Complete Guide to the “Coolest” Activities on Hatteras Island
The dogs are panting, the kids are a sweaty mess, and everywhere you look, the temps are continuing to climb. If that’s your reality, it may be time to head to cooler shores, and Brindley Beach’s Hatteras Island vacation rentals have you covered!
Retire the kiddy pool for the open ocean and dive into our complete guide to the “coolest” activities on Hatteras Island. Whether you want to kick back and enjoy the ocean breeze or check out “cool” things to do, you’ll find all our top recommendations right here!
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Water Activities
When it comes to the Outer Banks and Hatteras Island specifically, spending time on the water is a must. It’s also the best way to beat the heat this summer! As a barrier island, you’ll find tons of opportunities to cool off during your stay. Top to-dos include:
Visiting Canadian Hole
A lesser-known part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Canadian Hole is perfect for windsurfing, paddle boarding, or just escaping the crowds for a peaceful sunset. Managed by the National Park Service, you’ll find tons of parking, restrooms, and public showers to make your beach day that much easier.
Exploring the Pamlico Sound
North Carolina’s Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge includes more than 25,000 acres of boundary water in the Pamlico Sound. As a refuge, it’s one of the best places to explore native marine wildlife.
The best way to get up close to these creatures is to rent a kayak and paddle through the area’s shallow estuaries and marshes. With the wind coming off the water, it’s a cool way to spend some time outside.
Fishing at Cape Point
Thanks to its location, Cape Point sees everything from saltwater species to big-game fish typically only found in the Gulf Stream. Because of this, it’s the birthplace of many a “big fish” tale and one of the most popular fishing spots in all of the OBX.
To get to Cape Point, head to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and drive along Lighthouse Road until you reach the beach access. Keep in mind you’ll need a 4WD vehicle to make the sandy trek. If you don’t have 4WD but still want to fish, the Avon Fishing Pier is a great place to check out!
Surfing, Shelling, Relaxing
Regardless of what part of Hatteras Island you visit, all the beaches are great for relaxing and enjoying a day full of refreshing water fun. Book an oceanfront Hatteras Island vacation rental, and be minutes away from the beach. Surf, hunt for shells, relax with your favorite beach book, build sandcastles, play games, or just enjoy your incredible surroundings.
When you need a break from the sand, rinse off and hop in your vacation rental’s private pool and keep the fun going. From water sports to lazy beach days, the ocean is definitely one of the “coolest” activities on Hatteras Island.
Ice Cream, Snow Cones, and Sundaes, Oh My!
Whether you’re a little kid or a fully grown adult, sometimes you just want an ice cream cone. (Especially when it’s this hot outside.) When that happens on your Hatteras Island vacation, head to one of these local spots and cool off with a delicious treat.
Hatteras Sno-Balls
Choose from over 62 sno-ball flavors and 14 different ice cream and frozen yogurt flavors at Hatteras Sno-Balls. Or go nuts mixing and matching to create your own signature dish. Enjoy your favorite frozen flavors as you walk on the beach or chill in the shade at the shop.
Chilly Hank’s Ice Cream
Located just minutes away from our Brindley Beach Hatteras office, Chilly Hank’s is the go-to spot for fresh waffle cones, creative flavors, delicious sundaes, and more! They even have gluten-free cones available upon request. Summer hours are 2 PM – 10 PM, so be sure to stop by!
Happy Belly Hatteras
Lastly, Happy Belly is a can’t-miss for folks who truly have an insatiable sweet tooth. From ice cream cones to smoothies and from floats to candies, it’s a sugar coma waiting to happen. Indulge in their island-inspired flavors or stick with the classics. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
“Cool” Indoor Activities
There’s no shortage of museums where you can get out of the sun. From the Graveyard of the Atlantic to the Frisco Native American Museum, you can cool off with a bit of educational fun during your summer vacation when you visit. But if you’re looking for more unique activities on Hatteras Island, two must-dos come to mind.
Get Creative at Studio 12
Instead of hitting up another gift shop, why not make your own Hatteras souvenir at Studio 12?! Get your creative juices flowing as you paint (or throw) your own pottery, create a ceramic mosaic, or book a private art lesson.
They also have a café where you can get refreshing smoothies, kombucha, acai bowls, and more! Most of the activities require no reservation, but you do need to factor in turn-around time on your piece’s readiness. So don’t put this activity off to the last day of your trip.
Family Fun at Escape Hatteras
With three exciting escape room puzzles to solve, visiting Escape Hatteras is a fun way to get out of the sun while bonding with the family. It’s especially great if you’re traveling with a group so you can divide and conquer the clues. Choose from The Spanish Flu Room, The Crazy Keeper (a tribute to our iconic lighthouse), or the brand-new Finders Keepers challenge.
This fun Hatteras Island activity is also conveniently located next to Chilly Hank’s, so you can stop by for a scoop to celebrate your success or nurse your pride if you didn’t make it out in time.
Dining and Drinks
From frozen margaritas to cold beers, enjoying waterfront restaurants during your vacation is a great way to keep cool during your stay.
Check out Sandbar & Grille in Hatteras Village for live music, epic views of the water, delicious seafood, and handcrafted cocktails. Or visit The Wreck, a Hatteras staple for more than 12 years. Even the kiddos can get in on the frozen fun here, thanks to their non-alcoholic frozen drink of the day!
While not a waterfront restaurant, Angelo’s Pizza is a crowd-pleaser offering everything from classic pies to burgers, salads, subs, and wings. They also have an arcade and pool table so the kids can be entertained while avoiding the heat.
Escape the Heat By Booking Your Hatteras Island Getaway
Featured Property: End of the Rainbow
Whether you’re posting up at your private pool, splashing in the wild Atlantic, or enjoying any of these “cool” activities on Hatteras Island, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful vacation.
As you consider all the fun waiting for you in the OBX, be sure to check out our available Hatteras Island vacation rentals. While you may see these homes on other platforms, remember that booking directly with Brindley Beach puts money back into your pocket.
Unlike Airbnb or VRBO, with their hidden fees and staff who’ve never even been to Hatteras Island, at Brindley, you’ll get the best rate on these properties. Plus, our team of local experts is available to help you through every step of the booking process. Browse our available properties and start planning your summer heat escape today.
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