Twelve things worth doing in Avon that genuinely cost nothing — no admission, no rental, no gimmick. A couple need a free permit or license, and we say so plainly. For the full mix of free and paid activities across Hatteras Island, see the complete things-to-do guide.
Avon sits roughly midway down Hatteras Island, in Dare County, North Carolina — part of the Outer Banks. One road runs through it, NC Highway 12, with the Atlantic on one side and Pamlico Sound on the other. It's about 30 miles south of Nags Head and 10 miles north of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton.
Ranked roughly by how little planning they need.
Avon is narrow enough to do both in one day. Walk out to the beach for sunrise over the Atlantic, then find a sound-side spot — a dock, a street end, Canadian Hole — for sunset over Pamlico Sound. Every evening looks different.
The Avon bathhouse access off Ocean View Drive has parking, restrooms and outdoor showers. Several village streets also end at dune walkovers with no facilities but no crowds either. Full access-point guide.
A chicken neck on a string and a net is all it takes. Hand lines, dip nets and collapsible traps up to 18 inches need no North Carolina license. Step-by-step guide with the current NC rules.
Unlike beach driving elsewhere on the island, walking onto this sound-side sandbar costs nothing and needs no permit — park in the lot and walk out. Even if you don't ride, watching the kiteboarders is a free show. More on Canadian Hole & Kite Point.
A 0.6-mile boardwalk and gravel trail through the refuge, good for waterbirds and, in winter, waterfowl. Dogs aren't allowed on this particular trail. Pea Island guide · what to look for, by season.
An ORV permit is only required to drive onto the beach — walking in costs nothing. Worth it for the open beach and views alone, even without fishing. (If you do fish, that needs a separate NC fishing license.) Cape Point guide.
An early walk after a change in wind or tide turns up whelks, scotch bonnets and sea glass. No gear required beyond a bag for what you find.
Hand the kids flashlights and chase the pale, fast-moving ghost crabs along the dune line. A reliably good time for very little effort.
Hatteras Island is far enough from city light that the Milky Way is genuinely visible on a clear, moonless night. Bring a blanket and give your eyes 15-20 minutes to adjust.
Avon is flat and easy to get around without a car — pedal to breakfast, the pier, or the ice cream shop and park the car for the day.
Not zero-paperwork, but zero-cost: the National Park Service issues bonfire permits at no charge, printed or signed online. Full bonfire rules.
The Hatteras-to-Ocracoke run is a genuinely free NC state ferry (not to be confused with the paid Ocracoke Express passenger ferry from Hatteras Village). A village, wild ponies, and a walkable harbor await on the other side. Ferry & day-trip guide.
Avon sits roughly midway down Hatteras Island in Dare County, North Carolina, on the Outer Banks. It's about 30 miles south of Nags Head and 10 miles north of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Pamlico Sound on the other.
Chase both ends of the day: sunrise over the ocean, then sunset over Pamlico Sound. Avon is narrow enough that a canal-front cottage puts you a short walk or bike ride from both, and neither costs a thing.
Yes. Unlike beach driving elsewhere on Hatteras Island, walking onto Canadian Hole or Kite Point costs nothing and needs no permit. Vehicles can't drive onto the sound-side beach itself; park in the lot and walk out.
No. An ORV permit is only required to drive onto the beach at Cape Point. Walking in is free. If you plan to fish once you're there, you'll need a North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License, which is a separate, inexpensive requirement.
A canal-front cottage in Avon with its own dock, kayaks, and the beach a short walk away.
See the House