Island Hopping - Hatteras Island, North Carolina

Continuing our tour of US island getaways, let's travel to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to...

 

Hatteras Island



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I grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia...when we wanted to escape the resort town we called home, we headed down to the Outer Banks just across the border in North Carolina. Hatteras Island is one of the barrier islands that makes up the Outer Banks and is a mecca for surfers and sport fisherman. The entire Outer Banks from Corolla to Cape Hatteras is a perfect place for a family vacation.

 

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The Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which stretches 70 miles from Bodie Inlet to Ocracoke, is one of the last unspoiled stretches of oceanfront left in the United States.



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 DO:

In addition to relaxing on the wide, unspoiled beaches hidden by windswept dunes, there are many other things to do while visiting Hatteras.
 

Climb the 248 spiral stairs to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - the tallest traditional lighthouse in North America.
 

Grab a board and surf...the best waves on the East Coast are on Hatteras.
 

Go fishing...known as the "Blue Marlin Capital of the World", opportunities for sport fishing abound.
 

Visit The Lost Colony on nearby Roanoke Island, site of Sir Walter Raleigh's first English settlement in the new world.

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EAT:

Try the Mad Crabber in Avon for off the boat fresh seafood.

The Cafe Pamlico in Buxton is the place to go for a special night out and to watch the sun set over the Pamlico Sound.  

The Orange Blossom Bakery in Buxton is the "go to" breakfast spot.

For a special outing, take the ferry over to Ocracoke Island and eat at The Back Porch.

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STAY:

The Outer Banks, including Hatteras Island, are not known for their luxury hotels. They are, however, known for their luxury vacation rentals, with many gorgeous oceanfront houses with swimming pools, hot tubs, elevators and room for multiple families. I would highly recommend exploring vacation rental if planning a trip to the Outer Banks.

 

On Hatteras Island, try Outer Beaches Realty for luxury homes.

 

If you are staying in the northern end of the Outer Banks in Corolla, (my favorite place to stay) Duck or Nags Head, Hatteras Island is a beautiful day trip and easy drive. 

 

The Sanderling Resort is a luxury resort in Duck that is absolutely gorgeous and has recently re-opened after a complete renovation. I have stayed there several times and would highly recommend it.

 

I have also rented quite a few houses in Corolla including the one pictured above that I featured in an earlier post. To find a great rental in the Corolla or Duck, try Twiddy.
 

Tomorrow we are headed down to the low country of South Carolina to Kiawah Island and then on to the west coast of Florida to Gasparilla Island.