If you're only going for the drive you won't be able to see that much because of the dunes. However, if you're planning on parking and walking the beach line you won't be disappointed. We went on a Wednesday morning and didn't encounter too many people. It was amazingly quiet and very enjoyable.
Open beach with sand dunes and sea oats, miles of it. Great experience of untouched shoreline, if you love the ocean and beach it is a much needed experience.
Some places becoming too developed but at least there are still some lovely refuges to go to without any houses. But they do let people drive on the beach. Which takes away from a nice stroll with mother nature. I was there in the winter and it was very quiet. Not many people at all but it was also very cold during my time. Lighthouse is closed during the winter but area around it is open.
Every time we visit the Outer Banks we always walk the National Seashore and bring home a bag of shells. If you can't find any on the other beaches.... it's worth the travel and effort. We always come home with a variety of shells. Never empty handed.
We travelled through the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on this narrow road for miles. The unspoiled natural surroundings were a very pleasant trip. Got to see many migratory birds, in places they covered the waterways.
Friends and I traveled to Hatteras National Seashore in July and we were enthralled. Life guards, beautiful water, sea shells galore. Much of the beach is untouched except by nature.
We are in the midst of a relaxing fun trip to the outer banks much of which is protected and preserved as a national seashore. The beaches are wide at low tide and beautiful on the Atlantic side. On the end toward Hatteras this time of year you can have a large section of beach to yourself. And there are sand dunes all along the beaches which is integral to the geology of this moving sandbar. So don't expect uninterrupted ocean views while driving. We visited the Hatteras lighthouse and had an informative ranger talk about storms and the outer banks. There is a full schedule of ranger led events including how to fish or crab. Expect wind here along the beaches and the bay..The bay is calmer for fishing or crabbing or children swimming. Wind surfing and sailing seem popular. There are restuarants and limited shops. There is a big Food Lion south of Avon. There are plenty of chances to park your car and walk the beach or visit the bay. When the sun is out this is heaven for people who love walking beaches. We have our dog and the national seashore permits dogs outside on 6 foot leash. Lots of dog visitors here. Lots of watersport and fishing opportunities as well as bike riding. There is a string of historic lighthouses to visit. The history ranges from Blackbeard the pirate to the Wright Brothers to U2 boats in World War. The season winds down mid October so some commercial places close down. The seafood place where we bought fresh locally caught tuna to cook for our dinner will close for the season soon. Prices for rentals plunge in September so a late outer banks vacation can save money too. We look forward to taking the free ferry and exploring more. There are restrooms and showers at designated areas along the route.
Miles of undeveloped shoreline is a site everyone should behold. Precious resource for the nation. Spectacular shelling. Choose one of the drive over spots, park your car and take a long walk or have a picnice. Unforgettable experience.
It is my second visit to Cape Hatteras and I find it unique.You travel for miles in sand dunes between the sea and the sound.My only regret is the number of new constructions sine last time but the detour still worth it.
For those who want sun,sand, the best of a natural experience, this is the place! It has all the best of the Caroline beach experience for those who don't need the boardwalk and shopping. Not to worry though, there are plenty of local shops providing everything from fabulous fresh caught seafood to all the toys and accessories needed for the complete seaside vacation.There is no shortage of rentals of all sizes and types. Day trips abound along the Outer Banks as well.We had a 3 story beach house with a gourmet kitchen, game room with wet bar, and pool table.It had 8 bedrooms with 8 bathrooms and an elevator for hauling the luggage. There was also a swimming pool with out door shower. There are so many facilities like this, all one has to do is Google and no problem finding one. Off the main suite, on the third floor, was a super large living room adjacent to the gourmet kitchen.As for the beach experience I am attaching pictures to tell that story. This is a highly recommended destination on our list and we will be going back!