Overview
Hatteras is a village along the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
4 sights · 2 things to do · 4 places to eat · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Hatteras
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Cape Hatteras Light
Cape Hatteras Light is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The lighthouse’s unusual pattern makes it easy to recognize and famous. It is often ranked high on lists of most beautiful and famous lighthouses in the…
Hatteras Weather Bureau Station
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
With its two stations and five outbuildings, Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is the most complete site of all remaining life-saving stations in North Carolina and one of the most complete sites in the U.S. This site an…
Graveyard Atlantic Museum and Ramp 55
Beach access with a parking area. This area is unique as it provides access to the entire end of the island with access to both the ocean and the sound.
Frisco Hatteras Access
Beach access with parking on the soundside of the highway.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Sep and Aug. (climate data from nearby North Carolina Coastal Plain)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- EWN Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, New Bern — 77 mi away. Directions
- PGV Pitt-Greenville Airport, Greenville — 100 mi away. Directions
- ORF Norfolk International Airport, Norfolk — 119 mi away (major hub). Directions
From the north, take NC Highway 12 from Nags Head and follow it south. Hatteras Village will be the last village on Hatteras Island.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $74–$89 a night (typical $89), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$160, comfortable ~$260.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, Graveyard Atlantic Museum and Ramp 55, Hatteras Weather Bureau Station
- Lunch Happy Belly
- Afternoon Frisco Hatteras Access, Cape Hatteras Light
- Dinner The Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop
Day 2
- Morning Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
- Lunch Sonny's Restaurant
- Dinner The Wreck Tiki Bar and Food
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
From the north, take NC Highway 12 from Nags Head and follow it south. Hatteras Village will be the last village on Hatteras Island.
From Ocracoke Village, drive north on NC Highway 12 and take the ferry to Hatteras. When you disembark from the ferry you will be in Hatteras Village.
By plane
Get around
A car is best for getting from village to village, though a bicycle is fine for getting around within a village. There's no public transportation.
See
See Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
With its two stations and five outbuildings, Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is the most complete site of all remaining life-saving stations in North Carolina and one of the most complete sites in the U.S. This site and museum is on Hatteras Island, in the village of Rodanthe.
Do
Hatteras sits at the southern tip of Hatteras Island with the Atlantic Ocean to its south and the Pamlico Sound to its north. It's a great place for those who want to fish, surf, wander along the beach, or just sit and relax to the sound of the waves. Public access to the beaches are available at several locations including:
Do Graveyard Atlantic Museum and Ramp 55
Beach access with a parking area. This area is unique as it provides access to the entire end of the island with access to both the ocean and the sound.
Buy
Shop Village Market Red and White (Burris Red and White)
If you are in need of groceries, this is the place to find what you are looking for. Originally opened in 1866, this Hatteras grocer stocks fresh produce, meats, dairy and bread, along with all the frozen foods, pantry items, dry and canned goods, toiletries, and household items that one would expect from a full-service grocery store. Prepared foods and hot lunches are available at the deli. Wine and beer are also available.
Eat
Eat The Wreck Tiki Bar and Food
A nice place to grab a sandwich and a drink that's not too far from the beach. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Eat The Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop
The Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop is a great place to pick up coffee or tea and a muffin, bagel, or other tasty treat.
Eat Sonny's Restaurant
Good place to get a big breakfast or a nice meal.
Eat Happy Belly
Ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies, and root beer floats.
Sleep
Nearby
Ocracoke
City / town · 19 listings · 18 mi away
Manteo
City / town · 6 listings · 47 mi away
Nags Head
City / town · 3 listings · 51 mi away
Colington
City / town · 2 listings · 54 mi away
Kill Devil Hills
City / town · 6 listings · 56 mi away
Kitty Hawk
City / town · 16 listings · 58 mi away
Harkers Island
City / town · 10 listings · 61 mi away
Southern Shores
City / town · 7 listings · 63 mi away
My experience
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