Ultimate List of Mindful Activities and Things to Do in Hatteras
Past the miles of shoreline of the northern Outer Banks, over the bridge, and away from the more populated towns, lies one of the most stunning barrier islands in all of North Carolina. Hatteras Island and the southern portion of the OBX offer some of the most exquisite unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic Coast, and as such, it’s important to do all we can to preserve them.
In an effort to maintain the Outer Banks for generations to come, we’ve created the ultimate list of mindful activities and things to do in Hatteras. This list mirrors efforts made by the Official Tourism Authority for Dare County’s Outer Banks and invites visitors to play an active role in keeping Hatteras Island one of the nation’s most beautiful beach communities. We hope this list is a helpful resource as you plan your upcoming visit.
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Make the OBX Promise
The OBX Promise outlines seven key principles and habits that both visitors and residents can embrace to protect and preserve the Outer Banks. Whether you're a tourist or a local, adhering to these guidelines can make a significant difference in maintaining the area's natural beauty. This guide will explore each of the OBX Promise principles and offer practical tips for putting them into action.
Beyond these recommendations, you can make your own OBX Promise and become part of the growing community dedicated to preserving the Outer Banks, from Nags Head to Hatteras Island.
Discover the History of Hatteras Island
“Discover this land of history and inspiration with a spirit of kindness and appreciation.”
With so much history rooted in Hatteras Island, taking time to explore museums and historic sites is a must during your vacation. Here are some top spots to check out during your trip:
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Located right in the middle of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the entire United States! Built in 1870, its iconic black-and-white swirl makes for an excellent photo op. during your vacation.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Recently reopened with new exhibits, this museum pays tribute to the thousands of shipwrecks that occurred in the waters off North Carolina’s coast.
Frisco Native American Museum
Learn all about the first inhabitants of Hatteras Island when you visit this quaint museum. After viewing the exhibits, spend some time wandering the ground’s nature trails through towering maritime forests.
Chicamacomico Life Saving Station
Home to the first trained land-based rescue responders in North Carolina, this station and its five additional buildings are designated historic structures on Hatteras Island. Explore each building and learn about the important contributions this station made to our nation’s military. After touring the grounds, be sure to stop by the gift shop and see if you can find a unique souvenir to commemorate your visit.
Plan and Prepare
“Turn ‘What ifs’ into ‘Let’s Prepare.’”
Whether you're on vacation or not, being prepared and prioritizing safety can significantly influence the outcome of emergency situations—and even prevent them from happening in the first place. When visiting Hatteras Island, consider these essential safety tips:
- Be aware of your mile marker location in case you need to call for assistance when you're on the beach.
- Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit accessible in your car or beach bag.
- Familiarize yourself with your vacation rental’s address and know where safety items, such as fire extinguishers, are located.
- Identify the nearest medical outlets. For Hatteras Island, that's Outer Banks Family Medicine in Avon.
- If you're visiting between June and November, monitor the weather closely and review the hurricane evacuation routes.
- Ensure that children know how and when to call for help.
By preparing for specific scenarios in advance, you'll be better equipped to remain calm and handle emergencies effectively.
Preserve Our Paradise
“Pack it in. Pack it out. Leave no trace.”
The practice of Leave No Trace is simple. It encourages us to leave a space as good as, or better than, we found it. When you visit Hatteras Island or any areas along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, there are simple things you can incorporate into your beach day that will make this goal easy to achieve.
First, bring reusable bottles, bags, and containers. Second, bring a trash bag for any waste. It’s also a good idea to bring extra bags in case you spot trash along the shore. Third, if you bring a dog to the beach, be sure to clean up after them. Fourth and lastly, consider volunteering with a local beach clean-up organization during your stay as a way to give back to the community.
It's also important to note there is a helium balloon ban on most of Dare County's beaches. The remnants of popped balloons end up in the ocean and cause great harm to sea turtles and other marine life.
Hiking and Biking Trails on Hatteras Island
“Wander with wonder, sticking to roads and paths.”
While there are plenty of places on Hatteras Island where you can freely roam, sometimes it’s important to stick to clearly marked trails and paths. Whether it’s to protect nesting sea turtles' hatching grounds or prevent contamination of local wetlands, our parks department and area naturalists go to great lengths to ensure these spaces remain habitable for all our diverse species.
At Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Hatteras Island Ocean Center, or the Pamlico Sound, you’ll find numerous boardwalks, trails, and hiking paths that will lead you past beautiful scenery. You can even take guided walks and learn all about the unique ecosystems on Hatteras Island. Each of these locations offers unique things to do on Hatteras, so be sure to visit them during your vacation.
Beach Safety Guidelines
“Love the beach. Respect the ocean.”
With easy beach access points all along Hatteras Island, the ocean is an integral part of life here in the Outer Banks. Whether you grew up exposed to open water or not, following beach safety guidelines is of the utmost importance. Some top water safety rules include:
- Check for ocean warning flags, and never swim when red flags are flying.
- Learn to recognize rip currents and know how to safely get out of them.
- Only swim in designated areas and always have a buddy.
- Don’t swim under the influence.
- Know the danger of digging deep holes on the beach. Not only can they collapse, they also pose a danger to unsuspecting beachgoers and emergency personnel.
- Pay attention to and obey all beach safety signs.
- Keep an eye on surf, current, and tide conditions.
- If you need assistance, signal for help by raising your arm.
While water safety might seem like common sense, the ocean is a powerful and unpredictable force. That’s why it’s critical to follow these guidelines, not only when visiting Hatteras Island but anytime you’re near the water.
Wildlife Encounters
“Be a wildlife star, observing animals safely from afar.”
The Outer Banks is brimming with wildlife, and making time to experience it during your vacation is essential. The best and safest way to do that is by booking an eco-tour. Whether you're birdwatching at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, exploring the local waterways on a guided kayak tour from Hatteras Village, or simply observing the rich marine life along the shores, these tours are a fantastic thing to do in Hatteras.
With a focus on education and the preservation of natural habitats, these eco-tours offer the chance to see incredible animals from a safe distance. They also provide fascinating insights into the vital roles these species play in maintaining the island’s unique biodiversity. Remember to respect the environment by avoiding the disturbance of nesting birds or turtle-hatching areas, especially in protected parts of the beach.
Shop Small Businesses
“Support local. Small acts have big impacts.”
One of the best ways to support the communities of Hatteras Island is to patronize local businesses during your vacation. This can mean you opt for a local restaurant instead of a national chain, or you do your grocery shopping at a farmers market instead of Walmart. You can even consider booking your vacation rental directly with a local property management company like Brindley Beach instead of going through a third party like Airbnb or VRBO.
When you do these small things, they have a big impact. Your support of our local businesses not only makes life on Hatteras Island better for its year-round residents, but it also gives us the ability to continue to offer fun community events and keep our parks and recreational activities open to everyone.
Book Direct with Brindley Beach Today!
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By making the OBX Promise, you’re committing to help preserve this area as a cherished destination for years to come. As you get ready for your visit, we hope our guide to mindful activities and things to do in Hatteras will help you make the most of your vacation. And don’t forget, when it comes to finding the perfect Hatteras Island vacation rental, shop local with Brindley Beach!
At Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales, we offer one of the most extensive selections of homes on Hatteras Island. As you search for your ideal getaway, browse our available properties, and then book directly with us right here on this site!
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