Cape Hatteras National Seashore Winter Tips
Spending any time in North Carolina’s Outer Banks this winter season? Cape Hatteras National Seashore in winter is a true gem, even in the cooler months. These tips will prepare you for the wonderful adventure awaiting you in one of my favorite places on earth.
** Sections of the coastline are closed near the towns of Rodanthe and Buxton due to coastal storm damage this year (2025). Undeveloped sections of the National Seashore are open as usual, but it’s always a good idea to check closure alerts and conditions in this area.**
After numerous winter trips to the OBX, I can safely say that it’s one of my very favorite places to spend a holiday, or any kind of random winter weekend. Top among the list of reasons why is the sheer fact that you can find places to truly rest with your people. Of course, you’re not completely isolated on this little stretch of sand out in the ocean, but there is a real lack of crowds. A true lack of rushing around, which is honestly the perfect feeling before, during or after the busy holiday season.
If you’re cool with exploring the beach in jackets one day and a swimsuit the next, then Cape Hatteras may truly be the perfect fit for your winter. Let’s go.
Location
You’ll find Cape Hatteras National Seashore covering a large expanse of the Outer Banks once you reach the Rodanthe/Waves area. Prior to this mark, the natural areas fall into Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Cape Hatteras extends all the way down to the end of Hatteras Island and across the water to Ocracoke Island. There are numerous access points to the National Seashore. All are free of charge and marked by large brown signs denoting an access point number and their inclusion in the park.
You really can’t go wrong in choosing where to access these incredible beaches, but we think it’s always worth it to get a bit out of the villages and really feel like you’re in the open expanse of the OBX environment.
Hatteras Island
Two of our favorite access points are ORV Ramp 34, north of Avon, and ORV Ramp 38, just south of Avon. Perhaps the place to make sure you stop by is ORV Ramp 43, which delivers you onto the point of Hatteras Island, where the land makes a sharp turn westward. The dunes here offer stunning views of the ocean, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the undeveloped Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve.
Accessing the sound side of the island is of course possible, too. Try Ramps 58 & 59 between Avon and Buxton. You’ll find many windsport opportunities here. A bit further north, we love the Salvo Day Area access and visit at least once every trip. A great place for a picnic if the weather is right, our kids love to play amongst the numerous live oaks and quiet sound side beaches.
Ocracoke Island
On Ocracoke Island you have your pick. The island is mainly preserved parkland. Besides Ocracoke village and its immediate vicinity, you’ll find nothing but wide open beaches. Read on for information regarding the ferry that connects Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands.
Weather
As mentioned previously, winter weather in Cape Hatteras can vary drastically. You may find yourself in swimsuits with mild 75 degree days. If so, grab kayaks or paddle boards and head out on the sound or splash oceanside. We’ve been known swim on New Year’s Eve, so anything is possible.
On the flip side, you may experience highs in the 40s with dramatic wind. You might even find you experience both within the same week. That has certainly happened to us before and, it’s honestly just the way North Carolina winters go. The real killer is the wind. Be prepared with hats and hoods to be able to make the most of your time outside.
As always, take notice of dangerous currents on the ocean side of the islands. You may not be likely to be full on swimming, but we always like to encourage ocean safety. Sound side swimming is shallow and calm, so is a great option for kids.
Driving on the beach
Driving on the beach is permitted within the National Seashore. Permits are required, but are easily obtained online.
Decreasing the air pressure in your tires is a necessity to avoid getting stuck on the beach. I have lived this panic moment. Our truck became stuck in some high sand and we had to be dug out by the better prepared, older, wiser fishermen of the beach that day. It’s also smart to carry a shovel and a support board along for the just-in-case-moment. Go prepared!
Lighthouse Closures
Cape Hatteras Light Station sits in the largest expanse of the National Seashore, south of the village of Buxton. While the lighthouse is always open to view from the outside, climbing is closed during the off-season. Also, any form of restoration work on the lighthouse will close climbing options. As this article is written, the lighthouse is under work until at least the summer of 2026.
Even without being able to climb, the lighthouse is worth a visit. It won’t take more than a few minutes to take it in up close, and then head to the beach to let it serve as your background view. It’s hard to beat.
Other lighthouses operated by the National Park Service in the area are Bodie Island & Ocracoke Light Stations. Currituck, located in the northern OBX town of Corolla, is privately owned and operated. Bodie Island is located marsh-side and is a beautiful place to duck into. Ocracoke Lighthouse is situated in a residential area with many Dawson’s Creek-vibes going on. On a winter trip, they both make for quality excursions, even without being able to climb to the top.
Walking Trails
While the real star of the show is the oceanfront, be sure to check out some of the walking trails within the National Seashore. This is an especially great option on a blustery day, as you’ll get a lot of protection from the wind. There are no difficult hikes on this incredibly flat terrain, so feel comfortable taking along the whole family on any of these treks.
The Buxton Woods Trail takes under an hour to complete and offers a great look at the interior environment of barrier islands.
The Lighthouse Pathway begins in Buxton, ending at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It’s paved, so consider riding bikes if accessible to you.
The Hammock Hills Trail on Ocracoke Island is a favorite of my crew. It’s also under an hour, so good to mix in on a day trip over to Ocracoke.
Walking sound side, just along the shoreline, is also a great option for an alternative beach walk if the wind is coming off of the ocean. Our kids love exploring here. Highly recommend a walk on the sound side come sunset time!
Ocracoke-Hatteras Ferry Service
Whether you’re beginning your journey in Cape Hatteras National Seashore from Ocracoke or Hatteras Island, it’s easy to move between the two. The NC Department of Transportation operates a free ferry from Hatteras village to the tip of Ocracoke Island. The crossing takes about an hour and is a lovely way to get a taste of life out on the water in the Graveyard of the Atlantic.
Ocracoke village is out of a storybook, with an isolated coastal feel that will have you wanting to stay for a month. You’ll have a 20 minute drive through the undeveloped seashore to reach the village. Make sure to stop in for lunch at Howard’s Pub (the best barrier island vibes) or a treat at Ocracoke Ice Cream Co.
Other Things to do in Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Building a fire on the beach is a really wonderful experience during the winter months. Make sure you have a printed and signed permit before you head out, paying special attention to the rules and regulations regarding the placement of the fire.
Kayking and paddle boarding are fun on the sound side on the right weather day. Many rental houses in the OBX will share kayaks with renters. You can also rent kayaks (even in the winter) through Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School.
Fishing is a big draw for visitors to Cape Hatteras. The beach crowds are thinned out in winter months. You’ll find the majority of the people on the beach wielding fishing poles. Join in, as long as you have a paid permit. Anyone under 16 fishes for free!
If you’re into wind sports, or just an adventure seeker, Cape Hatteras is an ideal location. You’ll see so many partaking in the excellent windy conditions, just make sure you have proper cold water gear. You can check out wind sport equipment rental at OceanAir Sports.
Catching as many sunrises and sunsets as possible is most likely our favorite Cape Hatteras tradition. It’s hard to beat them when you’re on a strip of land out in the ocean, with nothing to block your view. We recommend setting up sound side for the best sunset views!
We hope that your winter trip to Cape Hatteras National Seashore will be one you remember. It’s a place that sets up deep in your heart!
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