One Week Itinerary for Your Dream Hatteras Island Vacation
Escape to a place that celebrates the simpler things in life. A destination that trades bright lights for starry skies, high-rise beach condos for intimate family homes, and tourist traps for local mom and pop shops. A place where the only thing you have to worry about is squeezing every ounce of relaxation out of your day. A place where your kids can be kids, and your family can experience an authentic vacation that prioritizes what truly matters: making memories with each other.
If this sounds like your idea of the perfect getaway, it’s time to discover Hatteras Island, a small barrier island in the Outer Banks that’s sure to become the standard for what exceptional vacations should be. Check out our one-week itinerary for your dream Hatteras Island vacation, and start planning your visit today!
Day 1: Beach Day
Hatteras Island is a unique coastal destination in the Outer Banks in that you can drive on the beach year-round. For your first full day of vacation, wake up in your beautiful Brindley Beach Hatteras Island vacation rental, enjoy a homemade breakfast, then load the car and drive straight out onto the sand!
Spend the day surfing, floating on the waves, building sandcastles, hunting for seashells, playing games, and basking in the gorgeous sunshine. When you don’t have to worry about personally carrying all your gear to the beach, spending a whole day outside gets a lot easier.
When the sun sets, head back to your vacation rental and swim in your private pool, relax in your hot tub, and cook up a tasty dinner for the perfect end to day one of your Hatteras Island vacation.
Day 2: Beyond the Beach
For an ideal second day in the Outer Banks, take the water adventures beyond the beach. You can keep it calm and rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the gentle waters of the Roanoke and Pamlico sounds. Or kick it up a notch and charter a boat so you can do some offshore fishing!
If you’re looking for a guided outing, you’ll find no shortage of local fishing charters that can help you cast a line for everything from tuna and marlin to sailfish and mahi. Bring some of your day’s haul home and cook it up for a true catch-of-the-day special. After dinner, relax on the balcony of your oceanfront vacation rental and listen to the waves crash, or cozy up for a family movie or game night.
Day 3: Day Trip to Ocracoke Island
After a few days of physical activity, let’s slow it down with a day trip to Ocracoke Island. Start the day with breakfast at the Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop, where you can indulge in delicious drinks and delectable pastries (we recommend a frosted mocha and a cinnamon roll). Then, board the free ferry, sit back, and relax as you’re treated to a beautiful one-hour trip across the Hatteras Inlet.
Once you arrive on Ocracoke Island, you can spend the day exploring the local shops at the Village, visiting the second oldest operating lighthouse in the US, or get a dose of history at the Ocracoke Preservation Society’s small museum.
For lunch, head to Ocracoke Oyster Company for some of the best seafood in the OBX. If you time your return ferryboat ride well enough, you can end your day with a free sunset cruise as you make your way back to Hatteras Island.
Day 4: Cultural Exploration
There’s more to Hatteras Island than the beach and water activities. It’s an area rich with history and ties to maritime lore. Get the camera ready and snap pictures at the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, or visit the newly renovated Graveyard of the Atlantic Maritime Museum. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the weekly activities at the Hatteras Island Ocean Center. With everything from turtle patrols to marsh walks, it’s a great place to learn about the unique habitats of Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks.
After checking out the sights, get an early jump on the dinner crowd and head to Dinky’s Waterfront Restaurant for a mouthwatering seafood feast. From the steamed specialties to the tantalizing entrees, you’ll be talking about this meal long after you return home from your Hatteras Island vacation.
Day 5: Horseback Riding and Scenic Trails
For the perfect end to your week on Hatteras Island, consider booking a guided horseback riding tour. Many trail rides wind through the coveted Buxton Woods area and along the National Seashore, offering incredible views of the sweeping shoreline. Ask about photo packages when you book your ride so you can commemorate this unique activity.
Book Your Week-Long Hatteras Island Getaway with Brindley Beach
Whether you spend every day at the beach or you want to get out and see all the Outer Banks has to offer, your first step toward any vacation is finding the perfect vacation rental. At Brindley Beach, we have gorgeous Hatteras Island properties that can accommodate any group size; plus, when you book directly with us, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting your home at the best rate. Browse our available vacation rentals and book your dream Hatteras Island vacation today!
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