RoadRangeROADRANGE
The first-order Fresnel lens is visible in the lantern room of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
NATIONAL SEASHORE

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marshes, you can experience it all.

Photo: NPS Photo / NPS

NC
state
28
things to do
6
parks within a day
OVERVIEW

About Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marshes, you can experience it all. Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms these islands are ever changing. The plants, wildlife, and people who live here adapt continually. Whether you are enjoying the beach, kayaking the sound, or climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse there is something for everyone to explore!

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Driving times from Cape Hatteras National Seashore, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Park Grounds

Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day
THINGS TO DO

Activities

AstronomyAuto Off-RoadingAuto and ATVBirdwatchingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCanoeingCar or Front Country CampingFishingFoodGroup CampingHikingHuntingHunting and GatheringJunior Ranger ProgramKayakingMuseum ExhibitsPaddlingPicnickingRV CampingSaltwater FishingSaltwater SwimmingShoppingSnorkelingStargazingSurfingSwimmingWildlife Watching
PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

The weather along the Outer Banks varies throughout the year and even throughout the day. Please check the National Weather Service information at http://www.weather.gov/mhx/ for forecast information.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
Popular activities include Astronomy, Auto Off-Roading, Auto and ATV, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
Within about a day's drive you can reach Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (1 h 8 min), Wright Brothers National Memorial (1 h 9 min), Fort Monroe National Monument (2 h 51 min), Cape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical Park (2 h 53 min), Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park (3 h 13 min), Colonial National Historical Park (3 h 15 min).