05/01/2025
Nestled along the outermost edge of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Hatteras Island is more than just a beach destination—it’s a sanctuary where wild beauty, storied maritime history, and laid-back charm collide. During the summer months, this narrow ribbon of land, hugged by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Pamlico Sound to the west, bursts into vibrant life. The days are longer, the sunsets are more breathtaking, and the rhythm of coastal living settles into a perfect, unhurried pace.
If you’re dreaming of salty breezes, barefoot freedom, and natural wonders around every corner, summer on Hatteras Island might just be your perfect getaway. Let’s explore everything that makes this stretch of the Outer Banks so magical during the sunniest season of the year.
Where Exactly Is Hatteras Island?
Hatteras Island is part of the Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Stretching more than 70 miles, Hatteras is part of Dare County and is home to seven charming villages: Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village. It’s a part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a protected strip of shoreline preserved by the National Park Service that offers over 70 miles of undeveloped beach.
One of the most remote areas in the Outer Banks, Hatteras is only accessible by Highway 12, a scenic, 2-lane highway that weaves through sand dunes, marshes, and beach cottages—or by ferry from Ocracoke Island to the south.
Weather: The Sweet Spot of Summer
Summer on Hatteras Island means warm, sunny days tempered by steady ocean breezes. Temperatures typically range from mid-70s to upper-80s Fahrenheit (24–31°C), with July and August being the hottest months. The breeze from the Atlantic keeps the heat bearable, and the water temperatures rise into the mid-70s—ideal for swimming, surfing, or just floating on a boogie board.
While summer thunderstorms occasionally roll in during the afternoon, they’re often short-lived, leaving behind refreshed skies and golden-hour perfection.
The Beaches: Raw, Wild, and Endless
Hatteras Island’s beaches are among the most natural and undeveloped on the East Coast. No towering hotels. No boardwalks. No advertisements plastered on every surface. Just wide-open sand dunes, wild grasses, and sea oats waving in the wind. Thanks to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the shoreline is protected from commercialization, making it the ideal location for your next beach vacation.
During summer, beachgoers set up umbrellas in the soft sand, kids build castles and chase ghost crabs, and anglers line up at dawn with surf rods to catch flounder or red drum. You can find plenty of space to stretch out, even during peak season, which makes Hatteras feel like a secret you’re lucky enough to be in on.
Some of the most beloved beach spots include:
- Rodanthe Beach Access: A safe and convenient spot for casual beachgoers, Rodanthe Beach Access is a relatively new, well-kept public beach on the northern end of the island. One of its standout features is a lifeguard on duty daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The site also offers 97 parking spaces, a bathhouse, outdoor showers, picnic tables, an oceanfront gazebo, and an ADA-compliant boardwalk leading to a dune-top gazebo. These amenities, many of which aren’t readily available at other beach access points on the island, make it an ideal destination for families, large groups, and visitors with mobility challenges.
- Cape Point (Buxton): A dynamic, ever-changing spit of land where the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current meet. It’s a favorite for fishermen and photographers alike.
- Frisco Beach: Calmer surf, family-friendly access, and beautiful views. If you don’t have access to 4-wheel drive, a great public access is the Frisco Bathhouses. Offering outdoor showers, a bathhouse, and an ADA-compliant boardwalk, summer visitors will be happy to know it is also lifeguarded from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Those who prefer to drive on the beach can easily use ORV Ramp 49 behind Billy Mitchell Landing Strip, a favorite for visitors and locals alike.
- Hatteras Inlet: The southern end of the island, where the ferry crosses to Ocracoke, is a great spot for shelling and sunset watching. Use ORV Ramp 55 to drive all the way to end and back.
The Water: A Playground for Adventure
Whether you crave the roar of the Atlantic or the glass-calm waters of the sound, Hatteras offers endless aquatic possibilities:
Surfing
The Outer Banks has long been considered the “East Coast’s Hawaii” when it comes to surfing, and Hatteras is at the heart of it. Summer swells, while typically smaller than fall or winter, can still produce rideable waves for longboarders and beginners. Popular surf spots include:
- The Frst Jetty (Buxton): Just south of the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and at the site that it used to sit prior to its famous move in 2001, this spot picks up consistent swell and offers fun peaks.
- North iof Buxton: Just outside of the village, Highway 12 is often lined with cars and trucks of the island’s large surfing community when the swell is up.
- Avon Pier: A great place for both fishing and surfing.
- Mirlo Beach: Northern end of the island, great for early morning rides.
Surf schools and board rentals are available across the island for those looking to catch their first wave.
Kiteboarding and Windsurfing
Pamlico Sound is a mecca for wind sports, especially in the summer when steady southwest winds prevail. Hatteras Island draws kiteboarders and windsurfers from across the globe, and towns like Avon and Waves are filled with outfitters offering rentals, lessons, and gear.
The shallow sound waters make it ideal for beginners, while experienced riders love pushing limits in slicks and channels.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
The creeks and inlets of the sound are perfect for calm paddling and exploration. Glide through marshy estuaries, sneak up on herons, and maybe even spot some curious sea life. Sunset paddles on the sound side are particularly magical, with the water turning gold and pink as the sky ignites.
Fishing: A Way of Life
On Hatteras Island, fishing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a deeply rooted way of life. From sport fishing to commercial fishing, the local population relies on fishing for both income and a main food source.
Whether you’re casting from the surf, dropping a line from one of the island’s piers, or heading out into the Gulf Stream on a charter boat, the opportunities are endless. Hatteras Village is especially renowned for its offshore sport fishing, with charters chasing mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, and marlin.
Local bait shops can provide gear, permits, and insider tips. And don’t forget to try your luck at:
- Cape Point (Buxton): A legendary surf fishing spot.
- Avon and Rodanthe Fishing Piers: Great for bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and more.
- Hatteras Inlet: Charter boats depart daily from here from the various marinas that line the village edge.
Wildlife Encounters
Hatteras Island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, making it an exceptional place for nature lovers.
- Sea Turtles: Summer is nesting season for loggerhead sea turtles. You might spot a mother laying eggs at night or hatchlings making their way to the sea in late summer. To help these little ones make it to the ocean once they hatch, be sure to turn off your exterior ocean-facing lights at night when they aren’t in use and once you go to bed.
- Birdwatching: Over 400 species of birds migrate through the Outer Banks. Bring binoculars to spot ospreys, egrets, and pelicans galore.
- Dolphins: Playful pods are often seen just off the beach, especially during morning hours.
- Wildlife Tours: Several outfitters offer eco-tours into marshes and sounds, where you can observe the area’s rich biodiversity.
Browse our Pet-Friendly Hatteras Rentals Here!
Hatteras Village: Laid-Back Coastal Vibes
At the southern tip of the island lies Hatteras Village, a working harbor and the gateway to both the ferry to Ocracoke and the Hatteras Channel where boats come from all over the world to quickly access the turquoise waters of the Gulf Stream. It’s a quieter corner of the island, where commercial and charter fishing boats bob in the marina, local seafood joints serve the day’s catch, and life feels just a bit more connected to the tides.
Take a stroll along the docks, watch the boats come in with their hauls, or visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, which explores the many shipwrecks that earned the Outer Banks its legendary nickname.
Where to Eat: Local Flavor and Fresh Seafood
Summer brings out the best in the local food scene. Restaurants across the island pride themselves on fresh, locally caught seafood and down-home hospitality. A few beloved favorites include:
- Orange Blossom Bakery (Buxton): Don’t miss the famous “Apple Ugly”—a massive, sticky, sweet fritter that’s practically a rite of passage and plenty of other breakfast pastries and sandwiches to hit every palette with excitement and flare.
- Scratchmade Snackery (Hatteras Village): Another breakfast tradition, you won’t want to miss their homemade jalapeño cheddar biscuits and assortment of pastries, breads, and desserts for later (or now–let’s be honest).
- Buxton Munch (Buxton): Casual and colorful, known for fish tacos and crab cake sandwiches, not to mention their groovy wraps and sandwiches!
- Bros Sandwich Shack (Avon): A cool, surfer-style spot with hearty burgers, creative sandwiches, and local brews.
- Dinky’s Waterfront Restaurant (Hatteras Village): Upscale dining with waterfront views and seafood-driven dishes and homemade desserts. A dinner worth driving for!
- The Mad Crabber: Famous for their steamers including crablegs, shrimp, and other shellfish, they also have a variety of coastal cuisine that will light up all of your senses!
There are also numerous seafood markets dotted along the island if you prefer to cook your own feast within the comforts of your Midgett Realty vacation home! With fully equipped state-of-the-art kitchens, you can create a coastal meal to your liking, grill some shrimp or tuna on your beach rental’s deck as the sun dips below the dunes, or even host a Hatteras-style seafood boil fit for a king!
Events and Local Culture
While Hatteras may be quiet compared to more commercialized beach towns, it still has a vibrant summer calendar:
- Island Art Shows: Featuring local artists, handmade crafts, and coastal-themed goods, you can find weekly shows in Frisco, Buxton, Avon, and the Tri-Villages.
- Music Nights: Some restaurants including Breakwater Restaurant, Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill, The Wreck Tiki Bar and Food, Lighthouse Sports Bar, and Neptune’s Kitchen and Dive Bar (among others) host live music from local bands, adding to the relaxed evening vibe and eclectic nightlife. Several of these locations also offer karaoke nights for the brave of heart.
- Annual Independence Day Celebrations: The Hatteras Village golf cart parade, an island-wide fireworks celebration over the Avon Pier, and live music in restaurants across the island.
And always keep an eye out for pop-up markets, fishing tournaments, and community fish fries—all part of the island’s charm.
Where to Stay: From Seaside Retreats to Coastal Cottages
Most visitors opt to rent a house for the week—a common tradition among families who return year after year. Accommodations on Hatteras Island range from high-end oceanfront estates to cozy coastal cottages. Midgett Realty is the local vacation rental company on Hatteras Island, boasting roots in hospitality and lodging that go back more than 60 years! The perks of a Midgett Realty vacation rental compared to a hotel or other type of accommodation are comprised of access to highly sought-after amenities including stylish furnishings, fully equipped state-of-the-art kitchens, private pools and hot tubs, and in-home entertainment options including game rooms and theater rooms. With plenty of room to spread out as needed, you can also travel with larger parties with ease. Offering travel insurance options including Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR), you can also book with peace of mind that your investment is protected in times of uncertainty.
Book early! Summer rentals often fill up many months in advance.
A Word About Sustainability
Hatteras Island’s beauty is fragile, and summer crowds can take a toll. Help preserve this paradise by:
- Using reusable water bottles and containers
- Staying off dunes to protect nesting habitats
- Disposing of trash responsibly (especially fishing lines and plastic)
- Respecting wildlife and nesting areas
Join Midgett Realty in taking The Outer Banks Promise!
Leave no trace and take only memories—it’s the best way to honor the spirit of the island.
The Magic of Hatteras in Summer
Hatteras Island in summer isn’t about high-rise hotels, nightlife, or shopping malls. It’s about sun-soaked mornings, breezy afternoons, and starry skies unspoiled by city lights. It’s about watching dolphins from your porch, learning to ride the wind, or falling asleep to the sound of waves. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, disconnect, and breathe deeply.
Whether you’re a seasoned Outer Banks traveler or a first-time visitor, the summer experience on Hatteras Island will likely capture your heart—and keep calling you back, season after season.
