Rodanthe
North Carolina
Hatteras Island’s northernmost village, Rodanthe, is a place where nature’s bounty is plentiful and undisturbed. From the village’s miles of beautiful beaches on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to the bordering Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, visitors and locals delight in Rodanthe’s natural splendor. Hollywood even paid homage to the area in the 2008 major motion picture, Nights in Rodanthe; the quaint setting was the ideal backdrop for Nicholas Spark’s acclaimed book. In fact, out-of-towners can rent the Inn at Rodanthe, the beachfront home heavily featured in the film.
The village’s peaceful atmosphere and natural amenities make it the ideal place to unwind and relax. Outer Banks travelers looking for a gorgeous yet laid-back setting will find a variety of premium vacation rentals available, ranging from luxury homes to comfortable oceanfront condos. For any type of Outer Banks getaway, Rodanthe has suitable accommodations to match.
While Rodanthe has plenty to offer travelers on its own, its neighboring villages of Waves and Salvo offer additional attractions. Together, Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo are known as Hatteras Island’s “Tri-Villages.” The Tri-Villages run together without borders as one continuous village. They also have the distinction of the Hatteras Island villages closest to central Outer Banks attractions, such as the Wright Brothers Memorial, the North Carolina Aquarium, and The Lost Colony.
Things to Do in Rodanthe
Rodanthe offers a wide variety of activities and attractions sure to keep visitors entertained. From watersports to historical sites, there’s plenty to do in Rodanthe. Anglers flock to Rodanthe for surf fishing. The Tri-Villages provide exceptional access to the sound; in many cases, getting there is as easy as a quick walk over a dune. However, for anglers who don’t want their feet in the sand, Rodanthe Fishing Pier is another destination for fishing.
Perhaps one of the biggest attractions in Rodanthe and the Tri-Villages as a whole is the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station. Built in 1874, Chicamacomico was one of the first lifesaving stations in North Carolina and had a storied history, notable for being the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard. Today, the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station is a museum that helps tell the stories of the crews that saved an unparalleled 99 percent of lives in peril over a 42-year stretch.
Rodanthe Attractions
Before the Tri-Villages, there were actually two separate villages: Chicamacomico and Clarksville. In 1874, the same year the lifesaving station was established, the U.S. Post Office changed the name to Rodanthe and later renamed the southern part of the village to “Waves.” As for Clarksville, legend has it that the village changed its name to Salvo due to a “cannon salvo” or cannon salute performed by a passing Union ship during the Civil War. The town officially enacted the name change in 1901.
Today, the village of Rodanthe is filled with unique things to see that everyone will love, including several attractions that help tell the history of the area. Make memories exploring the attractions, both historical and modern, that fill the village, like:
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Rodanthe Skate Park
- Oregon Inlet Lifesaving Station
No matter where your adventures lead you, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Fresh seafood, pizza, tacos, and more comprise the menus of Rodanthe’s restaurants. For a refreshing beverage, local spots include a wine bar and a dive bar, which serve as great places to share the stories of today’s adventures.
Vacation Rentals in Rodanthe
Peace, quiet, and matchless natural beauty draw Outer Banks travelers to Rodanthe. Surf or Sound Realty offers the best lodging choices available in Rodanthe. Contact us today and discover the perfect vacation home rental for your upcoming trip to Hatteras Island.
