Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Lots of recreation opportunities await visits on the sound side of the barrier islands.
The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marshes, you can experience it all. Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms these islands are ever changing. The plants, wildlife, and people who live here adapt continually. Whether you are enjoying the beach, kayaking the sound, or climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse there is something for everyone to explore!
Map showing location of park.
Aerial view of the Billy Mitchell Airport and surrounding forest areas and nearby ocean.
Billy Mitchell Airport to Close on Aug. 17 to Rehabilitate Runway
Beginning Aug. 17, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will close the Billy Mitchell Airport (HSE) to accommodate a runway pavement rehabilitation project. The closure will occur earlier than the previously announced Sept. 8 date, due to an accelerated construction schedule. The runway closure is expected to last until mid-November.
Image of a broken groin (or jetty) near the water.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Announces Temporary Beach and Swimming Closure for Dare County Groin Repair Project
Beginning Aug. 3, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will temporarily close a small section of beach and swimming area in Buxton. This closure will ensure public safety during a Dare County project to repair the southernmost groin near the former Cape Hatteras Lighthouse site. The Seashore expects to maintain the closure for the duration of the repair work.
Photo showing scaffolded Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Shares Progress on Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Restoration Project
Cape Hatteras National Seashore today announced significant progress in the ongoing restoration of the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Crews have advanced major construction and preservation milestones designed to protect one of the nation’s most recognizable historic landmarks.
A graphic showing the dates and times of two fireworks shows, one on Ocracoke Island and one on Hatteras Island.
National Park Service Reminds Visitors that Use and Possession of Fireworks are Illegal on Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beaches
Cape Hatteras National Seashore reminds visitors and adjacent homeowners that it is illegal to detonate fireworks, or have fireworks in your possession, on all Seashore beaches, including the beaches on Ocracoke Island and all the beaches in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.
Aerial view of the Billy Mitchell Airport and surrounding forest areas and nearby ocean.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Announces Closure of Billy Mitchell Airport for Repaving
Beginning Sept. 8, Cape Hatteras National Seashore will close the Billy Mitchell Airport (HSE) to accommodate a runway pavement rehabilitation project. The project will provide full resurfacing of paved areas, new reflective paint, and new tie-downs and anchors, improving visitor safety and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
A beach landscape with the black and white spiraled lighthouse in the background
Photo by NPS Photo
A young girl paddles across the water with the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visible in the distance.
Photo by NPS Photo
A large sandy colored turtle facing the camera on the beach
Photo by NPS Photo
Two kids play in the sand.
Photo by NPS Photo
a yellow glow of the risiing sun over the beach and ocean
Photo by NPS Photo