Hatteras Island is a part of the Outer Banks, so in a sense, the answer is yes. However, there’s plenty more to this island chain than just Hatteras. The Outer Banks are a string of barrier islands and spits that run more or less parallel to the North Carolina coast, separating the sounds from the Atlantic Ocean. The island chain is about 200 miles long and covers most of the state’s coastline, as well as parts of the southern Virginia coast.
Some of the first European settlements in North America were located here, including the infamous Roanoke colony that disappeared mysteriously in 1587. Virginia Dare, the first person of English descent to be born in the Americas, was born in Roanoke and vanished with the rest of the colony, leaving behind only a single word carved into a nearby tree: CROATOAN. The Outer Banks were also the site of the Wright Brothers’ very first flight in 1903 at Kill Devil Hills.
Hatteras Island is located in the middle of the Outer Banks and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. Previously known as Croatoan Island, Hatteras is believed by many to be where the Roanoke colonists fled when they left their homes. Like the rest of the Outer Banks, Hatteras Island is known for its pristine sandy beaches, which are largely untouched by human development. If relaxing by the ocean sounds like a good time to you, then we highly recommend visiting the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, located mostly on Hatteras Island. It’s also known for swimming, surfing, and sportfishing, having earned the title “Blue Marlin Capital of the World.”
To make the most of your next trip to the North Carolina coast, check out our bundle of Self-Guided Outer Banks Driving Tours, or you can sign up for Action+ to gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
