Hatteras Village is the southernmost town on Hatteras Island, at the end of the road where NC-12 stops and the free ferry to Ocracoke begins. It’s a working fishing village more than a tourist town, with marinas, charter boats, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, and Ramp 55 — the gateway to one of the East Coast’s most legendary beach driving stretches at Hatteras Inlet. For serious anglers and ferry-bound travelers, Hatteras Village is the natural basecamp.
Quick Facts
| Location | Hatteras Island, southernmost village at end of NC-12 |
| ORV Ramp | 55 (Hatteras Inlet) |
| Permit | Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV permit required |
| Ferry | Free Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry departs here |
| Famous For | Charter fishing, Hatteras Inlet, ferry to Ocracoke |
| Vibe | Working fishing village, marinas, serious anglers |
Map & Location
Why Hatteras Village is Different
While Buxton and the Tri-Villages are vacation-rental centric, Hatteras Village is a real working fishing community. Charter boats line the marinas (Teach’s Lair, Hatteras Harbor, Oden’s Dock). The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum tells the story of the thousands of shipwrecks off this coast. The free Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry connects to Ocracoke Island. Ramp 55 accesses the dramatic Hatteras Inlet beach driving stretch — wide-open and far less crowded than Cape Point.
Things to Do
- Beach drive Ramp 55 south toward Hatteras Inlet
- Book a charter — offshore (Gulf Stream marlin) or inshore (sound drum) from the marinas
- Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum — free and excellent
- Take the ferry to Ocracoke for a day trip
- Eat seafood at Dinky’s, The Wreck, or Sonny’s Restaurant
- Walk Pamlico Sound at the village park
Where to Stay
Hatteras Village has a mix of vacation rentals, motels (Sea Gull Motel), and a few B&Bs. More flexible short-stay options than rental-dominated villages further north. Choose oceanside rentals near Ramp 55 for direct beach driving access; harborside rentals for charter fishing convenience.
Food & Supplies
Small grocery (Burrus Red & White), gas stations, and a strong restaurant scene focused on seafood. Notable: Dinky’s, The Wreck, Sonny’s Restaurant, Hatteras Harbor Deli (sandwiches), Coffee Spot (breakfast). The Burrus grocery is OK for daily needs; for a big shop, drive 25 minutes north to Avon Food Lion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ramp accesses Hatteras Village beaches?
Ramp 55 is the only ORV ramp in Hatteras Village proper. It accesses the long beach stretch south to Hatteras Inlet. Requires the Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV permit. The drive south to the inlet is one of the more dramatic beach driving experiences on OBX.
Where does the Ocracoke ferry leave from?
From the Hatteras Ferry Terminal at the south end of NC-12 in Hatteras Village. The ferry is free, runs year-round, takes about 60 minutes, and operates first-come-first-served (no reservations). See our ferry strategy guide for timing tips.
Are there charter fishing options in Hatteras Village?
Yes — Hatteras Village is one of the top charter fishing ports on the East Coast. Offshore trips (Gulf Stream marlin, tuna, mahi) from Teach’s Lair Marina, Hatteras Harbor Marina, and Oden’s Dock. Inshore trips (sound drum, flounder) from smaller boats. Book months ahead for peak season.
Is Hatteras Village a good base for beach driving?
Yes if your priority is Hatteras Inlet (Ramp 55) and Ocracoke day trips. The village is at the end of the road, so you’re committed to a long drive north for Cape Point, Avon, or the Tri-Villages. For a multi-day trip combining Hatteras and Ocracoke, this is the natural basecamp.
What’s at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum?
Exhibits, artifacts, and stories of the thousands of shipwrecks off the Outer Banks coast — earning the area its ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic’ nickname. Located near the Hatteras ferry terminal. Free admission; donations appreciated. Excellent for rainy days.