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 tall lighthouses, wide sandy beaches, wild dunes, and great fishing and water activities.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Location Map,Nags Head, North Carolina
North Carolina Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Iconic striped lighthouse, tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S., offering panoramic views from the top.
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge – Scenic refuge ideal for birdwatching, hiking, and observing coastal wildlife.
- Ocracoke Island – Historic village with charming streets, beaches, and the Ocracoke Lighthouse.
- Coquina Beach – Popular beach with soft sand, swimming, and picnic areas.
- Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo Beaches – Outer Banks beaches known for surfing, fishing, and relaxing coastal scenery.
- Frisco and Hatteras Village Beaches – Family-friendly beaches with calm waters, dunes, and recreational activities.
- Visitor Centers – Provide maps, educational exhibits, and information on the seashore’s natural and cultural history.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Facts
| Official Name | Cape Hatteras National Seashore |
| Location | Nags Head, Dare County, Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | ≈ 35.9471° N, 75.6236° 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, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA |
| Zip Code | 27959 |
| 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 | Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Pea Island, Cape Point |
| Famous Attractions | Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Point beaches, watersports, birdwatching |
| 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
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Buxton, NC – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore Visitor Center – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Frisco, NC – 8 km (5 mi)
- Hatteras Inlet – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Hatteras Village, NC – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Cape Hatteras Ferry Terminal – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge – 40 km (25 mi)
- Pea Island Visitor Center – 45 km (28 mi)
- Manteo, NC – 75 km (46.6 mi)
- Roanoke Sound – 70 km (43 mi)
- Nags Head, NC – 70 km (43 mi)
- Kitty Hawk, NC – 90 km (56 mi)
- Wright Brothers National Memorial – 95 km (59 mi)
- Rodanthe, NC – 35 km (21.7 mi)
- Outer Banks Scenic Byway – 0 km (0 mi)
- North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island – 80 km (50 mi)
- Currituck Beach Lighthouse – 100 km (62 mi)
- Corolla, NC – 110 km (68 mi)
- Ocracoke, NC – 50 km (31 mi)
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