Vacation-Ready Itinerary

Vacation-Ready Itinerary | Hatteras Island

Take the anxiety out of vacation planning with this ready-to-go guide to spending a week on Hatteras Island. You’ll strike the perfect balance between downtime and “go” time with this stress-free approach to vacationing:

DAY ONE:

3:00pm: Head to your vacation rental home! Download the Hatteras Realty App for useful information on the area and details about your rental home. Unpack the car and head over to the local grocery store to stock up on groceries and household items for the week.

6:00pm: It’s been a long day of traveling, so skip the cooking and hit up Gingerbread House Pizza for hand tossed pizzas. Insider Tip: Get a few gingerbread cookies to go. You won’t regret it!

8:00pm: Finishing unpacking and settling into your beach home and rest up for tomorrows beach day activities.

DAY TWO:

8:00am: Whip up a hardy breakfast of bacon and eggs for the crew! They’ll need their fuel for playing in the waves.

9:30am: Gather the kiddos, beach toys and boogie boards, fill the cooler with drinks and beach snacks, and head off to the beach! Remember to lather up in sun-screen to avoid the first day sun burn. Need chairs, umbrellas or other beach gear? Stop by Ocean Atlantic Rentals to pick up (or have them delivered and picked up right from the rental house) items for the week.

12:00pm: Take a break from the sun and catch some shade and some grub at Bro’s Sandwich Shack. Taste the best burgers and sandwiches on the beach! Insider Tip: Order the BBQ Nachbros. You can thank us later. Wash them down with some cold brews or sweet tea.

1:30pm: After refueling with lunch, head back to the beach for another round of fun in the sun.

4:00pm: Round up the crew and head back to your beach house. Rinse of the sand in the outdoor shower and let the kiddos take a dip in the pool before washing up for dinner.

6:00pm: You cannot come to the beach without eating fresh local seafood! Cruise on over to The Mad Crabber Restaurant for all you can eat crab legs and other local seafood fare.

8:00pm: Back at the beach house, gather around for a family movie night. Pick a DVD from the provided movie library or click on Netflix and relax after a long day of sun.

DAY THREE

8:00am: No visit to Hatteras Island is complete without stopping for breakfast at Orange Blossom Bakery & Café in Buxton. They have the best homemade doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches on the island. Insider Tip: The Apple Ugly is what they are known for. They are huge, gooey goodness and one will last you all day!

9:30am: After a filling breakfast, drive over to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Climb 257 steps to the top and experience the stellar view of the island, ocean and beaches from the top.

12:00pm: Drive a few minutes south to island hot spot, Buxton Munch. This causal eatery features homemade wraps, sandwiches, and a groovy atmosphere with their eclectic vintage décor. Insider Tip: the Fish Tacos are what the “munch” is known for you. Fresh local fish served with rice, black beans, and all your taco fix’ns

1:30pm: Time to digest your lunch, so head back to the beach house for some time buy the pool or even a nap on the couch.

5:00pm: After a restful afternoon, you are feeling refreshed, just in time to clean up for dinner.

6:00pm: Make use of the gourmet kitchen and whip up a meal fit for an army of hungry beach goers. Tonight let it be something easy, yet filling, like steaks on the grill with fresh corn on the cob, salad, and your favorite go to sides.

8:00pm: After dinner take the crew over to Uncle Eddy’s Frozen Custard & 18 Hole Mini Golf for dessert and a round of putt putt.

DAY FOUR

7:30am: Grab breakfast at the house and start getting the crew together for a day trip to Ocracoke Island.

8:30am: You may want to call or visit the local office to secure the property for your vacation next year! Insider Tip: Current guests have first right of refusal on their condo or home for the same week next summer.

9:30am: Head down to the Hatteras Ferry Docks and wait for the next boat to take you over to Ocracoke. Once on the ferry, enjoy the 1hr cruise for walking around the boat, taking photos, and soaking in the Pamlico Sound scenery. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some dolphins!

11:00am: Once your reach the island, it’s time to explore the village. The top stop is the Ocracoke Lighthouse!

12:00pm: Lunch time! For a family friendly meal, hit up Howard’s Pub, featuring a casual atmosphere, guests are able to sit out on the screened porches while you wait and nosh on traditional local fare.

1:30pm: After lunch, rent some bikes or a golf cart and cruise around the village. Stop at local gift shops like Down Creek Gallery for unique jewelry, photography, and paintings. The kids will love exploring the The Pirate’s Chest for fun pirate costumes, eye patches, fake gold, and more!

5:00pm: Return the bikes and golf cart and head over to the Jolly Roger. This waterside restaurant features outdoor seating and views of Silver Lake.

7:30pm: After a day of exploring our sister island, it’s time to head back to Hatteras on the ferry. Luckily for you, you’ve caught the “sunset” ferry. Break out your camera or cell phone to capture the famous Hatteras sunset over the Pamlico Sound.

DAY FIVE

5:00am: Rise & Shine! The guys have booked themselves a full day of fishing on the Hatteras Fever II. The boat leaves the docks at 6am, so grab your gear, cooler with drinks/snacks, and make your way down to Hatteras Harbor Marina. Before heading off on the boat, pick-up breakfast sandwiches from Harbor Deli, located right at the marina. Insider Tip: It’s legend that bananas are bad luck for fishing, so keep those at home!

6:30am: With the guys off on their fishing adventures, it’s time for the ladies to head out to the beach for a sunrise walk by the Avon Fishing Pier. Another great photo op! After your walk, head back to the house for a quick breakfast.

9:00am: Head down to Frisco for horse backing riding on the beach with Equine Adventures. The 2-hours rides are delightful and invigorating and connect riders with the beauty of Hatteras Island.

11:30pm: After your beach ride, grab lunch at the Frisco Sandwich Co. Offering all types of wraps and sandwiches; enjoy your meal outdoors at the picnic tables. Insider Tip: the Fried Pickles are one of the island best kept secrets. They are absolutely divine. Get two or three orders!

1:00pm: Make your way around the shops and galleries around Frisco and Hatteras Village. Stop in Sandy Bay Gallery to parooze their collection of local art, jewelry, and clothing. Looking for souvenirs? Drive down to Kitty Hawk Kites at Hatteras Landing for t-shirts, kid’s toys, largest selection of kites, apparel, and more! You’re sure to find the perfect souvenir there.

4:00pm: After a full day of shopping and horseback riding, you need coffee…or a smoothie. Stop into the Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop for delicious coffee drinks that are sure to perk you up. And it happens to be right across the street from the marina.

5:00pm: Walk over to marina to watch the fellas come in with their catch. The docks will be buzzing with local fisherman and tourists who will be displaying their fresh catch. You’ll want to bring your camera for this! Insider Tip: Pay to have your fresh catch cut up into filets so they will be ready for dinner.

7:00pm: Just your luck, the guys caught some Dolphin for dinner! Fire up the BBQ and have yourself a fresh fish dinner out on the deck with your favorite sides and cocktails. Insider Tip: Marinade your dolphin in Italian Dressing before tossing it on the grill for a light and delicious taste.

9:00pm: Take a soak in the bubbly hot tub with a glass of wine or your favorite beverage and take time to relax after a day full of fun activities.

DAY SIX

8:30am: It’s your last full day at the beach. Enjoy breakfast together with the crew and make plans for another exciting day at the beach.

9:45am: Slather on the sun-screen and toss on a bathing suit for another morning spent on the beach.

12:30pm: Pack sandwiches and snacks and have a picnic on the beach. Insider Tip: Pack baby powder or an extra bottle of water to wash sandy hands before eating.

2:00pm: Stroll along the shore line picking up seashells and other beach treasures to take home. Insider Tip: Once your home, create a Shadow Box feature shells, sand and other trinkets to remember your vacation on Hatteras Island.

4:30pm: Head back to the beach house and rinse off in the outdoor shower. Everyone gather around the pool area and spend time unwinding from the beach before getting ready for your last night dinner.

6:30pm: With everyone dressed and sun kissed, make your way to Hatteras Sol Waterfront Grill. Ask for a table right on the water. Order cocktails to take out on the back sunset deck while you wait for your table.

9:00pm: After dinner, walk along the docks checking out the boat fleet before heading back to the beach house.

DAY SEVEN

7:30am: Sadly, the day has come to leave Hatteras Island. Eat the last of the cereal, bagels, and other breakfast food before you start packing.

8:45am: Once breakfast is over, it’s time to gather your belongings and pack up the cars. Don’t forget to check under the beds, in dress drawers, and closets for items.

10:00am: It’s time to clean up, pack up and head out of your rental. Hatteras Realty’s Glad to Have You app lets you simply get in the car and hit “check-out” when you’re ready.

11:15am: Before heading out of town, hit Club Hatteras Pool for a quick dip. With restrooms, showers, and cabanas, it’ll be a great spot to let the kids go for a last swim before riding in the car.

Master lists of what to see and do for customizing your itinerary even further:

PLACES TO STOCK UP:

Food Lion (Avon)

www.foodlion.com

(252) 995-4488

Conner’s Supermarket (Buxton)

www.connerssupermarket.com

(252) 995-5711

PLACES TO EAT:

Hatteras Sol Waterfront Grill (Hatteras)

www.hatterassol.com

(252) 986-1414