Guidebook for Hatteras Island and OBX
Food Scene
Live Music, Good food, Great View. Check out all the kiteboarders on the sound and listen to some good music while eating some good food. Casual place, you order inside and they’ll bring your order to you at your seat. Indoor and outdoor eating. DOG FRIENDLY! ❤️
Menu recommendations:
Sesame Tuna
Prime Rib
Rack of Ribs
Cheeseburger
Margarita's
29 locals recommend
Watermen's Bar & Grill
25706 NC-12Live Music, Good food, Great View. Check out all the kiteboarders on the sound and listen to some good music while eating some good food. Casual place, you order inside and they’ll bring your order to you at your seat. Indoor and outdoor eating. DOG FRIENDLY! ❤️
Menu recommendations:
Sesame Tuna
Prime Rib
Rack of Ribs
Cheeseburger
Margarita's
Our absolute favorite place for healthy breakfast or a healthy treat or pick me up! MUST TRY!! If yoinked never had an açaí bowl, this is the place to try one. Our dearest friends created, hand built and opened the shop 2 years ago and it was an instant local hit. Sustainable coconut utensils and bowls! Recommendations: Sweet Nectar smoothie and ANY açaí bowl combination (go green!) I get their ice cream for our son as well as pups all the time as they are banana based and no sugar added! Perfect healthy treat for the kids!
11 locals recommend
Hatteras Bowls
25855 NC-12Our absolute favorite place for healthy breakfast or a healthy treat or pick me up! MUST TRY!! If yoinked never had an açaí bowl, this is the place to try one. Our dearest friends created, hand built and opened the shop 2 years ago and it was an instant local hit. Sustainable coconut utensils and bowls! Recommendations: Sweet Nectar smoothie and ANY açaí bowl combination (go green!) I get their ice cream for our son as well as pups all the time as they are banana based and no sugar added! Perfect healthy treat for the kids!
Mad Crabber Restaurant
40606 NC-12Best place to go for a variety of fresh seafood!
Amazing food and atmosphere. One of my favorites restaurants! Great vegan and vegetarian menu for the island (the island is generally not very accommodating to special menus) Views of the sound and in a great little shopping boardwalk. Homemade Kombucha, micro brew local beers and other selections. Great Local products. Recommendation: Kombucha, cocktails, baked Brie, poached pear salad ❤️🤤
31 locals recommend
Avenue Waterfront Grille
207 Queen Elizabeth AveAmazing food and atmosphere. One of my favorites restaurants! Great vegan and vegetarian menu for the island (the island is generally not very accommodating to special menus) Views of the sound and in a great little shopping boardwalk. Homemade Kombucha, micro brew local beers and other selections. Great Local products. Recommendation: Kombucha, cocktails, baked Brie, poached pear salad ❤️🤤
Lovely upscale restaurant on the sound, beautiful views and from scratch meals
11 locals recommend
Cafe Pamlico
49684 NC-12Lovely upscale restaurant on the sound, beautiful views and from scratch meals
Great food and service! Best Key lime pie. Also, I'm from Philly and they have the best cheese steak I've had, ever. Although everything on their menu is great.
161 locals recommend
Blue Moon Beach Grill
102 S Virginia Dare TrailGreat food and service! Best Key lime pie. Also, I'm from Philly and they have the best cheese steak I've had, ever. Although everything on their menu is great.
Amazing fresh sandwich place, huge portions. Take out only.
Recommendation: Handcut fries with white sauce, Steak burrito, breakfast wake n bake burrito, Tony Montana sandwich or the pickle chicken sandwich (only a special available sometimes, must ask)
33 locals recommend
Waves Market
26006 NC-12Amazing fresh sandwich place, huge portions. Take out only.
Recommendation: Handcut fries with white sauce, Steak burrito, breakfast wake n bake burrito, Tony Montana sandwich or the pickle chicken sandwich (only a special available sometimes, must ask)
Waterfront at the end of Hatteras island on the Marina. I must say, their food has been off and on the past few years as they keep changing chefs and menus BUT this is definitely somewhere to check out if you’re in Hatteras, weve had some of our most memorable and most enjoyable meals on the island here, it’s continuously our favorite there even with the inconsistencies at times. Fantastic drink menu as well. Expect a wait so I recommend arriving right as they open or a little before to be first in line!
45 locals recommend
Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill
58646 NC-12Waterfront at the end of Hatteras island on the Marina. I must say, their food has been off and on the past few years as they keep changing chefs and menus BUT this is definitely somewhere to check out if you’re in Hatteras, weve had some of our most memorable and most enjoyable meals on the island here, it’s continuously our favorite there even with the inconsistencies at times. Fantastic drink menu as well. Expect a wait so I recommend arriving right as they open or a little before to be first in line!
Fantastic authentic Mexican food truck! I recommend the gorditas, tacos and Mexican Coca Cola
Taqueria Las Ahumaderas
24594 North Carolina Highway 12Fantastic authentic Mexican food truck! I recommend the gorditas, tacos and Mexican Coca Cola
Dinky's Waterfront Restaurant
57980 NC-12Sandbar & Grille
49252 NC-12Quarterdeck Restaurant
54214 North Carolina Highway 12Cockeyed Clam Restaurant
47048 North Carolina Highway 12Very fresh Asian fusion. Love the sashimi tuna. Great local hole in the wall with surprisingly amazing high quality food
19 locals recommend
Boardwok South
26006 NC-12Very fresh Asian fusion. Love the sashimi tuna. Great local hole in the wall with surprisingly amazing high quality food
Don't let this gas station fool you, they have THE best homemade breakfast sandwiches on the entire island. My favorite: fried pork chop, egg and cheese smothered in sausage gravy on a biscuit!
Liberty
23532 NC-12Don't let this gas station fool you, they have THE best homemade breakfast sandwiches on the entire island. My favorite: fried pork chop, egg and cheese smothered in sausage gravy on a biscuit!
Hoy Lechon - Asian Inspired BBQ
The Cebuchon! (Pork belly) is amazing. Authentic, fresh food truck.
Consistently one of the best restaurants on the island. My favorite, the Shrimp and Grits and key lime pie.
27 locals recommend
Oceana's Bistro
40774 NC-12Consistently one of the best restaurants on the island. My favorite, the Shrimp and Grits and key lime pie.
Mirro’s Cafe
Sit down breakfast spot
Tina's Poolside Cafe
Try the Breakfast Tots!
Drinks & Nightlife
Pool tables, good drinks, laid back bar. The Reuben sandwich is great!
24 locals recommend
Lighthouse Sports Bar
47170 NC-12Pool tables, good drinks, laid back bar. The Reuben sandwich is great!
Great Calamari and fairly priced drinks. Best margarita in tri village. A popular local watering hole with a view. Thursday night karaoke is a local party night.
9 locals recommend
Neptunes Kitchen and Dive Bar
24394 NC-12Great Calamari and fairly priced drinks. Best margarita in tri village. A popular local watering hole with a view. Thursday night karaoke is a local party night.
We don't typically recommend their food as they do change chefs very often and it's been inconsistent in our opinion HOWEVER their bar is very nice and they have a fantastic view of the sunsets on the sound.
16 locals recommend
Good Winds Restaurant
24502 NC-12We don't typically recommend their food as they do change chefs very often and it's been inconsistent in our opinion HOWEVER their bar is very nice and they have a fantastic view of the sunsets on the sound.
We love stopping here for a drink and sunset. They do close at 9 so it's not a late night place but a good evening cocktail stop
29 locals recommend
Watermen's Bar & Grill
25706 NC-12We love stopping here for a drink and sunset. They do close at 9 so it's not a late night place but a good evening cocktail stop
Entertainment & Activities
Great friend of ours, ask for Reider, amazing pro kiteboarder...best to see on the island for a lesson or for any of your rental needs!
Hatteras Island Surf Shop
25410 NC-12Great friend of ours, ask for Reider, amazing pro kiteboarder...best to see on the island for a lesson or for any of your rental needs!
Equine Adventures
52193 Piney Ridge RdHorse Back riding on the beach!
We took our whole family here when they visited and it was equally challenging and fun for everyone age ranging from 8-75!! It was a great family time and so much fun. Don’t go on a windy day!! And go early or late before or after the heat and sun get brutal.
55 locals recommend
First Flight Adventure Park
6716 S Croatan HwyWe took our whole family here when they visited and it was equally challenging and fun for everyone age ranging from 8-75!! It was a great family time and so much fun. Don’t go on a windy day!! And go early or late before or after the heat and sun get brutal.
Smaller aquarium which is nice for little kids as it’s not too overwhelming. Turtle rescue on sight. We really enjoy taking our son here on rainy days.
291 locals recommend
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
374 Airport RdSmaller aquarium which is nice for little kids as it’s not too overwhelming. Turtle rescue on sight. We really enjoy taking our son here on rainy days.
Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School
302 Carolista DrThis is our favorite mini golf (there are quite a few to choose from). If you have little kids, they will love the small train ride that leads to your first hole.
55 locals recommend
Lost Treasure Golf
1600 N Croatan HwyThis is our favorite mini golf (there are quite a few to choose from). If you have little kids, they will love the small train ride that leads to your first hole.
I recommend this place as a bit of history mixed with some nature hikes. It’s small but a very nice stroll if you go early in the season before crowds come in. If you’re lucky enough to be here before the season starts, it’s a perfect quiet stroll through the park with some historic landmarks and informational posts scattered throughout.
We have not personally been to the lost colony play, but have heard it’s fun for kids and families.
193 locals recommend
The Lost Colony
1409 National Park DrI recommend this place as a bit of history mixed with some nature hikes. It’s small but a very nice stroll if you go early in the season before crowds come in. If you’re lucky enough to be here before the season starts, it’s a perfect quiet stroll through the park with some historic landmarks and informational posts scattered throughout.
We have not personally been to the lost colony play, but have heard it’s fun for kids and families.
Rodanthe Rides LLC
Rent an electric scooter or bike! It's the best way to get around the tri-village
Parks & Nature
Peace and Quiet. Beaches are peaceful and empty. Great spot to fish and hang out, sightsee some birds and wildlife and even turtle nests.
94 locals recommend
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
14500 NC-12Peace and Quiet. Beaches are peaceful and empty. Great spot to fish and hang out, sightsee some birds and wildlife and even turtle nests.
Tallest natural sand dunes in the Eastern United States! You'll feel like you're in the middle of the desert at the beach. Definitely a must see.
395 locals recommend
Jockey's Ridge State Park
300 W Carolista DrTallest natural sand dunes in the Eastern United States! You'll feel like you're in the middle of the desert at the beach. Definitely a must see.
The wild horse beaches are always a fan favorite! I recommend renting a Jeep and exploring on your own vs a tour. Go to the beach, then drive about 2 miles then start exploring the beach and back roads over the dunes and you’ll spots lots of horses! Please stay at least 50ft from the horses as it is dangerous to their health to feed or allow them to get close to humans...they are wild horses with a different diet than domestic horses, feeding them or getting too close will cause park service to have to remove them from the wild! Please please please respect this and these beautiful animals...we are one of the few places left with wild mustangs, we’d like to keep it that way.
48 locals recommend
Carova Beach
The wild horse beaches are always a fan favorite! I recommend renting a Jeep and exploring on your own vs a tour. Go to the beach, then drive about 2 miles then start exploring the beach and back roads over the dunes and you’ll spots lots of horses! Please stay at least 50ft from the horses as it is dangerous to their health to feed or allow them to get close to humans...they are wild horses with a different diet than domestic horses, feeding them or getting too close will cause park service to have to remove them from the wild! Please please please respect this and these beautiful animals...we are one of the few places left with wild mustangs, we’d like to keep it that way.
Their children's water park area is great! My 3 year old has an absolute blast here. If you have smaller children I recommend going from 3-6pm for the discount rate as well as getting out the peak summer sun.
91 locals recommend
H2OBX
8526 Caratoke HwyTheir children's water park area is great! My 3 year old has an absolute blast here. If you have smaller children I recommend going from 3-6pm for the discount rate as well as getting out the peak summer sun.
Fishing passes are included with your stay. If you need a pole, it's only $10 for the day at the pier.
25 locals recommend
Rodanthe Pier Place
24251 Atlantic DrFishing passes are included with your stay. If you need a pole, it's only $10 for the day at the pier.
Sightseeing
Like the book/movie "Nights in Rodanthe"? The famous house is within viewing distance from the rental. Walk over our beach access, stand on top of the dune and to your right will be the famous house.
Serendipity House
Like the book/movie "Nights in Rodanthe"? The famous house is within viewing distance from the rental. Walk over our beach access, stand on top of the dune and to your right will be the famous house.
Lighthouse Road
Lighthouse RoadHatteras Lighthouse!
Bodie Island Lighthouse Road
Bodie Island Lighthouse RoadWright Brothers Memorial
1000 N Croatan HwyFirst in Flight!
Ocracoke Island
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
59200 Museum DrSalvo Day Use Area
Coffee and treats
Best coffee around! New location, new staff and they are very knowledgable and make some great coffee and the owner also makes glassblown beads that are beautiful. Definitely worth a morning stop!
BEADS & BEANS OBX
24202 NC-12New ownership! It's now Waves Coffee and it's amazing ❤️❤️ Becky the owner is there almost every day serving up hot fresh coffee and espresso and a wide array of baked goods.
8 locals recommend
Forbes Candies & Coffee
24502 NC-12New ownership! It's now Waves Coffee and it's amazing ❤️❤️ Becky the owner is there almost every day serving up hot fresh coffee and espresso and a wide array of baked goods.
Village Conery
26204 Monitor LnCups and Cones
40146 NC-12We love their sandwiches, croissants, FRESH squeezed Orange juice and coffee....they have an adorable seating area with couches to lounge in.
8 locals recommend
Muffins And Scones
40126 NC-12We love their sandwiches, croissants, FRESH squeezed Orange juice and coffee....they have an adorable seating area with couches to lounge in.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Transportation
We do not have many ubers or lifts in the area. Our transportation service is call Island Hopper. They are what we use if having a night out and do not want to drive ourselves.