By: Jennifer Jeffcoat
Jennifer writes for Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time in the Outer Banks and Hatteras Island, NC.
Fall on Hatteras Island is one of the best times of the year. With sunny skies and average temperatures in the 60s and 70s, the weather is still nice enough to enjoy many of the outdoor activities that make this area special. Plus, as the summer rush subsides, there are fewer crowds to contend with and often lower rates on things like vacation rental homes and local activities.
Fall is also prime season for some of Hatteras Island’s biggest draws, from fishing and surfing to museums, seafood feasts, and more! If you're planning a visit, we've got you covered with all the exciting things there are to do. Check them out below and get ready for an unforgettable getaway to the OBX.
In This Article:
- Go Fishing During the Fall Red Drum Run
- Surf the Fall Swell
- Horseback Riding Adventures
- Fall Kayaking Trips on the Outer Banks
- Hike Through Buxton Woods
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Exploration
- Visit Hatteras Island's Maritime Museums
- Take the Ferry to Ocracoke
- Enjoy Fall Seafood on Hatteras Island
- OBX Fall Festivals and Events
- Book Your Fall Vacation to Hatteras Island Today
Go Fishing During the Fall Red Drum Run
For many anglers, Hatteras Island offers the best fall fishing on the NC coast. The season brings migrating fish close to shore, including the large red drum that have made Cape Hatteras famous among surf fishing enthusiasts. Cape Point in Buxton is one of the best-known surf-fishing locations on the East Coast, and the fall drum run generally builds from September into November, meaning you've got months of great opportunities to hook some prize fish.
Not up for getting in the surf? Avon Fishing Pier and Rodanthe Pier are great options that give guests an easy place to fish without booking a charter or carrying equipment onto the beach. Both piers offer access to deeper water and have tackle houses where you can purchase bait and other supplies.
For a true fishing adventure, a charter is the way to go. Enjoy the convenience of a local captain and crew who know the waters and where the fish are biting. Many will tailor the trip to the type of fish you're chasing and will make sure your rig is outfitted with the proper bait to give you the best chance to reel in the big one.
Surf the Fall Swell
Thanks to consistent swells and fewer crowds, fall is considered the absolute best time of year to surf on Hatteras Island. In September and October, water temps are still in the 70s and 60s—warm enough to be enjoyable. Plus, the Bermuda High has moved on, taking the small, flat waves with it. Hatteras Island’s curved coastline also gives experienced surfers several areas to check as wind and wave direction change.
If you're visiting and have never surfed before, it's best to start with a lesson. While fall will certainly be more challenging than summer, visits early in the season often have calmer days that will make learning easier.
Horseback Riding Adventures
An excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the Outer Banks is on horseback. Picture yourself riding across the Cape Hatteras National Seashore as the surf rolls in. At Equine Adventures, your two-hour beach ride leads you through the maritime forests of Frisco and along the beach until you can see the Hatteras Lighthouse in the distance. Experienced riders can even kick things up with a canter down the beach. If you’re visiting in the fall, you’ll also get their seasonal discounted rate!
Looking for more options on guided tours? Hatteras Island Horseback Riding offers family and group packages as well as fully customizable rides. They can even accommodate special needs riders. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to check this unique activity off your bucket list, these Hatteras Island companies can help you fulfill your Outer Banks horseback riding dreams.
Fall Kayaking Trips on the Outer Banks
Water sports and activities are some of the best things to do on Hatteras in the fall. For paddling expeditions, you'll love renting a kayak and heading out on the Pamlico Sound for a day of fun as you explore the saltwater marshes and local marine life.
Look for dolphins jumping in the distance as you glide across the gentle water and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge in Rodanthe is another popular spot for kayaking. Even though temperatures may be cooler, the warm water from the Gulf Stream doesn’t cool as quickly, so you can still comfortably take a ride even if you get splashed a little.
Hike Through Buxton Woods
When you want a break from the sand, Hatteras has you covered. The Buxton Woods Nature Trail leads through one of the island’s largest maritime forests, where live oaks, red cedars, shrubs, and freshwater wetlands provide habitat for birds and other wildlife.
The three-quarter-mile loop trail is easy and perfect for a slow morning or afternoon outing. Cooler temperatures and fewer mosquitoes make fall treks especially popular. Keep in mind, if it's rained recently, the trail will likely be muddy, so wear shoes with good tread.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Exploration
No trip to Hatteras Island is complete without a visit to the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This fall is the perfect time to explore this historic landmark and learn all about its rich maritime history. While you can't currently climb to the top, the visitor’s center is still open and features engaging exhibits that teach about the lighthouse's history and fascinating tales of shipwrecks and rescues that have occurred off the coast.
Visit Hatteras Island’s Maritime Museums
Did rainy weather roll in? Don't let that get in your way. Stormy days are a great time to explore the history behind Hatteras Island’s lighthouses, shipwrecks, and lifesaving crews. With lighter shoulder-season traffic, you can take your time as you look through the exhibits without the summer crowds.
In Rodanthe, the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site showcases the buildings and equipment used by the United States Life-Saving Service, an early predecessor of the Coast Guard. The station’s crews responded to ships in distress along a particularly dangerous section of the North Carolina coast.
Farther south in Hatteras Village, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum covers shipwrecks, maritime navigation, wartime history, lifesaving operations, and the communities shaped by the surrounding waters. Admission is free, but hours are limited, so check ahead before you visit.
Take the Ferry to Ocracoke
Set aside one day of your fall vacation to ride the Hatteras–Ocracoke vehicle ferry and explore another side of the Outer Banks. The vehicle ferry is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you arrive, spend the day walking around the village, seeing the Ocracoke Lighthouse, visiting local shops, or stopping for lunch near Silver Lake Harbor.
Enjoy Fall Seafood on Hatteras Island
Speaking of lunch, fall is an excellent time to explore Hatteras Island’s seafood markets and restaurants. Oyster season begins as temperatures cool, while local fishermen continue bringing seasonal fish and shellfish to the docks.
Stop by a local seafood market to see what’s fresh and grab something to prepare back at your Brindley Beach vacation rental, or let a local restaurant handle everything. Buxton Seafood carries local fish, shrimp, clams, scallops, oysters, and other items based on availability. Restaurants around Avon, Buxton, and Hatteras Village also serve everything from raw and steamed oysters to grilled local catches.
OBX Fall Festivals and Events
Fall events on Hatteras Island center around a lot of the most popular seasonal activities we've covered in this blog. Attending one is a great way to mingle with the locals and see a unique side of Hatteras. If you're visiting in early October, check out the Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival—a week-long event that features 60+ programs from birding and kayaking to nature photography classes and natural history lectures.
If you're in town for Halloween, Trunk or Treat events at the Beach Klub at Koru Village and Hatteras Village invite you to dress up and visit local stores for tasty treats. Other popular fall festivals include the Day at the Docks, the Hatteras Island Surf Fishing Challenge, the Turkey Trot 5K, and the NCBBA Red Drum Tournament.
Book Your Fall Vacation to Hatteras Island Today
Featured Property: HiS360, Bangarang Beach House
Whether you want to fill your days with entertainment or relish the peace and relaxation that comes with easy beach living, you can do it all when you book your fall getaway directly with Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales.
With these top things to do in Hatteras Island this fall, no matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it. After a full day of exploration, come home to your Brindley Beach vacation rental and unwind in a stunning beach home as you listen to the waves crash in the distance. From beachfront homes to pet-friendly spots for the whole family, we’ve got you covered. Browse our available Hatteras Island rentals and book directly with Brindley Beach today!