of a visit to Sandy Bay, without confusing them with the marshland trails.
Guided kayak tours at the Hatteras Island Ocean Center offer views of the surrounding marshes and the adjacent bay. This provides a distinct way to experience the waterscape: while the elevated boardwalk at Hatteras Village Park provides access to high and tidal marshes, the tours offer views of marshes and the bay from a kayak.
Festivals and Seasonal Traditions
The Hatteras Village Waterfowl Festival takes place every year in February. Its program includes bird demonstrations, guided painting activities, a duck-calling contest, bird walks and displays of local decoys. Check the current calendar when planning your trip, as dates for recurring events can change.
The Hatteras Village Community Fish Fry is a recurring seasonal tradition featuring locally caught fish that has been going on for about 80 years. Check the latest dates before your trip. In September, Day at the Docks celebrates the community, heritage and living traditions of the island’s watermen each year. The events therefore have different focuses: the February festival combines bird-related themes with a range of activities, while Day at the Docks puts the community and heritage of the watermen at the center. You should also check the latest dates for this event before your trip.
Visitor Information and Ferry Connection
The Hatteras Welcome Center provides information about attractions, events and directions. It is located in the first U.S. Weather Bureau Station, built in 1901. Check the Welcome Center’s seasonal operating hours before your visit.
The North Carolina ferry system operates a vehicle ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway includes a free ferry ride between the islands. Schedules and operating conditions may change, so check the current schedule if you plan to take the ferry.
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For the main travel overview: Dare.
