10/09/2025
The shopping experience on Hatteras Island is a charming mix of coastal character and local craftsmanship. From surf shops and art galleries to boutiques filled with island-inspired treasures, each village offers its own unique finds. While you may be hard-pressed to hunt down everyday essentials such as undergarments or your particular brand of moisturizer, visitors can browse an unmatched selection of handmade jewelry, coastal home décor, and locally crafted goods that reflect the island’s laid-back lifestyle. Whether you’re picking up beach essentials or a one-of-a-kind keepsake to remember your trip, shopping on Hatteras Island is all about discovering something special in an unhurried, welcoming atmosphere. From one shopping girl to another, below is a quick guide to Hatteras Island hottest retailers that we hope you love as much as we do!
Shopping Girl’s Guide to Hatteras Island
Hatteras Village
1. Lee Robinson’s General Store | 58372 North Carolina Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC 27943
Just like the name implies, Lee Robinson’s General Store is your go-to for your daily supply of general necessities…and then some! When you frequent this quirky village staple, you can grab everything from grocery items to firewood, but you can also plan an intricate porch picnic with all of the makings for a stunning charcuterie board and wine pairing, right down to the board itself! With a very convenient international grocery section, this is the place to duck into when the local grocer doesn’t have that much-needed bottle of Garam Masala when you decide to whip up your favorite curry dish! Not to be reduced to just “necessities”, this is also a souvenir and/or gift hot spot that you don’t want to overlook. From your next beach read to your favorite cozy OBX t-shirt, Lee Robinson’s General Store has it all!
2. Blue Pelican Gallery, Gifts & Yarn | 57762 North Carolina Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC 27943
Blue Pelican Gallery, Gifts & Yarn is quietly nestled in a sweetly refurbished Hatteras Island home-turned-art-gallery that will leave you in awe of its principal artist, Jennifer Johnson, among other local artisans to boot. Find handcrafted seasonal décor, locally crafted jewelry, pottery, greeting cards, kitchenware, candles, and much, much more! With an entire yarn room (it’s technically two rooms), any crafter will appreciate this well-curated space!
3. Family Jewels | 56910 North Carolina Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC 27943
Hatteras Village native, Wendy Stowe Sisler, is serving up something truly irresistible at Family Jewels, where her torch transforms molten glass into beads that are equal parts artistry and indulgence. With jewel-like hues that glisten like candied gems, her exquisitely crafted designs drape gracefully around the neck and wrist—deliciously beautiful creations that look almost good enough to eat! Beyond the glass and other handcrafted jewelry, find even more statement pieces from other artists curated by Wendy herself.
Family Jewels in Hatteras, NC
Frisco
1. Red Drum Pottery | 53561 North Carolina Hwy 12, Frisco, NC 27936
Swing by Red Drum Pottery in Frisco, where every piece feels like sunshine and sea spray captured in clay. Their hand-crafted pottery pulses with vibrant coastal flair. Think wave-kissed glazes, ripple textures, and one-of-a-kind mugs that make your morning coffee taste like a salty breeze.
2. Blue Lagoon | 53688 North Carolina Hwy 12, Frisco, NC 27936
Blue Lagoon, tucked along NC-12 in Frisco, NC, is a delightful blend of art gallery, gift shop, and sweet shop. Inside, you’ll find locally made jewelry, coastal-inspired art and décor, and a tempting selection of handcrafted chocolates, fudge, caramel apples, and other treats.
3. Frisco Rod & Gun | 53610 North Carolina Hwy 12, Frisco, NC 27936
First timers might land upon Frisco Rod & Gun thanks to their close proximity to ORV Ramp 49—a huge convenience to beachgoers in need of fuel, air, ice, and/or beach snacks. Upon entry, you’ll find all of that plus much, much more! Not just a gentleman’s paradise, but a haven for the ladies as well, shoppers will find a full supply of rods and guns, as well as hooks and lures, ammunition, coolers and packs, shoes, apparel, and everything in between!
Buxton
1. Buxton Village Books | 47918 North Carolina Hwy 12, Buxton, NC 27920
This house-turned-bookshop makes walking into Buxton Village Books feel reminiscent of a scene straight out of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Each room boasts overflowing shelves lined with books, featuring everything from cult classics to the latest and greatest bestsellers. Whether you’re searching for a local cookbook or your next beach read, you can find (or order if necessary) exactly what you’re looking for at Buxton Village Books.
2. Natural Art Surf Shop | 47331 North Carolina Hwy 12, Buxton, NC 27920
Home to In The Eye Surfboards, Natural Art Surf Shop is an all chill, no frills kind of local hot spot that has seen some of the greatest surfers in the world lean on its counters in search of the next big wave…and the supplies needed to ride it. Stocking everything from boards and leashes to a solid variety of surf apparel for men, women, and children, this family owned and operated retailer is a must-stop for anyone interested in Hatteras Island’s famous surf scene…or even just a good pair of flip flops!
3. Swell Art : Gallery + Gifts | 46854 North Carolina Hwy 12 Building A, Buxton, NC 27920
All is swell at Swell Art Gallery, conveniently located in the heart of Buxton Village’s hustle and bustle. While this quirky shop is filled to the brim with wit and charm, it will probably come as no surprise that the gallery owner is none other than Raygun Ruby’s leading lady, April Trueblood. If you haven’t heard Hatteras Island’s favorite cover band or added this stop to your island gallery tour, then that is TWO must-do’s on your next trip to the Outer Banks! From funky artwork to unique jewelry and gifts, don’t miss out on this island favorite!
Buxton Village Books
Avon
1. Hatteras Island Boardsports | 41056 North Carolina Hwy 12, Avon, NC 27915
Hatteras Island Boardsports is Kinnakeet’s number one stop for surfers and skaters alike. From high performance surfboards and wetsuits to skateboards and stylish coastal apparel, their locally rooted team has everything you need to hit the waves or the streets with confidence. Friendly, expert advice and top-quality gear make every visit an adventure waiting to happen.
2. Fisherman’s Daughter | 39455 North Carolina Hwy 12, Avon, NC 27915
Locally owned and operated, Fisherman’s Daughter is beach-themed boutique featuring unique apparel, jewelry, accessories, and gifts. The perfect stop for finding a stylish outfit for your island outing or keepsake to take home so that your beach vacation is easily remembered. With its inviting atmosphere and locally inspired selection, this shop captures the laid-back yet stylish spirit of Hatteras Island.
3. Ocean Air Sports | 39450 North Carolina Hwy 12, Avon, NC 27915
Home to OBX Wind, the largest windsurfing competition on the East Coast, Ocean Air Sports is the longtime local outfitter boasting all of the trimmings for your next island adventure. Wind and water sports enthusiasts will be thrilled to explore all of their offerings from gear to apparel and everything in between!
Ocean Air Sports
Salvo, Waves, Rodanthe
1. Pea Island Art Gallery | 27766 North Carolina Hwy 12, Salvo, NC 27972
This stunning gallery is housed in a replica of a 19th-century life-saving station, offering an eclectic mix of media including paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography, sculpture, and fiber arts. With unique hours, they are open Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., so it does take some effort to plan your stop, particularly if you’re staying on the southern end of the island. That said, as it showcases the works from over 100 local and regional artists, it is well worth the extra planning!
2. REAL Watersports | 25706 North Carolina Hwy 12, Waves, NC 27982
Real Watersports, the Hatteras Island flagship watersports center, specializes in kiteboarding, surfing, foiling, and related instruction. A staple in the Tri-Village community known for hosting large events such as the Triple-S Kiteboarding Invitational, they boast one of the largest selections of surf apparel on the island landing them on the must-stop list for shoppers. As an added bonus, you can also enjoy live entertainment and delicious eats next door at their eatery, Watermen’s Bar & Grill! Make a day of it and work up an appetite shopping before grabbing a bite on their shaded deck overlooking the Pamlico Sound.
3. Rodanthe Surf Shop | 23580 North Carolina Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968
Founded in 1989, this locally owned and operated surf shop grew from modest beginnings selling leashes, wax, and basic surf supplies, transforming into a full surf outfitter, with rentals (surfboards, bodyboards, stand-up paddleboards), repair services, custom surfboard building (via “Hatteras Glass”), and a curated selection of surf-branded apparel and accessories. This local shop is located just south of the jughandle bridge in the same parking lot as the Island Convenience, so be sure to make it your first stop on Hatteras Island!
REAL Watersports
