Welcome to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Audio Tour
immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Cape Hatteras National Seashore with this scenic driving tour. Once downloaded, your exploration begins at the Whalebone Junction Information Center. From there, you’ll head to the iconic Bodie Island Lighthouse, standing tall as a beacon of North Carolina’s rich maritime history.
About the Tour
The tour ushers you towards the majestic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. On the way there, you’ll discover the little-known World War II history of these islands and find out how this place became a National Seashore. Then, take your time as you marvel at the grandeur of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse itself.
While you drive through the town of Buxton, you’ll find out what exactly the Diamond Shoals are, and why they’ve posed such a problem for ships in days gone by. And this tour wouldn’t be complete without a foray into the thrilling (and true!) tales of pirates. Did you know the Outer Banks were once the haunt of the infamous Blackbeard?
Finally, you’ll arrive at the town of Hatteras itself. Here, you’ll have the option to take the Hatteras Ferry to the remote and picture-perfect island of Ocracoke. Your tour concludes here.
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Tour Map
Starting Point
You can join the route at any point or start from the suggested starting location listed below.
The tour begins in the parking lot of the Whalebone Junction Information Center. From there, head south on NC-12 toward Hatteras. You’ll travel through the heart of the Outer Banks, with barrier-island geology, maritime forests, lighthouses, shipwrecks, pirate tales, and centuries of coastal history along the way. This is the suggested starting point only. We are not affiliated with the Information Center, so their staff will not have details about the tour.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The tour includes iconic destinations like Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton, Cape Point, Hatteras Village, and the ferry terminal for Ocracoke Island, along with scenic beaches and overlooks.
Source: Cape Hatteras Attractions
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Driving Tour is a GPS-guided audio experience that lets you explore North Carolina’s famous Outer Banks at your own pace. As you drive, the narration automatically shares stories about historic lighthouses, shipwrecks, pirates, coastal wildlife, and the unique barrier islands that make this region so special.
Source: National Park Foundation
Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Summer is perfect for beach activities and water sports, while each season offers its own unique coastal experience.
Source: Lighthouse View
This tour is ideal for road trippers, beach lovers, history enthusiasts, lighthouse fans, photographers, and families looking to experience the Outer Banks with the freedom to stop whenever something catches their eye.
A self-guided tour lets you experience the Outer Banks on your own schedule. Rather than rushing with a group, you can linger at your favorite beaches, climb nearby attractions (when available), enjoy scenic drives, and uncover the stories behind each stop as the GPS-guided narration plays automatically.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included. Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours. 
