Watching sunset at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, one of the best things to do in the Outer Banks, runs over 70 miles from the Oregon Inlet's margin to the Ocracoke Inlet's edge. The major activity in this protected region is lying on the gentle, golden sands, but there are three ancient lighthouses here, including two that guests can climb.

Lighthouse climbs are a popular (albeit slightly challenging) pastime that rewards with breathtaking views of Bodie Island, the Atlantic Ocean, and Pamlico Sound. Both the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Bodie Island Lighthouse are open annually for lighthouse climbs. Additionally, there are several opportunities for wildlife observation because the region is home to more than 400 different bird species.

Although the Outer Banks offer a variety of lodging options, such as beachfront resorts and vacation rentals, you might want to think about roughing it at one of the four campgrounds along the Cape Hatteras shoreline in order to experience some of the darkest night skies in the nation east of the Mississippi River.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: Nc-12, Nags Head, NC 27959
Phone: +1 (252) 473-2111
Website:www.nps.gov