07/24/2025
Hatteras Island is a well-loved destination for beachgoers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts, but there are quite a few lesser-known gems and activities that many visitors never realize they can experience. Here are five things to do on Hatteras Island most people don’t know about:
1. Hike the East Coast’s Largest Swath of Maritime Forest
Tucked away on the southern end of Hatteras Island lies the Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve—an often-overlooked treasure for those seeking a quiet, nature-filled escape. While the island is best known for its beaches and fishing, few visitors realize they can hike through one of the most ecologically diverse maritime forests on the East Coast. This coastal reserve offers several trails that wind through lush canopies of live oaks, wax myrtles, and bay trees, with hidden freshwater ponds and sandy dunes adding to the scenery.
The Buxton Woods trail system provides a peaceful alternative to the beach crowds, offering solitude, birdsong, and the chance to spot wildlife such as deer, turtles, and a variety of migratory birds. The trails range from easy to moderate and are perfect for families, photographers, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
Hiking in Buxton Woods is a hidden gem that reveals a completely different side of Hatteras Island. It’s a must-do for visitors who want to explore beyond the shoreline and discover the rich, quiet beauty of the island’s interior.
2. Slip Away to the Magic of the Gulf Stream
One of Hatteras Island’s most remarkable features—yet one of its best-kept secrets—is its close proximity to the Gulf Stream. Just 15 to 20 miles offshore, this powerful ocean current brings warm tropical waters up the Atlantic coast, creating a dynamic marine environment unlike anywhere else on the East Coast. The mixing of the Gulf Stream and the cold Labrador Current makes the waters off Hatteras rich with biodiversity, attracting everything from sport fish to dolphins and sea turtles.
Despite its significance, many vacationers remain unaware of this natural phenomenon. They come for the beaches, the lighthouse, and the laid-back atmosphere, often missing the unique opportunity the Gulf Stream presents for world-class offshore fishing, diving, and marine wildlife sightings. For those in the know, this proximity adds a thrilling, adventurous edge to any visit—one that’s quietly waiting to be discovered by curious travelers looking to deepen their Hatteras Island experience.
3. Take a Horseback Ride on the Beach
One of Hatteras Island’s best-kept secrets is the unforgettable experience of horseback riding along its pristine beaches. Tucked away from the more typical tourist attractions, this coastal adventure offers a peaceful, almost magical way to explore the Outer Banks. Imagine the rhythmic sound of waves crashing beside you as you ride atop a gentle, well-trained horse along miles of windswept shoreline. It’s the kind of moment that feels like it’s been lifted from the pages of a novel.
Several local outfitters offer guided rides suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, often during sunrise or sunset when the sky is painted in soft hues and the beach is quiet and serene. As you trot along dunes and maritime forests, you may spot wild birds, ghost crabs, and perhaps even dolphins dancing just offshore.
Horseback riding on the beach is a unique way to connect with nature, soak in the island’s natural beauty, and create lasting memories. It’s a hidden gem that adds a special touch of adventure and romance to any Hatteras Island vacation.
4. Uncover the Secrets Beneath the Sand
Hatteras Island is often called the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” for good reason. With more than 2,000 shipwrecks located off North Carolina’s Outer Banks, many of those can be explored from the shores of Hatteras Island. At low tide, you can sometimes see the remnants of historic shipwrecks like the G.A. Kohler right on the beach. These rusted relics are visible without diving or a tour—just keep your eyes peeled while beachcombing, especially near Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village.
The “Old Richmond” shipwreck—also known historically as the Pocahontas or SS Richmond—is located just off Sand Street in Salvo. This Civil War–era vessel lies about 75 yards offshore, with its distinctive paddle-wheel shaft and engine parts visible from the beach at all times.
With a variety of vessels resting on the shore and under water, you can explore the island’s famous shipwrecks however you dare—from land or from a guided diving tour.
5. Discover the Hidden Brushstrokes of Hatteras Island
Hatteras Island may be best known for its windswept beaches and world-class fishing, but tucked among its quiet villages is a thriving, often-overlooked art scene that reflects the island’s soulful coastal spirit. Local artists draw inspiration from the wild beauty around them—windswept dunes, stormy seas, and ever-changing skies—translating that energy into paintings, pottery, photography, and handcrafted jewelry.
Small galleries and studios are scattered throughout towns like Avon, Buxton, and Hatteras Village, many of them tucked into repurposed cottages or hidden behind local shops. You’ll find everything from watercolor seascapes and surf-inspired sculpture to sea glass mosaics and driftwood carvings. Some artists even host open studios or offer classes, welcoming visitors to connect with the creative process firsthand.
Community events like art walks, pop-up markets, and seasonal festivals help keep the local art scene vibrant and accessible, even if it flies under the radar of most tourists. For those willing to look beyond the beach, Hatteras Island offers a quiet, authentic world of creativity that is as rich and textured as the shoreline itself.
