Top 10 Instagrammable Locations on Hatteras Island

04/25/2025

From the moment you hop onto the 2.8-mile Marc Basnight Bridge to cross over onto Hatteras Island, the scenery is absolutely stunning. From atop this famous passageway you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the island as it creates a barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound, neatly slicing between the two. Particularly peaceful at sunset, there is both a calming effect as you’re surrounded by water, but also a thrill that buzzes through you at the same time, letting you know that the long-awaited trip of your dreams has finally arrived. Don’t forget to capture it! Below we’ve included a local’s guide to the “Top 10 Instagrammable Locations on Hatteras Island”. For your convenience, they are listed north to south so you can scope out each of the hot spots perfect for Hatteras Island photography, on your way onto the island and hit any of those missed on your way off.

1. Pea Island Wildlife Refuge

As you glide down the sand dune-lined streets of Highway 12, you’ll be immediately transfixed by all of the untouched beauty that lies within Pea Island Wildlife Refuge. Stop anywhere along this stretch to capture the stillness of paradise and all of its inhabitants.

2. Chicamacomico Life Saving Station

A variety of unique historic buildings dot the campus of the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station, creating a variety of opportunities for intriguing and original shots. From selfies to still-life’s, consider a black and white filter to better enhance the architectural angles and lines throughout.

3. Salvo Day Use Area

For those staying on the northern end of the island, a beautiful location to frequent for soundside Hatteras Island photography is the Salvo Day Use Area. Once the site of a NPS campground, the winding road leads you through a largely unbothered, slightly wooded area that eventually drops you at the soundfront. Here you might capture a kiteboarder or kayaker, a deer or crab, or even a spectacular sunset.

4. Avon Pier

Whether you decide to venture out onto the winding planks of the pier itself or frolic in the waves below it, there is always a great IG-worthy moment in the wings! Even if fishing isn’t your thing, there are always camera-friendly captures of the surrounding sandy beaches, waves of the ocean, the distinct wooden structure, and the epic battle between man and the creatures of the deep blue sea.

5. Canadian Hole

Located between the villages of Avon and Buxton, Canadian Hole is a convenient soundfront turnout off of Highway 12 that is hugely popular with the windsurfing and kiteboarding crowd, and really anyone looking for a fun day on the easy waters of the Pamlico. This spot is obviously great for action shots, but is also unique in its close vicinity to the water, the highway, and the nearby village of Buxton, where the island hooks around, creating some very photo-worthy moments that might even include the lighthouse in the distant background.

6. Old Lighthouse Beach

The site of the old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is still a popular beach frequented by surfers and locals alike. Locally referred to as “the first jetty”, it is the location of the first of three jetties that were placed on the Buxton beachfront in an effort to prevent erosion in the 1970’s. Adding some uniqueness to your standard beach pics, and with the addition of the nearby lighthouse (albeit under construction until 2026), you’ve got all the makings for wanderlust thirst traps when you visit this hot spot.

7. Breakwater Deck

From their savory plates to the stellar sunset views, the deck at Breakwater Restaurant is thoughtfully perched above Oden’s Dock and boasts some great opportunities to add some intrigue to your Insta profile. From landscapes to lifestyle photos, your camera roll will be as lively as your vacation shenanigans when you make a stop at Breakwater Restaurant.

8. Hatteras Landing Marina

The shops at Hatteras Landing overlook the quiet marina and the neighboring Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry dock, making this a beautiful spot to catch some good photos of coastal life at its best. With soundfront seating at The Wreck Tiki Bar and Food, water-facing outdoor seating at the Hatteras Landing Marina Ship Store, and plenty of dock to wander, you’ll have the picture-perfect backdrop that will not only create some of your favorite pics, but will simultaneously remind you of your dream vacation to Hatteras Island for years to come.

9. Hatteras Inlet

This location is quite literally the end of the island and is only accessible by ORV route (permit required). You can utilize ORV Ramp 55 and drive all the way to the southern end of the island, or you can take what is known as the “back road”, which is basically the same route without the ocean view, but necessary at certain times of the year due to narrow beaches in storm-prone seasons. With no nearby views of modern civilization, you will feel like you have reached the end of the earth and will definitely want to take advantage of every opportunity to capture this hidden gem. Beautiful at sunset, you’ll have a front row seat to the island’s famously painted skies and won’t ever regret the few extra minutes it takes to hunt down this au naturale locale.

10. From Aboard a Watercraft

While you can’t technically drop a pin on a map to get here, it’s definitely a worthy mention. Whether it be a boat, a surfboard, a paddleboard, or jet ski, good shots from aboard a watercraft serve up the ultimate in POV angles due to their rareness in nature. Don’t fret if watersports aren’t your jam, hopping on a float works too. Whichever vessel you choose, just make sure not to drop your phone!