Hatteras Island 

The infamous “Graveyard of the Atlantic” is located along Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands and is the final resting place of hundreds of ships that went aground and were wrecked by the unpredictable shoals, winds and storms. Named as one of the TOP TEN beaches in the country in 2008 by Dr. Beach, Cape Hatteras National Seashore covers 45 square miles and home to the tallest brick lighthouse in the country. As you travel south, the towns of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village await. Once sleepy little fishing towns, these areas are now popular destinations for beachgoers, surfers, and fishing enthusiasts.  

Some of the best fishing on the East Coast can be found on Hatteras Island, and Hatteras Village is home to numerous charter boats which offer abundant sport fishing opportunities. Stop by the marinas late in the afternoon to see the day's catch displayed along the docks. The Hatteras/Ocracoke Ferry, located at the village's southern end, offers free trips all year round.  

Buxton is home to the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - the tallest operational brick lighthouse in North America. Be sure to stop in at the Visitor's Center after touring the lighthouse. The 3,000 acre Buxton Woods is a maritime forest and is perfect for a relaxing hike beneath the canopy of towering oaks.  

The Village of Frisco is located between Buxton and Hatteras and remains a small community without much commercialization. The popular Brigand's Bay subdivision is located in Frisco to the delight of windsurfers, sound fishermen, kayakers and sailors. Frisco is also the home of the Frisco Native American Museum and History Center.  

Avon is the central village on Hatteras Island located about 30 miles south of Oregon Inlet and about 20 miles north of Hatteras Inlet. Long ago, Avon was a maritime forest. The trees were cut down for shipbuilding in the 1700's and never grew back. For the windsurfing enthusiasts, the world-famous Canadian Hole is just two minutes south of the Village of Avon.  

Rodanthe, Waves & Salvo. The Tri-Village area offers visitors plenty of opportunity to relax, take in the surrounding natural beauty of pristine beaches, rolling dunes, and native wildlife. Visit the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station museum, and watch the life saving re-enactments each week. Just to the north is the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge – a great day trip!