The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse protects one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coast. Offshore of Cape Hatteras, the Gulf Stream collides with the Virginia Drift, a branch of the Labrador Current from Canada. This current forces southbound ships into a dangerous twelve-mile long sandbar called Diamond Shoals. Hundreds and possibly thousands of shipwrecks in this area have given it the reputation as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. If you get a chance to venture out to the Cape, the Hatteras Lighthouse is worth the making the visit!
Fishing on the banks was forever changed when the first fishing pier – Jennette’s Pier – was opened in Nags Head back in 1939. In September 2003, Hurricane Isabel swept the North Carolina coast, knocking down about 540 feet of Jennette’s Pier and practically shutting down an Outer Banks institution. It then became time to rethink the fishing pier concept, with the Aquariums taking the lead to rebuild Jennette’s as an all-concrete, 1,000-foot-long, educational ocean pier. Whether fishing or just visiting, go check out this piece of OBX history if you can.
The SeaWorthy Gallery stands out as the premier showplace of collectible art on Hatteras Island. In a relaxed and tranquil setting, one finds an elegant presentation of eclectic art forms from paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and home decor.
There are several great places in the Hatteras area to rent kayaks or paddle boards. Kayaking on the sound side is so relaxing! Some places to rent from: oceanatlanticrentals.com https://www.hiboardsports.com/kayak-rentals http://www.ridehatteras.com/
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is the home of the largest and most modern charter boat fishing fleet on the eastern seaboard. A full service marina in Nags Head NC, Oregon Inlet offers a comprehensive charter boat fishing experience for the "old salt" or the vacationing fisherman. Give us a call at (252)441-6301! Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and Full Service Marina is located 8 miles south of Whalebone Junction on NC 12 at the north end of the Basnight Bridge in the beautiful Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Due to COVID: You may need to purchase tickets online in advance. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has become a beloved attraction for Outer Banks vacationers and an annual outing for seasoned visitors who are young and young at heart. The 68,000-square-foot complex covers all aspects of Outer Banks aquatic life, from endangered sea turtles to common horseshoe crabs and stingrays, and everyone is invited to pop in and enjoy the fun. An educational attraction that certainly doesn't feel like a full day of learning, the Aquarium is a must stop for vacationers who want to learn about what lies just under the surface of the ocean and sound waters bordering the Outer Banks. Be sure and bring the kids along for this family-friendly excursion, and plan on dedicating a full morning or afternoon exploring the grounds.