Fishing, 4x4 beach access, and what to know before you go — one of the most famous stretches of sand on Hatteras Island, and a natural day trip from Avon.
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Lucky Landing earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we'd genuinely pack ourselves.
Cape Point in Buxton is one of the most famous places on Hatteras Island. Located within Cape Hatteras National Seashore near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, "the Point" is where the island bends westward toward Diamond Shoals. It's known for big surf, constantly shifting sandbars, long beach days, and some of the most recognized surf fishing on the East Coast.
For visitors staying in Avon, Cape Point makes an excellent day trip: bring fishing gear, a cooler, beach chairs, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle if the designated ORV routes are open. Conditions and access can change quickly, so always check the official NPS beach-access map and on-site signs before heading out.
Cape Point sits near where major Atlantic currents meet the shallows of Diamond Shoals. The shoreline, troughs, sloughs, and sandbars shift constantly with wind, tides, storms, and season. Those changing conditions are part of what makes the fishing so productive — and why experienced anglers return year after year.
The Point is especially well known for red drum, including the large "old drum" that draw surf anglers to Hatteras Island every fall. Depending on the season, anglers may also encounter bluefish, Spanish mackerel, mullet, sharks, and cobia.
Even if you're not fishing, Cape Point is worth the trip for the wide-open beach, sunrise and sunset views, birdlife, and the feeling of standing at one of the Outer Banks' most iconic natural landmarks.
Cape Point is in Buxton, south of Avon on NC Highway 12 — roughly a 20 to 30 minute drive depending on where you start and seasonal traffic. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton Woods, local restaurants, and several beach-access ramps are all nearby, making it easy to pair with a lighthouse visit or a Buxton lunch stop.
From your dock in Avon, a Cape Point day looks like: morning kayaking or crabbing at the cottage, then an afternoon at the Point or a sunset stop near the lighthouse on the way back.
Sometimes — but only on designated NPS ORV routes, only when those routes are open, and only with a valid Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV permit (same permit used island-wide; full cost and purchase details on our ORV permit guide). Beach access at Cape Point specifically can change because of nesting birds, sea turtles, shorebird protection areas, weather, tides, and shifting sand — more so than most other stretches of the seashore.
Never assume a ramp or beach corridor is open because it was open on a previous trip. Check the official NPS beach-access conditions immediately before you leave, follow all posted signs, and stay within the marked route.
Cape Point is a destination for serious surf fishermen, but newcomers can enjoy it too with some preparation. The most productive water often isn't the farthest water — look for sloughs, troughs, cuts in the sandbar, moving bait, changing water color, and current seams.
Conditions change constantly; what worked last week, or even that morning, may not work later in the day. Many anglers focus on tide changes, especially around moving water, while also watching wind direction, swell, and the current shape of the bar.
Anyone 16 or older needs a North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) to fish the surf here — children under 16 are exempt. If you're new to Hatteras surf fishing, a local tackle shop or an experienced guide is worth the stop for current intel.
Cape Point sits inside a protected national seashore and a dynamic wildlife habitat. Seasonal closures protect nesting sea turtles and shorebirds — respect every closure, stay out of marked areas, keep pets under control where they're permitted, pack out all trash, and give wildlife plenty of space. Night driving is also restricted on national seashore beaches during parts of the nesting season — check current NPS conditions for exact dates each year.
On crowded fishing days, be courteous to other anglers: give neighboring lines room, avoid casting over others, keep vehicle traffic considerate after dark, and don't block beach travel routes. The Point works best when everyone treats it as both a shared fishing destination and a protected natural area.
Hungry after a day at the Point? Family activities and food in nearby Frisco are just up the road, or continue south to Hatteras Village and the ferry for the working harbor and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.
Access, permit rules, and closures at Cape Point change with the season. These official sources have the latest:
Last reviewed for the current season. If you spot something out of date, let us know.
Fishing, best beaches, rip current safety, beach driving, surfing, and where to rent gear.
Back to Beach & Water GuideBook your week and make Cape Point an easy day trip from your own dock.
Check Availability