Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

Sunset at Pea Island

Quick Facts

Location:

Hatteras Island, NC

Significance:

visitor center

Designation:

National Wildlife Refuge

MANAGED BY:

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Amenities

11 listed

Beach/Water Access, Cellular Signal, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible

Since 1938, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge has provided an area for migratory birds to rest, nest, and winter. This is a birder hotspot! The list of migratory birds that use the refuge at any point in the year is very lengthly, but includes: waterfowl like snow geese and various duck species, shorebirds like sanderlings and terns, wading birds like egrets and herons, raptors like osprey and peregrine falcons, as well as, neotropical migrants. They also protect endangered and threaten species, which include American oystercatchers and loggerhead sea turtles.

Pea Island National Wildlife refuge is 13 miles in length, and encompasses 5,834 land acres plus 25,700 acres of "Proclamation Boundary waters." The visitor center has wildlife exhibits and information, knowledgeable staff and volunteers, items for sale, restroom facilities, an observation deck, and several trailheads.

A pedestrian crosswalk leads across NC-12 to the beach, where there is a view of the shipwreck The Oriental .