Visitors are often surprised at the number and variety of weekly vacation rentals throughout the area.. Vacation rentals are, in fact, an increasingly popular accommodation available to vacationers, and visitors will find that the sheer number of rentals available allows them to find an ideal retreat to fit their crew, from quiet condo complexes to brightly colored oceanfront sand castles.
For postcard-perfect long weekends, or full week stays that have exceptional access to indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, and amenities, there's nothing quite like the convenience of a stay at a local hotel or motel. A number of area hotels have been welcoming guests for decades, and as a result, vacationers have come back year after year for the fantastic service and the million-dollar views.
Hatteras Island, North Carolina, is a long, narrow barrier island that forms the southern stretch of the Outer Banks. Separated from the more developed northern towns by miles of open shoreline and national seashore, Hatteras Island offers a quieter, more natural experience. For first-time visitors, it presents a glimpse into a slower pace of coastal life - where secluded beaches, maritime forests, historic villages, and strong local traditions shape every visit.
The island is home to seven distinct villages: Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village. Each has its own personality and charm, with a shared commitment to preserving the island's relaxed way of life. Together, they stretch along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where undeveloped dunes and open sky dominate the landscape.
Accommodations across Hatteras Island lean heavily toward vacation rental homes. These range from modest beach cottages to large multi-level homes with private pools and panoramic ocean views. Rentals are especially popular among families and groups staying for a week or more. Several campgrounds and RV parks are also located throughout the island, often near the sound or tucked behind the dunes. Traditional hotels and motels are available in a few villages, offering convenience and comfort with easy access to both beach and attractions.
Rodanthe, the northernmost village, is known for its oceanfront cottages perched on stilts and made famous by a popular novel and movie. It offers a quiet, nostalgic beach town feel and is a great place for sunrise walks, surf fishing, and kiteboarding. Just south, Waves and Salvo continue the relaxed vibe. These neighboring communities are favorites among watersports enthusiasts thanks to their access to Pamlico Sound, where shallow, steady winds create perfect conditions for windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Further south, Avon is one of the island's most central and active villages. It has the largest collection of shops, grocery options, and restaurants on Hatteras Island. The beach here is wide and excellent for swimming, and the area draws surfers, anglers, and vacationers looking for convenience without crowds. Avon also has one of the island's most popular fishing piers, offering great opportunities to catch spot, drum, and bluefish.
Buxton is home to one of Hatteras Island's most iconic landmarks: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S. and a must-see for any first-time visitor. Buxton also marks the geographic "bend" in the Outer Banks, where the island shifts direction. The beaches here, particularly around Cape Point, are well-known for their surf fishing and their changing conditions due to offshore sandbars. Buxton also offers a mix of wooded and beachside environments, making it appealing to nature lovers.
Frisco continues the island's tranquil rhythm, with soundside access, scenic campgrounds, and horseback riding along the beach. The beaches in Frisco are uncrowded and ideal for shelling, family outings, or simply enjoying the natural beauty without distractions. The village has a slightly more residential feel, with fewer businesses and a focus on outdoor recreation and relaxation.
At the southern tip of the island lies Hatteras Village, the gateway to Ocracoke Island via the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry. This working fishing village has deep roots in maritime culture and offers a fascinating mix of history and modern water-based adventure. Charter fishing trips are a major draw, with both inshore and offshore excursions departing daily. Visitors can stroll around the harbor, explore small museums and galleries, or take a nature cruise to view local wildlife.
Across all villages, visitors enjoy the freedom that comes with miles of undeveloped shoreline. Much of the land is protected as part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, meaning there are no hotels, boardwalks, or commercial development directly on the beach. This creates a uniquely wild and peaceful experience. Beach driving with a 4x4 vehicle is allowed in designated areas with a permit, and off-road access allows anglers and shell seekers to reach more remote stretches of sand.
Recreational activities are abundant. Fishing, both surf and sound, is a way of life on Hatteras Island. Seasonal tournaments, pier fishing, and charter trips give beginners and pros alike plenty of chances to cast a line. Water sports thrive here, especially in the soundside villages where conditions are ideal for kiteboarding, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Nature trails, wildlife refuges, and birding areas are scattered across the island, offering even more to explore beyond the beach.
Dining and shopping on Hatteras Island are low-key but memorable. Most businesses are locally owned, and visitors will find everything from seafood markets and cafes to art galleries and beach gear shops. The island's culture values handmade goods, fresh catch, and community over commercial chains.
First-time visitors quickly realize that a vacation on Hatteras Island isn't about being entertained - it's about experiencing the Outer Banks as it has always been. With its small villages, natural beauty, and deep ties to the water, the island offers an escape from the noise and a return to simplicity. Whether you're watching wild waves at Cape Point, launching a kayak into Pamlico Sound, or enjoying the quiet of a starlit beach, Hatteras Island delivers a kind of coastal experience that stays with you long after the trip ends.
