News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore sees 8 percent increase in July visitation

Visitors enjoying the beach near Cape Point in Buxton, NC.

News Release Date: August 15, 2019

Contact: Mike Barber, 252-475-9032

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) continues to experience high levels of recreational visitation this year. July 2019 visitation was up by over eight percent compared to visitation in July 2018.

So far in 2019, the Seashore has hosted 1,573,212 recreational visits, up almost 2.5% versus the same period last year.

Year-to-Date Recreational Visits (through July)
2019: 1,573,212
2018: 1,535,511
2017: 1,402,188
2016: 1,398,899
2015: 1,286,782
2014: 1,217,089
2013: 1,317,174
2012: 1,383,585

Visitation estimates are collected by counting southbound vehicles just north of the Marc Basnight Bridge and using a multiplier to estimate the total number of passengers heading south. Those estimates are added to the number of passengers going to Ocracoke Island from Cedar Island and Swan Quarter.

“It is amazing to see that, year-to-date, the Seashore has received almost 300,000 additional visits compared to just five years ago,” said Superintendent David Hallac.

The Seashore offers a variety of recreational activities, including beach recreation (swimming, sunbathing, shell collecting, etc.); off-road vehicle use; fishing from the surf, boats, and piers; waterfowl hunting; lighthouse climbing; interpretive programs with a park ranger; camping; hiking; kayaking; watersports (surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, etc.); and wildlife viewing.
 

Year-to-date recreational visits to Cape Hatteras National Seashore (2012-2019).