The Beach

You can walk up the street and cross over the dune to an almost private beach. Be careful crossing Route 12.  There is typically a good path right across the street from Austin Road. At least one morning, watch the sunrise from the beach if you can.  Once your dog goes to the beach, it will pull you, and drag you there for the rest of your stay. He’s right.

Take a flashlight and walk over at night, the moon, and stars here are amazing. A few ghosts and old pirates might walk with you. You can see the Milky Way on clear nights. See Starry Nights Hatteras' Facebook Page for the current constellations and moon cycle. The ghost crabs rule the beach at night, your flashlight may catch hundreds of little eyes making their way to the surf. If you want to build a fire, Lee Robin’s has firewood.

**If you need help or someone in the water needs help at our beach, tell 911 your location by nearest ramp or street address**

Driving on the beach

If you want to drive your 4x4 on the beach Hatteras is the place for you. The National Park Service requires you to purchase a permit for a week or for the season. Please see the NPS Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV web page for details. You can buy one online and get a card to put on your dashboard at Frisco Rod & Gun. Cape Hatteras National Seashore Orv Permit, Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Recreation.gov

Air down – it means tire air pressure 20 lbs. See Oregon Inlet Idiot's Facebook page for pictures of people who didn’t listen. Get free air at Frisco Rod and Gun.

Whether you want to fish, read a book, or just have fewer people around, driving out to the beaches can be the ticket. The Point at Cape Hatteras near the lighthouse, through Ramp 49 @ Frisco beach, and down to Ramp 55 @ the bottom of Hatteras inlet has great drive overs. Ramp 49 @ Frisco is our favorite because the wave action is smaller, and you can walk far out with your dog without water getting above your knees. We like to drive down to Ramp 55 @ the end of the island to watch the ferries cruise past a beautiful sun set.

If you like to collect seashells or sea glass, driving on the beach is the best way to find large, intact shells and sea glass. Sunrise is best right after a high tide is drawing down. Bring a cloth bag.

Tide Charts Tide Times and Tide Chart for Hatteras