05/01/2025
Rodanthe is the northernmost village on Hatteras Island, a barrier island located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. An approximately 15-minute drive south of the Marc Basnight Bridge delivering you onto the island, visitors will enjoy a scenic drive through the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge before hopping onto the “jug handle bridge” and entering Rodanthe. Clustered into the part of the island known as the “Tri-Villages”, it is also frequently mixed in conversation with the villages just to its south, Waves and Salvo as there are no real consistent markers designating where one village ends and the other begins. Known for its serene beaches, charming coastal atmosphere, and rich maritime history, Rodanthe is a beloved destination for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway. Find interesting things to do in Rodanthe below!
A Place Rich in Hollywood, History, and Exceptional Scenery
It’s perhaps most famous for being the setting of the Nicholas Sparks novel and film, “Nights in Rodanthe” starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane, which brought national attention to its picturesque beauty and iconic oceanfront homes. Historically speaking, it is also home to the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, the first of seven life-saving stations built in North Carolina in 1874 and is one the most distinctive historical maritime campuses on the East Coast as the station played a crucial role in rescuing shipwrecked sailors from the treacherous waters known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” In 1915, the U.S. Life-Saving Service merged with the Revenue Cutter Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard, and Chicamacomico continued operations under this new organization until its decommissioning in 1954. Today, the site operates as a museum, preserving original structures and equipment, including a rare life-car and surfboat. History buffs will love watching the live rescue drills performed weekly in the spring and summer months, such as the breeches buoy demonstration, offering a glimpse into the heroic efforts of early life-saving crews.
While the fame from Hollywood glamour and history alike give added character to this otherwise quaint seaside village, its visitors are also captivated by unmatched island scenery that is prevalent throughout the entire Outer Banks, particularly on Hatteras Island. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Pamlico Sound to the west, Rodanthe offers stunning sunrise and sunset views, along with ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, kiteboarding, and other water-based adventures. Don’t miss out on Rodanthe attractions filled with history, too.
Water-Based Adventures in Rodanthe
The Rodanthe Pier is a long-standing fishing tradition for travelers from near and far. Located at the end of Atlantic Drive, this family-friendly establishment is great for sightseeing just as much as it is fishing! Stretching 700 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, visitors can get panoramic views of the oceanfront with the opportunity to reel in some of the island’s greatest and most sought-after species including bluefish, flounder, mackerel, drum, sharks, and more. Anglers can get everything they need from bait to pole rentals to snacks to good fishing stories in the pier house. Fishing licenses are not required for those who fish from the pier, but a pass is mandatory. Daily passes range from $2/day for sightseeing to $15/day for fishing (ages 11 and up). Weekly passes range from $10/week for sightseeing to $75/week for fishing (ages 11 and up). There are, of course, a variety of other specialty passes for kids, families, seniors, and military, as well as season passes. As both a rule and state law, surfing, kayaking, and kiteboarding are not permitted within 300 feet of the pier, but there is ample shoreline on both the beach and sound for those who are interested in watersports.
While a good majority of Midgett Realty vacation rentals are positioned within communities that provide convenient community beach access, that isn’t always the case due to a variety of reasons. One safe and easy location for watersports enthusiasts to paddle out, or the typical beachgoer to frequent, is the Rodanthe Beach Access, a fairly new and well-maintained public beach located just north of North Beach General Store and Campground. One major draw to this particular site is that it is lifeguarded from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 9am to 5pm. More than that, it offers 97 parking spaces, a bathhouse, outdoor showers, an oceanfront gazebo, picnic tables, and an ADA compliant boardwalk to the dune top gazebo. With these added perks not found at all beach access points along the island, this site is great for families, large parties, and anyone with mobility issues.
Kiteboarders and windsurfers will likely be more inclined to ride the wind in the gentler waters of the Pamlico Sound. Whether you’re launching into your first lesson or chasing the thrill of high-speed runs, Rodanthe offers an unparalleled setting for wind-powered adventures. The tri-village area is well known for its consistent winds, shallow sound waters, and expansive sandy shores which create ideal conditions for both beginners and seasoned riders. Should guests not have direct sound access from their rental, the nearby Salvo Day Use Area is a quick 5-minute drive and offers ample space and favorable wind patterns, attracting water sports aficionados from around the globe. With loads of accessible parking, picnic tables, and a bathhouse at your disposal, this location is also great for those who are traveling with their families in tow as it provides a safe and easy space for all to enjoy the salt and sun.
Anyone looking for comprehensive services, including gear rentals and lessons, can head to the neighboring village of Waves where you’ll find REAL Watersports. Founded in 2001, it boasts a kiteboarding and surf shop, lesson center, and on-site restaurant, Watermen’s Bar & Grill. The resort’s proximity to both the sound and ocean allows for versatile riding experiences, whether you’re seeking flatwater cruising or tackling ocean waves. Additionally, the area’s vibrant community and events, like the annual Triple-S Invitational drawing big names like 2 Chainz and The Roots, underscore Rodanthe’s status as a hub for wind sports on the East Coast.
A Village Rich in Local Flavor
Whether your lounging by the sea in your beach chair or jumping high into the sky on your kiteboard, you’re going to need some fuel to get you through the exhilarating summer days of your Outer Banks vacation! Start your days at Beads & Beans OBX, a family owned and operated coffee shop and gift boutique. Featuring a rotating menu of freshly baked pastries and treats, they are perfectly complimented by their sizeable coffee menu. Even better, visitors can peruse their gift shop with art and products from local artisans.
Just next door, Lisa’s Pizzeria is another island staple if you find yourself craving a truly satisfying slice! Open for lunch and dinner, this island institution has been serving up delicious pizza for over 40 years. Known not just for their mouthwatering pies, Lisa’s has become a beloved part of the community, recognized for their warm hospitality and commitment to giving back. With every bite, you’re not only enjoying a handcrafted pizza made with care, but also supporting a family-owned business that’s been an essential part of island life for generations. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a taste of Hatteras tradition.
Another delicious eatery is Good Winds Restaurant, located on the second floor above Kitty Hawk Kites. Also serving lunch and dinner, patrons will fall in love with their more seafood-oriented menu, boasting appetizers including Buffalo Shrimp and Oysters Rockefeller, as well as their main menu items that encompass everything from steamers to fried seafood baskets. Land lovers need not be alarmed as they also serve a variety of steaks and burgers, among other non-seafood items. There is also a well-rounded kids’ menu for the little ones.
Food Trucks are some other hot ticket items around Rodanthe for anyone looking for a quick and savory bite. Hoy Lechon Asian Inspired BBQ is in the Island Convenience parking lot located just at the foot of the Jug Handle Bridge. With loads of flavor in each bite, you can enjoy their Asian-Pacific-inspired heavy hitters including lechon, cebuchon, pork adobo, and chicken inasal!
Located just next door, you can also hit up Palazzolo Pizza Express. In addition to Italian-style, hand-tossed pizzas, they also offer burgers, wings, cheesesteaks, and more!
Just down the street, The Shiny Tiny Walk Up is a fun little truck resembling an Airstream diner. It is located in the front parking lot of North Beach General Store and Campground, and just south of the Rodanthe Beach Access. For a very streamlined menu, they still pack a lot of flavor in each bite. Pet-friendly, they also offer vegetarian/vegan options and some shaded seating.
Taqueria Las Ahumaderas is an ideal spot in the middle of the village for grabbing a hearty meal with kick. From burritos to tacos to tortas, quesadillas, gorditas, and more, you won’t be disappointed in the authenticity of this family-owned Mexican eatery.
When you’re ready to scope out the nightlife scene in Rodanthe, look no further than Neptune’s Kitchen and Dive Bar. Their menu appeals to a diverse palette, offering everything from tacos to steamers and baskets featuring chicken tenders or a variety of seafood options including Mexican Street Corn Shrimp and more! At night they offer a rotating list of karaoke and live music. Check their Facebook page for their weekly line-up!
No Better Place to Hit the Pavement
With so many outdoor things to do in Rodanthe at your disposal from kayaking to surfing and more, getting your daily workout in has never been easier. That being said, your time at the beach and on the water might be reserved for relaxation. For those who want to stick to their regular routine of walking, running, or biking, hit the pavement with ease when you hop on the village sidewalks. The lovingly maintained local sidewalks in Rodanthe are nice and wide and provide a safe route along the highway for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Whether you’re trying to work out a sweat or just prefer to leave the car at home, you’ll love the scenic sidewalks available for your convenience. Making things even easier, they encompass the entire Tri-Village area and stretch from the northern end of Rodanthe to the southern end of Salvo, stopping just before the Salvo Day Use Area where the speed limits switch to 55 mph.
Book Your Rodanthe Oasis with Midgett Realty
With the ease of travel and beach access combined with the plethora of things to do throughout the village, a Rodanthe beach vacation is sure to hit the spot no matter what it is you’re looking for out of your next island getaway. When you book your Hatteras Island accommodations through Midgett Realty, you’re sure to find a vacation rental home that is equally as exciting. With the convenience of highly sought-after amenities including state-of-the-art kitchens, private pools and bubbly hot tubs, extraordinary game rooms and theater rooms to entertain your entire family, and more, the fun will last beyond your time out and about on the island and will extend throughout your entire stay! With properties offering pet-friendly accommodations and up to 11 bedrooms, your entire family can get in on the fun as well! Need even more space? Call one of our agents today to ask about our side-by-side rental homes where you can get all of the room you need for large party traveling or even just a little added privacy. With our extensive portfolio of Rodanthe, NC rentals, we are sure to help you find the perfect stay for you and your crew, so reach out to the Midgett Realty team today!
