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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesSouth USANorth CarolinaCape Hatteras
Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras Road Trip

Elizabeth City - Kitty Hawk - Avon - Cape Hatteras - Ocracoke - Cedar Island - Morehead City

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Beach Beach
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Cape Hatteras Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages6 km768 h/stage1.0

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Cape Hatteras Road Trip in North Carolina?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 135EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 558EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 693EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 138EUR sleep & more 352EUR eat & more 324EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 814EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 976EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 270EUR drive & more 188EUR sleep & more 594EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,214EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,484EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 675EUR drive & more 213EUR sleep & more 165EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 594EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,269EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Cape Hatteras Road Trip Itinerary

The Cape Hatteras Road Trip is an unforgettable journey along the coast of North Carolina. Starting in Elizabeth City, the trip takes you through the towns of Kitty Hawk, Avon, Cape Hatteras, and Cedar Island, covering a distance of 768 km (476 miles). The recommended time to complete the trip is 3 days, and the best time of the year to drive is during the summer months. The journey is full of spectacular coastal views, and breathtaking beaches. This road trip is suitable for every driver, and can be managed with a moderate budget. The roads are in excellent condition, so you can relax and enjoy the drive. The Cape Hatteras Road Trip offers an unforgettable experience and a chance to make lasting memories. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Outer Banks, and take some time to explore the area. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, this road trip has something for everyone.
number of days 3 number of days
route length 768 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Elizabeth City

Distance 322 km Driving time 6.1 h Pace: modest 83.8 kWh Airports PGV
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Elizabeth City is a great starting point for the Cape Hatteras Road Trip. Located in the northeastern corner of North Carolina and on the Pasquotank River, the city offers a great blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. The city has a rich history and is home to the Museum of the Albemarle and the Elizabeth City State University. Visitors can explore the town's many historic sites, including the Coast Guard Base, the Elizabeth City Downtown Waterfront District, the Dismal Swamp Canal, and the Museum of the Albemarle. For those looking for an outdoor adventure, Elizabeth City is the perfect place to explore. With its waterfront location, visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and sailing. There are also numerous parks and trails to explore. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Norfolk International Airport (ORF), which is about an hour away. Car rentals are available at the airport for those planning to drive the Cape Hatteras Road Trip. Elizabeth City is a great starting point for the Cape Hatteras Road Trip. With its rich history, outdoor activities, and convenient airport access, it is the perfect place to begin your journey.

1 Elizabeth City - Kitty Hawk

Distance 80 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 24.0 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips accommodation options
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Start your road trip from Elizabeth City, United States and make your way to Kitty Hawk in less than an hour. This 50mi stretch is one of the stages of a larger tour, but you can also enjoy it as a stand-alone experience. In Elizabeth City, you can visit the Museum of the Albemarle, which is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the region. You can also take a stroll along the waterfront of the Pasquotank River. As you make your way towards Kitty Hawk, make sure to stop at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Here, you can learn about the famous Wright Brothers and their first successful flight. You can also explore the surrounding area, including the Wright Brothers Monument, the Visitor Center, and the Monument to a Century of Flight. Once in Kitty Hawk, you can visit the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, which is a great spot for nature lovers. You can explore the trails, observe the local wildlife, and even take a dip in the ocean. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a great trip!

2 Kitty Hawk - Avon

Distance 85 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: fast 25.6 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready to explore the scenic roads of the Outer Banks? Start your journey in Kitty Hawk, the birthplace of the Wright Brothers, and make your way to Avon, a charming town with plenty of activities and attractions to explore. The 53-mile drive will take you less than two hours, and you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound. As you make your way down the coast, take a break in Kill Devil Hills to explore the Wright Brothers National Memorial. This is the site of the first successful powered airplane flight, and you can learn more about the Wright Brothers and their historic achievement. Continue your journey to the town of Avon, where you can explore the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Here, you can find plenty of outdoor activities, from swimming in the ocean to fishing, kayaking, and hiking. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

3 Avon - Cape Hatteras

Distance 29 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: fast 8.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Start your journey in Avon, United States, and take the 18-mile drive to Cape Hatteras. Along the way, you will be mesmerized by the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound. You will be able to observe the unique wildlife and the natural beauty of the Outer Banks. This is a journey that will take you less than an hour but will remain in your memory for a lifetime. The first stop on your road trip is Avon. Here you can explore the local beaches and trails, go fishing, or take a boat tour. After that, you can continue your journey to Cape Hatteras. Here you will find a variety of attractions such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Take your time to explore these places and enjoy the breathtaking views. Watch out for the scenic road and make sure to take some amazing pictures. Don't forget to check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a great road trip!

4 Cape Hatteras - Ocracoke

Distance 21 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: fast 6.2 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road ferry crossing
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Take a road trip from Cape Hatteras to Ocracoke and explore the beauty of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This 13-mile journey takes less than an hour and is full of scenic views. You'll be crossing the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry, so make sure you have your tickets ready! On the way, you can visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, and the Ocracoke Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina. You can also explore the beaches, take a wild horse tour, and visit the British Cemetery, the final resting place of many sailors who died during the Revolutionary War. There's plenty to see and do in this short journey, so make sure you take your time and enjoy the wonders of the Outer Banks. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the itinerary of this stage.

5 Ocracoke - Cedar Island

Distance 38 km Driving time 2.4 h Pace: slow 8.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road ferry crossing junction of road trips
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Ready to take on an adventure? Then hop on a road trip from Ocracoke to Cedar Island! This 24-mile journey will take you less than 3 hours, but you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the picturesque coastal scenery. You'll also get to experience a ferry crossing, so don't forget to take lots of photos! Start your journey in Ocracoke, a village on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where you can explore the quaint shops and restaurants along the harbor. Then, make your way to the Cedar Island Ferry Terminal, where you can board the ferry for a short ride across the Core Sound. Once you arrive in Cedar Island, you can take a stroll along the beach and admire the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to embark on this amazing journey!

6 Cedar Island - Morehead City

Distance 69 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 20.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome to the Cedar Island - Morehead City road trip stage! This 43mi stretch of road will take you less than an hour to complete, and it's the perfect opportunity to soak in the stunning coastal scenery of North Carolina. Your journey will start in Cedar Island, a small town known for its tranquil atmosphere and its proximity to the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, deer, and wild horses. Continuing your journey, you'll pass through the small community of Sea Level, which is known for its local seafood restaurants and its beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. As you get closer to Morehead City, you'll be able to enjoy the scenery of the Bogue Sound, an estuary that's home to a variety of fish and wildlife. You'll also get a glimpse of the historic Fort Macon State Park, which is located on the southern tip of the city. When you finally arrive in Morehead City, you'll find plenty of things to do. From the beaches to the historic downtown area, there's something for everyone. You can also explore the nearby Cape Lookout National Seashore or take a ferry to Shackleford Banks to see wild horses. No matter what you decide to do, you're sure to have a great time on this road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

  Morehead City

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Morehead City is the perfect ending point for your road trip adventure named "Cape Hatteras Road Trip". This charming city is located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and is a great spot to relax and enjoy the local culture and stunning scenery. When you arrive in Morehead City, you'll find plenty to do. One of the most popular activities is taking a boat tour of the local harbor and nearby islands. You can also explore some of the area's incredible beaches, including Bogue Banks and Fort Macon State Park. Or, if you're in the mood for hiking, there are plenty of trails to explore, including the Neuse River Trail and Cedar Island Trail. If you're looking for some local flavor, Morehead City has plenty to offer. Check out the local seafood restaurants, dive bars, and craft breweries. Or, if you're in the mood for some shopping, head downtown to browse the local boutiques and galleries. No matter what brings you to Morehead City, the city is the perfect place to end your "Cape Hatteras Road Trip". The closest international airport to Morehead City is Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ), located just 40 miles away.

Cape Hatteras Road Trip at a glance

We hope that our journey idea gave you multiple inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
Our itinerary can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original attractions of your choice.
If car travel is a travel option you prefer, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a list of elements to remember to make your road trip smooth. These tips will surely become useful for holidaymakers who are considering hiring a car or renting a camper in North Carolina.
When sightseeing around North Carolina, there are multiple traffic regulations to be kept in mind. When moving around North Carolina in a car, try to avoid spirits at any expense. Holidayers should remember that the amount of alcohol that can be consumed is not very high and equals only 0.5‰. The maximum car speed when travelling around the urban areas is 40km/h. Outside the cities, travellers can travel at at speeds up to 72km/h. When travelling on highways, the maximum speed is 129km/h. In order to stay safe, we recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
The majority of travellers are also interested in the travel expenses of the whole road trip. Depending on the budget option that interests you, the money that you have to pay for your holiday expenses may differ. Take a look at the available budget options.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 7 stages while travelling around North Carolina will be roughly 100 EUR. Economy accommodation options will cost you around 242 EUR. The travel expenses related to restaurants and food within this option can cost up to about 216 EUR. If you also aim for the economy car rental option, you will pay approximately 135 EUR. Thus, going for car rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from more or less 558 EUR to roughly 693 EUR.
Drivers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 138 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the trip. Cost amounting to 352 EUR can be expected by all holidaymakers who are looking for standard overnight stays. The standard option in terms of food and restaurants may cost up to more or less 324 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire vehicle should expect a cost of about 162 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay roughly 976 EUR for the whole Cape Hatteras Road Trip, whereas those who are not interested in car hire will spend approximately 814 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding drivers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 1,484 EUR for holidayers who are considering car rental and 814 EUR for those who do not need a rental car. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of about 270 EUR. In the top standard configuration of the adventure, the gasoline cost will be up to more or less 188 EUR. Travellers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their tour should expect to pay about 594 EUR for accommodation and around 432 EUR for food and restaurants.
Our road trip will also be ideal for all camper lovers, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. If you choose this mode of transport, you will pay up to more or less 675 EUR. If you are wondering about the gasoline expenses for the whole tour, they will amount to about 213 EUR. Travellers who will go for camper hire should expect to pay around 165 EUR for overnight stays and more or less 216 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the above-mentioned details in a straightforward manner.
The part of North Carolina described in our road trip idea is great to be explored between May and September. There are multiple beautiful journeys that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip ideas. Even the most demanding of travellers will definitely be taken aback by the great diversity of ideas available on our website.

Facts for safer driving in North Carolina

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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