Best things to do in Hatteras Island

A life-saving piece of engineering, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse protects sailors from what's been nicknamed "The Graveyard of the Atlantic." The lighthouse rises 64 m (210 ft), making it the tallest lighthouse in the world. Start exploring across from the lighthouse at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center and Museum of the Sea, where you'll discover the history and legend of the lighthouse. Here you'll also find information about Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

See the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast at Jockey's Ridge State Park, and look below the dune for a hiking trail through a maritime forest. Try picnicking, bird watching, kite-flying and even hang gliding at North Carolina's most-visited park. At an estuary just below the dune, head for a swim or go kayaking. The visitor center has an exhibit hall where you can learn about the park and its history. Remember to be cautious of hot sand.

Learn how airplane travel got its start at Wright Brothers National Memorial. The site commemorates the first successful powered flight in 1903. Although Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, receives more attention, the site lies several miles south near the town of Kill Devil Hills. You can visit the memorial's granite monument, which pays tribute to Orville and Wilbur Wright and other pioneers of aviation, as it stands more than 18 m (60 ft) tall on a hill above town. Go to the visitors center to view a full-size replica of the first aircraft, as well as models, tools, and a recreation of the aircraft hangar used in the endeavor.

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a maritime museum that focuses on the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The museum is located in Hatteras Village, the southernmost community on Hatteras Island, North Carolina, and opened in 2002.

Bodie Island Lighthouse, which looks out over the Graveyard of the Atlantic, offers ranger-guided tours that talk about the history of the lighthouse and its environment. Originally built in 1847, the lighthouse was rebuilt twice in 25 years. The first rebuild addressed foundation issues. The second came after the Civil War when Confederate forces, fearing the structure would be used as an observation point, blew up the lighthouse in 1861. The structure currently at the location was built in 1872. It's a tough climb--with over 200 steps up 50 m (165 ft) in a narrow stairway. Schedule your tour in advance if possible; the attraction allows a limited number of advance bookings and a limited number of on-site bookings each day.

The Avon Fishing Pier opened its doors in 1963 and was the final pier to be built on Hatteras Island. The Avon Fishing Pier is world famous with its many record catches, especially with the giant Red Drum that frequent the waters. Fishing is also made easy, as anglers are not required to purchase a fishing license. Everything you need for a day of fishing can be found at the Avon Pier. All you need to do is stop by for a fun day of fishing or sightseeing and make once in a lifetime memories on the OBX.

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is located on the Outer Banks and educates visitors on the state's many ecosystems and the animals inhabiting them. This journey begins with Seven Rivers and ends at the Graveyard of the Atlantic. This 285,000-gallon exhibit houses the largest group of sharks in the state and features a replica of the USS Monitor, a Civil War ironclad which sank off the coast of Cape Hatteras in late December 1862. Alligators, turtles, fish, and the ever-popular North American river otters are featured in Wild Wetlands.

The Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center is a 3,000 square-foot facility allowing staff and volunteers to maintain an excellent level of care for sick and ailing sea turtles. Visitors have the opportunity to see the turtle patients through viewing windows on the holding tanks and hear their recovery stories from the people who help them every day. When they are fully rehabilitated, the sea turtles are released back into the wild, some with satellite transmitters to track their movements. After learning about sea turtles at the Center, diagnose and care for a replica of an injured sea turtle in the interactive and hands-on exhibit Sea Turtle Rescue.

Touch a stingray, a white-spotted bamboo shark, or a sea star in Sea Senses. Free programs are offered every day, and, for an additional fee, guests can see and learn even more about our animals during a behind-the-scenes tour or participate in a camp or other special activity. Stroll along the educational soundside pier, a popular location for wedding ceremonies. The Aquarium is equipped to host receptions and other special events, even underwater weddings. Open-water certified divers can participate in our Aquarium Shark Dive program and get up-close and personal with our sharks in the Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit.