• Brown Pelican taking off.

    Cape Hatteras

    National Seashore North Carolina

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • New Off Road Vehicle Regulations

    New off road vehicle (ORV) regulations are now in effect. Please check here for information on how to get your ORV permit More »

  • Beach Fire Permits are required

    Beach Fire Permits are now required. These permits are free. Please check here for information on how to get your Beach Fire Permit More »

Lifeguarded Beaches

The National Park Service generally operates lifeguarded beaches during the summer at Coquina Beach on Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras Beach near the old lighthouse site, and Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach.

Guarded beaches are staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Red warning flags are posted at lifeguarded beaches when swimming conditions are hazardous.

Before heading to the beach, check the daily NOAA Rip Current Hazard Forecast.

See our Ocean Swimming Safety page for more swimming safety information.

Did You Know?

The Principal Lightkeeper's Quarters and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move toward their new homes, a safer distance from the ocean.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick structure ever moved.  When it was built in 1870, it stood 1,500 feet from the shore.  By 1999, the lighthouse was within 100 feet of the ocean.  To protect it from the encroaching sea, it was moved inland a total of 2,900 feet over a 23-day period.