Visit The Outer Banks

Hatteras Village

Discover the past of Hatteras, NC and nearby Outer Banks communities at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, or make the crossing to Ocracoke aboard the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry.

At the far southern end of Hatteras Island, Hatteras Village is known, deservedly, as a center of fishing life. For generations, local families have run fish houses, worked commercial fleets on the ocean and Pamlico Sound, and made fishing their favorite way to spend time. That rhythm continues now, to the point that seeing a resident or visitor without a rod, tacklebox, or fresh catch can feel unusual.

That may be a stretch, but only slightly. In Hatteras Village — a rare Island community that has never gone by another name — the water has always shaped daily life. Families often built their livelihoods around fishing, boatbuilding, and the U.S Lifesaving Service, which later became the US Coast Guard. Commercial marinas and charter fishing docks still carry those traditions forward. For another sign of how deeply fishing runs here, look toward the beach. ORV Ramps provide off-road anglers with direct access, and trucks and SUV’s loaded with long surfcasting rods and gear can be seen above the high tide line or rolling onto the sand in search of the right place to cast toward Hatteras Inlet.

Hatteras Inlet itself is a relatively recent feature. In 1846, a hurricane cut through a semi-permanent stretch of beach that had linked Hatteras to Ocracoke Island, creating a lasting inlet. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum shares stories tied to Hatteras Inlet, the Hatteras Lifesaving Station, pirates, Civil War battles and bombardments, and the growth and decline of large-scale commercial fishing on Hatteras Island. Located beside the southernmost ORV ramp and the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry landing, the Museum helps visitors understand the maritime story of Hatteras Village, Hatteras Island, and the Outer Banks more fully.

Next to the Graveyard of The Atlantic Museum, the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry carries passengers and vehicles between Hatteras and Ocracoke Island. Nearby Hatteras Landing offers a final opportunity for souvenir shopping, a place to eat, and a self-serve marina for boaters. Around the village, additional shops sell souvenirs, beach supplies, fishing rods and tackle, and everyday sundries.

Hatteras Village also has several small grocery and supply stores, including the oldest store on Hatteras Island. Known locally as The Red & White, it opened in 1866; over the years, the business expanded beyond its original wooden structure and moved into the brick building that stands today. Visitors can settle in at rental homes, a small collection of hotels and motels, including Breakwater Inn, and several campgrounds that serve as home base for their trips.

Whatever kind of fishing you prefer, Hatteras Village makes room for it, and the fishing is (almost) always good. Just 15 miles offshore, the Gulf Stream carries warm water, along with warm water fish, northward, while the Labrador Current moves cold water and some cold water species south. The result is exceptional fishing. The waters are so productive that Hatteras Village earned the title “Blue Marlin Capital of the World” because blue marlin and other prized sailfish are common here. Charter boats take anglers to the Gulf Stream, along the coast, and inshore through Pamlico Sound, its tributary streams, and nearby marshes. No matter where or when you cast, something is likely to be biting.

More ways to experience Hatteras Village

Places To Stay

Find accommodations in Hatteras Village at the southernmost end of the Outer Banks. The area offers trusted places to stay for visitors planning their adventures.

Restaurants

On Hatteras Island, beach-casual style fits every meal. Dining here has an easygoing feel, no matter what is on the menu.

Other Hatteras Island villages

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