Cape Hatteras National Seashore is located in North Carolina, USA. It lies between Nags Head and Ocracoke Island and is situated along the Outer Banks on the Atlantic coast. The seashore is famous for its lighthouses, sandy beaches, wild dunes, and excellent fishing and water sports.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Location Map,Buxton, North Carolina
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Cape Hatteras National Seashore,Buxton, North Carolina
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is world-famous for its peaceful green spaces, lakes, walking paths, and iconic attractions including Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, The Great Lawn, and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Zoo
Top Attractions Inside Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Iconic striped lighthouse and tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S., open for climbing.
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge – Protected area for birdwatching, hiking, and spotting waterfowl and shorebirds.
- Coquina Beach – Popular beach with soft sand, swimming, and picnic areas.
- Ocracoke Island – Accessible by ferry, featuring historic village, lighthouse, and scenic beaches.
- Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo Beaches – Excellent spots for fishing, surfing, and relaxing on the Outer Banks coastline.
- Frisco and Hatteras Village Beaches – Family-friendly beaches with calm waters, sand dunes, and recreational opportunities.
- Visitor Centers – Educational exhibits, maps, and information on the seashore’s history, wildlife, and activities.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Facts
| Official Name | Cape Hatteras National Seashore |
| Location | Buxton, Dare County, Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | ≈ 35.2500° N, 75.5281° W |
| Total Area | ≈ 30,000 acres (≈121 km²) |
| Established / Opened | January 12, 1937 |
| Managed By | National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region | Outer Banks, North Carolina |
| Address | 46370 NC-12, Buxton, NC 27920, USA |
| Zip Code | 27920 |
| Area Code | 252 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Barrier island ecosystem, beaches, dunes, maritime forests, historic lighthouses, wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation |
| Main Sections / Areas | Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras, Rodanthe, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Pea Island, Bodie Island |
| Famous Attractions | Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Point, Cape Hatteras beaches, watersports |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 2–3 million visitors |
| Entry Fee Type | Free admission (parking fees at select locations) |
| Ticket Price Range | Parking fees $5–$15 per day at major sites |
| Ticket Options | Day parking passes, seasonal or annual passes, guided tours (fees may apply) |
| Best Time to Visit | May–October for beach activities; spring and fall for milder weather and birdwatching |
| Nearby Airport | Norfolk International Airport (ORF) – 115 miles (185 km) |
| Transportation | Car / Parking, Biking trails, Hiking trails, Shuttle services (seasonal), Visitor centers |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/caha/index.htm |
Distances from Cape Hatteras National Seashore to Nearby Landmarks
- Buxton, NC – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Frisco, NC – 8 km (5 mi)
- Rodanthe, NC – 35 km (21.7 mi)
- Hatteras Village, NC – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Ocracoke, NC – 50 km (31 mi)
- Nags Head, NC – 70 km (43 mi)
- Kitty Hawk, NC – 90 km (56 mi)
- Wright Brothers National Memorial – 95 km (59 mi)
- Manteo, NC – 75 km (46.6 mi)
- Outer Banks Scenic Byway – 0 km (0 mi)
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge – 40 km (25 mi)
- North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island – 80 km (50 mi)
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore Visitor Center – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Hatteras Inlet – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse – 100 km (62 mi)
- Corolla, NC – 110 km (68 mi)
- Roanoke Sound – 70 km (43 mi)
- Pea Island Visitor Center – 45 km (28 mi)
- Cape Hatteras Ferry Terminal – 15 km (9.3 mi)
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