Cape Hatteras Feedback Wanted

September 3, 2005 5:20 AM

I'm seeking a new locale for a family beach reunion, and thinking of Cape Hatteras, but have some concerns about shoreline/water safety...

Our annual trek to Holden Beach, NC needs a change-up. I have found some nice homes along the Hatteras seashore, specifically around Frisco or Avon, but it's been years since any of us have been there. We have small kids, and even the bigger ones (adults) have raised questions about the rip currents, and general swimming environment around that region.

Any feedback wouold be useful, esp. for Frisco or Avon.

posted by docpops to Travel & Transportation around Hatteras, NC (8 answers total)

Be ready for a long drive down the OBX to get out to Cape Hatteras. I was just up further north last month in the Kill Devil Hills area and traffic can be horrid on the drive out there. Ariving early in the morning or really late at night might be the best time if you are going to drive all the way down to Hatteras. There are some ferrys too, I am not sure if they are car ferrys though.
posted by jduckles at 8:14 AM on September 3, 2005

If you are willing to go to little south of where you are currently, I can recommend the Garden City/Surfside, SC area. Its about 15 - 20 minutes south of the whole Myrtle Beach scene so you are close to that if you want it ocassionally, but it is much more private and less busy. Garden City is almost all houses for rent so that is nice for family reunions. We've been doing them for the last 18 years there with 20 to 30 people each year.
posted by mmascolino at 10:39 AM on September 3, 2005

My family has vacationed in Hatteras many, many times. My father goes fishing there a few times a year. We've never had a problem swimming in the ocean. We've been knocked down by waves a few times, but no more so than any other beach. (We're a klutzy, easily distracted people.)

Just keep an eye on ocean conditions (and each other) and you'll be fine.
posted by jrossi4r at 11:10 AM on September 3, 2005

We have never had a problem there either and have been going for 30+ years (Avon). But there is danger. A doctor and his son from our area drowned a year or so ago. You really have to be able to judge conditions. You may want to drive on out to the point and swim there, the drop off is not as steep.
posted by vronsky at 1:32 PM on September 3, 2005

I don't know specifically about Avon and Frisco, but I have swum Buxton (as well as numerous places on the National Seashore) and conditions along all of Hatteras Island aren't that dissimilar.

It all depends on what it's like the day you're there. Generally, summertime waves are small -- sometimes things can get downright flat; but that's unusual. But before and after a storm the water can be too current-y for safe swimming, esp. by kids. On the usual hot summer days though, when winds are light, the water will probably be just fine. Then, you'll be having more trouble with insects -- skeeters, and those evil horseflies.
posted by Rash at 1:41 PM on September 3, 2005

I lived in Avon for five years and had a great time; locals are very nice and very happy to see you (moreso the earlier in the season). Summertime surf is pretty gentle and you always have the Pamlico Sound to swim in just a stone's throw away. Soundside houses on the canals are great and the surf is never more than a 10-minute walk.
posted by codswallop at 4:53 PM on September 3, 2005

I wouldn't worry too much about the rip currents. I've been swimming there my whole life and have never had to deal with a current that I couldn't handle. More often than not you'll have a current that is running parallel to the beach rather than out to see.
posted by trbrts at 5:30 PM on September 3, 2005

I've been to soundside houses farther north (think Duck or Corolla) and it was great -- quiet around there, good swimming and canoeing, etc. I think that trbrts is right and that rip currents there are typically parallel to the beach, but I confess it's been a while.

Also, Emerald Isle, which is SW of the Outer Banks, has good houses available, and I believe it's fairly affordable -- my church youth group used to do a weekend there every year. It's a nice beach and I haven't heard anything about adverse currents there.
posted by Vidiot at 8:35 AM on September 4, 2005