The Outer Banks of North Carolina offer a captivating coastal journey, and the self-guided drive tour along the Cape Hatteras Seashore provides a unique opportunity to explore this remarkable region. Travelers can enjoy the area’s rich history, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty at their own pace, guided by an engaging audio tour and interactive mobile app. From iconic lighthouses to serene wildlife refuges, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that’ll leave visitors eager to uncover more of the Outer Banks’ hidden gems.
Key Points
- The self-guided drive tour offers a flexible 365-day valid experience to explore the stunning Outer Banks and Cape Hatteras Seashore at one’s own pace.
- The tour starts at the Whalebone Junction Information Center in Nags Head and covers key landmarks like the Bodie Island Lighthouse and Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station.
- Visitors can download the Action Tour Guide app with audio stories, maps, and offline navigation to enhance their self-guided experience along the coastline.
- The tour highlights the diverse coastal habitats, abundant wildlife, and rich history of the region, including tales of piracy and Blackbeard’s ghost.
- The tour’s key attractions include the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Hatteras Ferry Terminal, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk.
Tour Overview
This self-guided drive tour of the Outer Banks and Cape Hatteras Seashore offers visitors an opportunity to discover the region’s natural wonders and historic sites at their own pace.
Priced from just £15.80 per person, the tour provides an audio guide and map to accompany you on your journey.
With a flexible 365-day validity, you can use the tour on any day and revisit your favorite spots multiple times.
The self-guided format allows you to adjust your itinerary and explore the area at your leisure.
Whether you’re marveling at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse or uncovering tales of piracy, this drive tour promises an immersive and personalized experience along the stunning Outer Banks.
Starting Point and Route
The Outer Banks & Cape Hatteras Seashore self-guided drive tour starts at the Whalebone Junction Information Center – Outer Banks Visitors Bureau in Nags Head, providing a convenient launching point for this scenic journey.
From there, the route takes travelers along the stunning coastline, offering glimpses of the Bodie Island Lighthouse, Coquina Beach, and the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge spanning the Oregon Inlet.
Participants will then explore the Pamlico Sound, the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the historic Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station before reaching the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Hatteras Ferry Terminal.
The tour concludes at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, commemorating the birthplace of aviation.
Key Highlights
Along the self-guided drive tour, visitors can marvel at the towering Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a historic beacon that has guided mariners for over a century.
Travelers can also explore the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, where they’ll learn about the heroic efforts of the U.S. Life-Saving Service to rescue shipwrecked sailors.
One of the tour’s highlights is the shifting sands of Jockeys Ridge State Park, where visitors can witness the power of nature as the dunes constantly transform.
The natural beauty of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is another must-see, with its diverse array of coastal habitats and abundant wildlife.
Lastly, the tour promises tales of piracy and Blackbeard’s ghost, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue to the experience.
Tour Features
With a downloadable Action Tour Guide app, travelers can access audio stories, maps, and images to enhance their self-guided drive through the Outer Banks and Cape Hatteras Seashore. The app provides a unique password after booking, enabling a hands-free experience where the audio plays automatically without the need for cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. Offline maps ensure visitors can seamlessly navigate the route, even in areas with limited connectivity.
| Tour Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Downloadable App | Provides audio, map, and images |
| Unique Password | Allows hands-free experience |
| Offline Maps | Enables navigation without connectivity |
This all-inclusive tour package allows travelers to explore the Outer Banks and Cape Hatteras Seashore at their own pace, with the flexibility to use the tour multiple times over the course of a year.
Additional Details
This self-guided tour doesn’t include transportation, parking fees, food, or drinks. Visitors will need to arrange their own transportation and cover any entry fees or reservations required for the national parks and attractions along the route.
However, the tour company provides customer support via call, chat, or email if travelers need any assistance during their journey.
While the tour itself is self-guided with downloadable audio and maps, visitors will need to ensure they’ve the necessary passes or tickets to access the various sites and landmarks.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
As visitors embark on the self-guided drive tour, they’ll encounter the iconic Bodie Island Lighthouse, a towering beacon that has stood guard over the Outer Banks for over a century. This historic structure, standing at 156 feet tall, boasts a distinctive black-and-white striped pattern that makes it instantly recognizable.
Visitors can climb the 214 steps to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.
Visitors can explore the museum and interpretive exhibits inside to learn about the lighthouse’s history and the role it played in guiding ships through the treacherous waters.
Visitors can take in the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Visitors can snap photos of the lighthouse against the backdrop of the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
Continuing along the self-guided drive tour, visitors will come across the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, a historic site that pays homage to the courageous Coast Guard members who risked their lives to rescue shipwrecked mariners.
Established in 1874, this station was one of the first of its kind along the Outer Banks.
Visitors can explore the original buildings and learn about the daring rescues performed by the life-saving crews, who braved treacherous storms and harsh conditions to save those in peril at sea.
The station offers a glimpse into the heroic history of the U.S. Coast Guard, inspiring awe and admiration for the selfless individuals who dedicated their lives to this noble cause.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
After exploring the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, visitors often find themselves captivated by the towering presence of the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Situated along the Outer Banks, this majestic structure stands as a beacon, guiding mariners through the treacherous waters that have claimed countless ships over the centuries.
Climbing the 257 steps to the top of the lighthouse, travelers are rewarded with panoramic views stretching out across the Atlantic Ocean.
The lighthouse’s distinctive black and white spiral pattern is instantly recognizable, making it a beloved symbol of the Outer Banks.
Among the key features visitors can enjoy are:
- Touring the historic lighthouse keeper’s quarters
- Browsing the museum’s exhibits on the lighthouse’s history
- Observing the powerful first-order Fresnel lens
- Witnessing the dramatic coastal scenery surrounding the lighthouse
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring Pets on the Tour?
Pets are generally allowed on the tour, but visitors should check the tour details and policies beforehand. Many attractions and parks along the route may have specific rules regarding pets, so it’s best to plan accordingly.
Are There Designated Stops for Restroom Breaks?
The tour does not have designated restroom stops, but there are numerous public restrooms and amenities along the route at popular sites and attractions. Travelers can plan their own breaks based on personal needs and preferences during the self-guided experience.
Is the Tour Suitable for Persons With Disabilities?
The self-guided tour is generally accessible, with stops at visitor centers that likely offer wheelchair-friendly facilities. However, the route may present challenges for those with mobility issues given unpaved paths and uneven terrain in natural areas.
Can I Extend the Tour Beyond 365 Days?
Unfortunately, the tour can only be used within 365 days of first activation. The flexible scheduling allows users to take the tour on any day during that year, but does not permit extending the tour beyond the initial 12-month period.
Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance?
No, the tour can be booked and used flexibly on any day within 365 days from the first activation. There’s no need to book the tour in advance, allowing travelers to plan their trip at their convenience.
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Recap
The Outer Banks & Cape Hatteras Seashore Self-Guided Drive Tour offers an immersive way to explore this stunning coastline.
With its audio guide, downloadable app, and offline maps, visitors can discover the region’s rich history and natural wonders at their own pace.
From iconic lighthouses to diverse wildlife, this tour provides an engaging and educational journey through the Outer Banks’ most captivating sights.
