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Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Things To Do
 

There are a variety of things to do on the seashore. Please read the following or click on the links above.

  • SHELLING:  Cape Hatteras is an excellent place to explore for shells. A handbook, available from one of our bookstores, can be very helpful when less common shells are found. Please do not take shells with the animals in them. Take only empty shells.

  • BIRDING: Birding is a year-round activity at the seashore. Terns and herons are best seen in the summer. The spring and fall seasons are excellent times to view shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds. Ducks and geese are common during the winter months.
  • KAYAKING/CANOEING: Commercial kayaks and canoe rentals are available locally. Be sure to check the weather before your trip and remember to be careful of ocean currents, especially in the inlets. Don't get caught unaware!
  • WINDSURFING: Many windsurfers use the areas known as Salvo Day Use Area and Haulover Day Use Area on Hatteras Island. These areas are best used when the winds are out of the northeast and are blowing at least 10 mph. Booties should be worn to protect your feet from the broken shells which litter the bottom. Windsurfing equipment is available for rent locally.
Summer 2008 ITP coverpage.
Learn more about what to do when you visit,
check out our "In the Park" newspaper.
more...
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Visit Fort Raleigh National Historic Site,
also located on North Carolina's Outer Banks
more...
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Visit Wright Brothers National Memorial,
also located on North Carolina's Outer Banks
more...
American Oystercatcher
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Coming to the Seashore? You should also check out Pea Island NWR!
more...
Seasparkle, a tiny dinoflagellate that can be seen glowing in the surfline at night.  

Did You Know?
The beaches along Cape Hatteras National Seashore sparkle at night. When you kick the sand, you disturb tiny dinoflagellates like seasparkle, magnified in the picture to the left. A chemical reaction causes them to glow with a blue-green light.

Last Updated: June 04, 2009 at 16:02 EST