NAGS HEAD, N.C. — From amazing beaches to all things fishing, and of course the wildlife the Outer Banks is a special place! Now you can sign up to receive a free travel guide!
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DRIVING ON BEACHES IN THE OUTER BANKS
One thing is for sure people love to visit the beaches along the Outer Banks (OBX) in North Carolina. Seriously, we're talking 67 miles of natural beauty!
Whether you walk, run or drive, you need to be safe because we all share this beautiful space.
That's why the Cape Hatteras National Seashore recently released a new Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Safety Video.
The video focuses on visitor safety and wildlife safety as well as best practices for ORV users to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while driving on the beach; including tips to not get stuck.
An ORV permit is required and may be purchased online here or in person at Cape Hatteras National Seashore visitor centers on Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island.
All ORV users, including experienced operators, are encouraged to watch the video and consider the helpful tips provided each time you drive the beach.
CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS
Cape Hatteras is a special place to be in the Outer Banks and now you can help celebrate the famous lighthouse.
The National Park is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move on July 1 with lots of things to do!
The celebration includes free lighthouse climbing, activities for kids, artifacts from the lighthouse, expect panelists, speeches, and expanded ranger talks, among other activities.
PHOTOS | Spectacular North Carolina Lighthouses #NationalLighthouseDay
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse moved to its current location on June 17, 1999. The tower moved 2,900 feet over the span of 23 days to its current location.
The celebration is on July 1 and starts at 9:30 a.m. near the lighthouse. Find out more details about the event, HERE.
Park rangers will present daily interpretive lighthouse move programs through October 14.
FISHING LICENSE
You must have a Coastal Recreational Fishing License to fish in the Outer Banks. It allows you to fish in coastal and joint fishing waters. To fish in all NC waters you’ll need a Unified Fishing License.
You can find out full regulations by visiting the Division of Marine Fisheries
Here's a list of the best surf fishing spots along the Outer Banks:
BEST SURF FISHING SPOTS
Information provided by the Outer Banks
CAPE POINT
Cape Point is one of the best fishing spots in the Outer Banks. It attracts fishermen from all over the world. It’s the exact location where the Hatteras Island jets out in the ocean before making a turn towards the mainland. It runs with the East Coast’s two major currents: the Labrador Current and the Gulf Stream.
"THE HOOK"
If you want more privacy head south a hundred yards or so to South Beach known as “The Hook.”
INLET
Another sure spot for lots of fishing includes Oregon Inlet, below the Bonner Bridge, and north of Rodanthe you’ll find the new Irene’s Inlet. The small inlet was formed after Hurricane Irene in 2011.
Fishing is almost always good at Hatteras Inlet. The deep channels allow for some great fishing.
SURF FISHING BAIT TIP
If you run out of bait either head back to a local tackle shop or use mole crabs found right on the beach. You’ll need to find a lumpy pile of sand in the ocean wash. That’s when you’ll need to start digging. The mole crabs known as “sand fleas” or “sand diggers” nest in the low tide where the waves come ashore. The larger sand fleas (about 2 inches) work best.
PIER FISHING
Pier fishing is another way to cast a line and reel in a big catch. Most piers are within walking or driving distance.
Jennette’s Pier
Jennette’s Pier is known as the “granddaddy” of fishing piers on the Outer Banks. It dates back to 1939 but was remodeled due to hurricane damage. The pier partners with the North Carolina Aquarium and has a research center with exhibits. Kids will for sure love to explore Jennette’s Pier.
Check It Out: LIST | Outer Banks Fishing Tournaments
Avalon Fishing Pier
Avalon Fishing Pier is one of the oldest in the Outer Banks. It was built in 1950 and is located in central Kill Devil Hills. It has a tackle shop at the pier and it’s open 24 hours a day for night fishing.
Nags Head Pier
Nags Head Pier opened in the late 1950s and it also offers a tackle shop and a restaurant. The pier is open 24 hours a day during the summer months.
Outer Banks Fishing Pier
Outer Banks Fishing Pier is located in South Nags Head and is a little smaller. It also includes a tackle shop and restaurant. It’s seasonally open 24 hours a day.
Hatteras Island Fishing Pier
The Hatteras Island Fishing Pier is known as the Rodanthe Pier. It has taken a number of hits by hurricanes over the past couple of decades. The pier has a tackle shop, game room, and some of the best ocean views.
Avon Pier
Avon Pier is located in the center of Hatteras Island. It features a tackle shop, snack shop, gift shop like many of the others. The pier is located near a restaurant.
Frisco Pier
The Frisco Pier is currently closed due to years of hurricane damage. It’s located at the southern end of Hatteras Island.
FISH GUIDE | Types Of Fish You'll Hook In The Outer Banks
LIFEGUARDS ON NC BEACHES
Information provided by visitnc.com
Currituck County Beaches
In the Corolla area lifeguard stations are staffed daily Memorial Day until Labor Day from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Duck
The town of Duck staffs lifeguard stations daily from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. from now until October 31.
Southern Shores staffs lifeguard stations daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hillcrest Drive and Chicahauk Trail from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and at East Dogwood Trail and 142 Ocean Blvd. from mid-June through mid-August.
Kitty Hawk staffs fixed lifeguard stands daily at Byrd Street, Eckner Street and the Kitty Hawk Bath House access from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Town of Kill Devil Hills staffs about 20 lifeguard stands daily between Helga Street and Eighth Street from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The Town of Nags Head operates more than 15 lifeguard stations daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
Coquina Beach
This Cape Hatteras National Seashore beach, located across from Bodie Island Lighthouse, is staffed with lifeguards daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
Located just north of the lighthouse, this Cape Hatteras National Seashore beach is staffed with lifeguards daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
Ocracoke Beach
This Cape Hatteras National Seashore beach, located half a mile north of Ocracoke Village, is staffed with lifeguards daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
Fort Macon State Park
Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Atlantic Beach staffs lifeguard stands daily between Raleigh Avenue and Beaufort Avenue from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day until Labor Day.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Lifeguards are on duty in the designated swimming area daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The town of Wrightsville Beach staffs 13 lifeguard stands daily from just south of Shell Island Resort to Albright Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Town of Carolina Beach staffs 20 lifeguard stations along 3 miles of beach Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Each day from Memorial Day through Labor Day, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., the Town of Kure Beach maintains lifeguard stations that cover the beach from north to south.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Park
Lifeguard service is provided daily in a designated swim area, Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
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