Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches for miles and tempts visitors with its well-kept sands and rolling waves. While many visitors come to soak up the sun along the Atlantic's sands, you should devote some time to the seashore's other attractions. According to one TripAdvisor user, "If someone has only a few days to spend on the North Carolina Coast, I recommend this area due to the variety of sites within the national seashore and adjacent to the seashore."

The lighthouse are also worth visiting: The Cape Hatteras Lighthouses have long protected passing ships from the fierce currents that earned this area the nickname "Graveyard of the Atlantic. You should also keep an eye out for Cape Hatteras' wildlife: A wide array of birds can be found here, mingling with sea turtles along the golden shores.

The north entrance to Cape Hatteras is located in Nags Head, while the southern gate can be found in Ocracoke. The seashore is open year-round. Before you start exploring, head to one of the area's three visitors centers: The Bodie Island and Ocracoke Island visitors centers are open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Hatteras Island Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day during the summer, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the year. You don't have to pay to explore Cape Hatteras National Seashore, but fees are required should you wish to climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse ($7 for adults and $3.50 for children under 12) or camp overnight in the park. For more information, visit the National Park Service's website.