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Hwy 12, Rte 1, PO Box 675, US 64, Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: 252-995-4474 or 252-473-2111
Fax: 252-437-2595
Open All Year
Overview. Thin but surprisingly resilient strips of sand and sea grasses, North Carolina's Outer Banks provide the mainland with protection against the pounding sea and intense winds. The shifting shoals and treacherous waters off the shore of these barrier islands have proved fatal for many ships that dared to challenge them. Indeed, pirates used to lead a placid horse, lantern swinging from its neck, along the dune ridges to lure passing ships into "safe harbor." Once the ships ran aground, they were easy prey for the dastardly scavengers, and this practice is said to have given Nags Head, the area's largest community, its name. Edward Teach, the infamous Blackbeard, used Ocracoke Island as a base for his depredations. A series of 19th-century lighthouses, many still in use, grace the Outer Banks; these include Cape Hatteras Light, the nation's tallest. Built in 1870, the tower, with its distinctive black and white spiral exterior, is 208 feet tall. The ever-shifting sands both hide and uncover the wrecks of ships caught off-guard in this "Graveyard of the Atlantic," and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore's 70 miles of coastline offer a wealth of historical and recreational opportunities for those who visit its three islands: Bodie, Hatteras, and Ocracoke. What to see and do. Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks boast some of the best fishing and surfing available on the east coast. Ocean swimming and windsurfing are popular, although the wind and currents are unpredictable, and park service authorities caution against venturing into the ocean without lifeguards present, no matter how accomplished a swimmer you are. Fishing piers and charter boat concessions are available at various locations along the seashore. The National Park Service maintains four seasonal campgrounds: Oregon Inlet, Frisco, and Cape Point are available on a first come, first served basis, and spaces may be reserved at Ocracoke campground by calling 800-365-CAMP. Visitor centers on Bodie and Ocracoke Islands are open seasonally, and offer historical exhibits, park information, and book sales. The Hatteras Island Visitor Center, located at the base of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, is open year round from 9 AM to 5 PM, except for Christmas Day. If you visit in season, you can climb the 248 steps to the top of the lighthouse and take in a wide view of the ocean and the Pamlico Sound. Lighthouse hours are subject to change, so check with the park first if you want to make the ascent. The museum at the visitor center offers exhibits on the history and ecology of the Outer Banks, and provides information on scheduled park events. Check here for the best bird-watching sites and times, and to learn where the sea and shifting sands have exposed a shipwreck or two. Food, lodging, and additional campgrounds are readily available in the islands' towns and villages. Nearby attractions include the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, where the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island met their mysterious fate, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk, where the famous pair made their first flight. Jockey Ridge State Park, which boasts the highest sand dunes on the east coast, is a favorite spot for hang gliding. In season, Outer Banks communities sponsor numerous events including fishing tournaments, kite festivals, surfing, hang gliding, and windsurfing festivals, craft shows, seafood feasts, and an annual blues festival. Check with the seashore and local tourist information centers for details and dates. Ocracoke Island, Blackbeard's old haunt, is accessible only by boat. A free, short ferry ride from Hatteras Island will take you to the sleepy town of Ocracoke, which is also linked to the mainland by two ferries. The trip from Ocracoke to Cedar Island or Swan Quarter takes over two hours, and reservations are strongly recommended. There is a fee for the service.
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Beach |
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Bird Watching |
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Boat Launching |
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Fishing |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Horse Trails |
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Motor Boating |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Swimming |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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