Cape Hatteras National Seashore

About

Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches across 70 miles of pristine barrier islands along North Carolina's Outer Banks. It was the nation's first national seashore, established in 1953, and remains one of the most beautiful and unspoiled coastal areas on the East Coast. From wide sandy beaches to maritime forests and salt marshes, this is a place where nature still runs the show.

The seashore is home to three iconic lighthouses, including the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America. Visitors can explore the grounds, visit museums, and learn about the rich maritime history of these barrier islands. The Bodie Island and Ocracoke lighthouses each offer their own charm and stories worth discovering.

Birdwatching is exceptional here, with over 400 species recorded across the seashore's diverse habitats. Fishing is another major draw, whether you're casting from the beach or heading offshore. The waters around Cape Hatteras are known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" for the hundreds of shipwrecks beneath the surface, making it a fascinating spot for history buffs and divers alike.

Swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing are popular warm-weather activities. Coquina Beach and the beaches near the lighthouse stations are great starting points for a day in the sun. The seashore also offers campgrounds for those who want to fall asleep to the sound of waves.

Visitor centers are located at several points along the seashore and provide maps, ranger programs, and helpful guidance for planning your trip. Whether you're here for a quiet afternoon on the beach or a week-long exploration of the islands, Cape Hatteras delivers an unforgettable coastal experience.

Accessibility

Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers several accessibility features to help visitors enjoy its beaches and facilities. Free beach wheelchairs are available for loan at the Cape Hatteras Light Station visitor center. You'll need to provide a phone number and address to borrow one, and chairs must be returned by 4 PM each day, even if used on consecutive days. A beach wheelchair is also available at Coquina Beach by calling (252) 473-2111.

The seashore features a wheelchair-accessible duck blind near Bodie Island along Highway 12, one of the few accessible hunting blinds found anywhere. This structure allows visitors with mobility challenges to experience wildlife observation in the marshland habitats.

Visitor centers along the seashore provide accessible entry points for information, exhibits, and ranger assistance. Paved walkways and boardwalks are available at several developed areas, including the lighthouse grounds and visitor center complexes.

Beach access can be challenging due to the natural sand terrain, which is why the free beach wheelchair program is especially valuable. Accessible parking is available at developed beach access points and visitor centers throughout the seashore.

For the most current information on accessibility features, seasonal availability of beach wheelchairs, and specific accommodations, contact Cape Hatteras National Seashore at (252) 473-2111 or stop by any visitor center. Staff can help you plan a visit that works for your specific needs.

More accessible places in North Carolina

• Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (Flat Rock)
• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (Manteo)
• Guilford Courthouse National Military Park (Greensboro)
• Moores Creek National Battlefield (Currie)
• Wright Brothers National Memorial (Kitty Hawk)
• Great Wolf Lodge Concord (Concord)

Photo credits

• The black and white spiral striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse rises against a cloudy blue sky.: Jschildk, CC BY-SA 4.0 (source)
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore - main view of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore - view 2 of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore - view 3 of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Bodie Island Lighthouse in black and white stripes reached by a level brick path within a white fence.: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 (source)
• Wooden welcome sign for Cape Hatteras National Seashore with a lighthouse graphic beside a grassy field.: Vbofficial, Public domain (source)