Fun and Free Things to Do on Hatteras Island
Planning a budget-friendly vacation can be tough. Between dinners out at restaurants, securing your vacation rental, and booking activities, the costs can pile up fast. Luckily, you're heading to Hatteras Island, where plenty of great activities won't cost you a dime!
In this month’s blog, we’re covering our favorite free things to do on Hatteras Island, as well as answering some of the most frequently asked questions about affordable travel to the North Carolina coast. With everything from day trips to off-roading activities, you’re guaranteed to find something your whole group will love.
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Fun and Free Things to Do on Hatteras Island
Outdoor Exploration & Nature Adventures
On Hatteras Island, you’ll find tons of outdoor activities to enjoy for free. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Explore the Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Spot unique wildlife at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Take a hike along the British Cemetery Trail, Buxton Woods Nature Trail, or the North Pond Trail
- Rent a 4x4 and experience driving on the beach like a local
Watersports and Island Hopping
Getting out on the water is a must when you visit Hatteras. For some unique and free fun, try these activities:
- Go kiteboarding, paddleboarding, or kayaking in the Pamlico Sound
- Catch the free ferry to Ocracoke Island and discover charming shops, delicious restaurants, and beautiful surroundings. The best part? The ferry ride is about an hour long, meaning if you time things right, you can enjoy a stunning sunset cruise on your return trip—at no cost!
Beachside Fun
We all know the beaches are one of the main reasons you came to Hatteras Island in the first place, so of course we have to talk about spending a day on the shore! Whether you’re driving on the beach, using a free beach access point, or making the short walk from your oceanfront vacation rental, adding these free to-dos to your beach day is a must:
- Dig for fiddler crabs
- Search for unique shells, sea glass, and driftwood that you can use in creative sand sculptures or take home for a fun art project.
- Speaking of sand sculptures – why not have a sandcastle-building contest?
- At night, grab your flashlights, nets, and buckets and go ghost crab hunting by the water
- Watch the surfers at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse beach
Hatteras Island Free Spots for History and Culture
Are you traveling for spring break and want to keep the educational opportunities going? Maybe you’re a homeschool family, and you’re always up for incorporating area locations into lesson plans. These free historic sites and cultural locations are perfect!
- Visit the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
- Learn about shipwrecks and pirates at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
- Walk the historic Rodanthe Pier
- Check out local art galleries, visit Red Drum Pottery, or find a new favorite story at Buxton Village Books
Read More About Local Hatteras Island Museums
Scenic Spots and Relaxation
Take some time to appreciate the natural beauty of the Atlantic Coast when you:
- Picnic at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse or on the beach
- Catch a sunset at Canadian Hole or a sunrise on the Frisco beach
- Watch kiteboarders at Canadian Hole
- Fly a kite along the shore
Unique and Free Things to Do on Hatteras Island at Night
When the sun goes down, Hatteras truly shines. Create memories with your family when you make time for:
- Beach bonfires with blankets and s'mores as you watch the sun go down
- Stargazing on the secluded Hatteras Island beaches. Free from city lights, the sky comes alive. Watch for shooting stars as you listen to the waves crash.
Free Hatteras Island Scavenger Hunt Challenge
Try to be the first to find everything on our Treasure Hunt Challenge when you compete in a friendly and free scavenger hunt! Be sure to upload your pictures to social media and tag us with #BrindleyBeachTreasureHunt.
- Find a Scotch Bonnet - North Carolina's state shell!
- Collect a piece of sea glass
- Take a lighthouse selfie
- Spot a dolphin
- Grab a bite and take a photo of your meal with the restaurant in the background. Check out recommendations for the best seafood on Hatteras.
- Catch a fish and take a selfie
- Take a selfie at the hermit crab races at Scotch Bonnet Fudge and Gifts
FAQs: Free Things to Do on Hatteras Island
Q. Is the ferry to Ocracoke Island free?
A. Yes! The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry is completely free and runs daily. Check out the Ferry Schedule and plan your trip.
Q. Where can I find the best seashells?
A. Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Frisco Beach are known for their unique shells and are both great spots to visit during your budget-friendly Outer Banks vacation.
Q. Are there free museums on Hatteras Island?
A. Yes! The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum offers free admission with encouraged donations that directly benefit the facility.
Q. What’s the best beach for stargazing?
A. Anywhere along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is great for stargazing. To really optimize your experience, try this in the fall and winter. The less humid air makes the sky look clearer. That’s not to discourage you from spring and summer viewing – with limited lighting, it’s truly incredible no matter when you visit.
Q. Can I have a beach bonfire on Hatteras Island?
A. Yes. Just make sure you download and fill out your free permit from the National Park Service.
Explore Hatteras’ Best Free Activities with a Brindley Beach Vacations Stay!
Featured Property: HIS2 Castaway Too Salvo
Armed with this list of excellent free things to do on Hatteras Island, the only thing left to do is to secure your vacation rental!
Get the most savings on your stay when you book directly with Brindley Beach. Not only will you have access to our full inventory of Hatteras Island vacation homes, but you’ll also avoid the extra third-party fees Airbnb and Vrbo tack on to your bottom line. After all, wouldn't you rather spend that money on something fun during your vacation?
Browse our full catalog of Hatteras Island vacation rentals and secure your stay today!
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