Rodanthe
The U.S. Coast Guard was essentially founded in 1874 in the Village of Rodanthe, on Hatteras Island, at the famous Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station. Considering this laid-back island boasts seventy-two miles of unspoiled beaches with ideal, temperate weather, excellent surf, and warm water, you’ll likely find yourself enjoying some relaxing time in the sun while you are here. Whether for a fun, recreational activity in the refreshing water or to pursue a warm, relaxing spot to unwind; this gorgeous coastline offers the best wide, sheltered, and sand dune-spotted beaches, that sidle up alongside vast natural marshlands. Also nearby, for after the beach, are the Water Fall Amusement Park, 850-foot long Hatteras Island Fishing Pier, and eclectic Surf shops for your perusal. You can take a lunch or dinner break along the way, at one of the delicious cafes, pubs, or superb seafood restaurants. For a cool, tasty, and refreshing treat after, visit the family-owned Village Conery; since it is said to have the best ice cream on the island.
Hatteras
As the southernmost village on Hatteras Island, Hatteras is one of the only communities in the area that wasn’t renamed by the U.S. Postal Service during the 19th and 20th centuries. It is home to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, charter fishing fleet, and the Ocracoke Ferry Docks at the southern end of town. The ferry docks attract the most tourists, wanting to visit nearby Ocracoke Island and the quaint village of Ocracoke. The ferry ride doesn’t cost anything to make the day trip through the Hatteras Inlet, on the 40-minute ride (one way), which offers excellent opportunities for scenic views of marine wildlife, including dolphins. Once back in Hatteras, check out the tallest brick beacon in the U.S., the famous 208-foot Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: a black-and-white striped lighthouse that warns mariners of the unseen, shifting sandbars underwater nearby.
After all of your sightseeing, you’ll want to grab a bite to eat at one of the locally-owned and operated, oceanfront restaurants for a delicious meal while enjoying an enticing view.