Haulover Day Use Area — Attraction in Hatteras Island

It's a long way down there, but from this spot, you could watch the sun rise and set all in the same day. It's not such a great spot to enjoy the beach (and it got crowded as the sun began to set) because of the seaweed among the shore, but we saw a paddle boarder enjoying the still water on the west side. For the sunrise, you would need to cross the road and climb the dunes, but they aren't large here, and the ocean is right on the other side. We didn't actually go over there, though, because we had already enjoyed the ocean side at a few spots today. But we got to enjoy the nice view of the moon over the dunes.

Try to park a little further down at the south end of the lot. The north end is closer to the outhouses, and your nose will remind you...

This is a great place for kids and beginner water sports.

The water is shallow for such a long distance from the shore. The water is calm and clear. The beach are is relatively small but I've rarely found it crowded in June. Saturday evening is a great time to visit with a nearly empty beach and lots of water to yourself.

Vault toilets, changing area and solar heated showers are available (seasonally).

Take a stroll in the water or along the shore to the north for...

Excellent spot for families, water is quite calm, and warmer than the ocean side (which is warm enough). The water is super shallow a long ways out. Lots of kayakers and standing boards, but everyone is low key and moving slowly so there's no craziness. There's a fair bit of parking, nicely paved. Nice restrooms here. The beach is not super wide, but perfectly adequate. Easy least access...