Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Cape Point Beach is a cool place to visit for history lovers, fishermen and beachgoers alike. Located just before the town of Buxton, this beach is in close proximity to many points of interest.

While the beach is classically beautiful like all of the Outer Banks' Beaches, it is unique in its structure, and it is geologically interesting. Sticking out into the ocean, Cape Point is the furthest east you can get in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It's also the location of a "new" island, Shelly Island, that has been recently created by sand accumulation on a drifting sandbar. Cape Point marks where the Outer Banks turns southwest and heads back closer to the mainland. The mixing of the Gulf Stream and Labrador currents offshore of Cape Point is one of the main reasons that Cape Hatteras is famous for fishing. The mixing of nutrients in these water attracts many species of oceanic game fish.

In addition to enjoying the beach or trying your hand at fishing, you can check out the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse just down the road, or camp at Cape Point Campgrounds. The towns of Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras are also nearby, each with attractions of their own.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Great views of the lighthouse. Easy to access.

Cons

Can get crowded during summer.

Features

Fishing
Historically significant
Lighthouse
Surfing
Bird watching
Wildlife
Family friendly

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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