Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore protects roughly 70 miles of Outer Banks barrier island shoreline off the coast of North Carolina and was established in 1953 to conserve beaches, dunes, and coastal habitat. The seashore includes recreation areas, historic lighthouses, and wildlife refuges.

Key attractions include the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, known for its black-and-white banding and for being relocated inland in 1999 to protect it from erosion, plus numerous beachfront areas for swimming, fishing, and surf. The seashore also provides access to Pea Island and ferry connections to Ocracoke Island.

Management of the seashore focuses on public recreation, beach and dune conservation, and coastal wildlife protection while accommodating seasonal visitor services and changing shoreline conditions.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore lies along North Carolina’s Outer Banks barrier islands; the nearest larger towns include Nags Head and Hatteras Village, and access commonly requires driving over bridges and ferries depending on the route.

• Shoreline and access: The seashore extends along about 70 miles of barrier island shoreline and is heavily influenced by shifting sands, tides, and storm events-check local road and ferry conditions before traveling.

What to See#

• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: **Cape Hatteras Lighthouse** stands about 198 feet tall and was moved inland in 1999 to protect it from shoreline erosion and storm damage.
• Pea Island Wildlife Refuge: **Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge** protects important bird habitat on the Outer Banks and lies within the seashore’s managed coastal system.
• Ocracoke Island: **Ocracoke Island** is accessible by ferry from the seashore and contains historic village areas, beaches, and a separate National Park Service presence.

By car: Cape Hatteras National Seashore extends along the Outer Banks of North Carolina and is reached by driving east from the mainland via US‑64/US‑158 and then along NC‑12 on the barrier islands. The Cape Hatteras area (including Buxton and the lighthouse) is reached by following NC‑12 down the Outer Banks; travel time is roughly 3-4 hours from Raleigh and about 2-3 hours from Norfolk, depending on your starting point and traffic.

Note that some southern Outer Banks destinations require ferries operated by the North Carolina Ferry System (for example, to Ocracoke Island); check ferry schedules if planning a route that crosses island gaps.

• Check current road, beach and ferry conditions before you go-the seashore's access and services can change after storms-and plan visits to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse area at sunrise or sunset to avoid the hottest, busiest midday hours.
• If you're aiming for Ocracoke Island, plan around the vehicle ferry schedule from Hatteras; arrive early at the ferry terminal in high season to secure a spot.
• Explore beyond the main beaches-places like Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and less-visited spits often have more wildlife viewing and fewer people than the more popular swimming areas.