Salvo
North Carolina
Salvo, the southernmost of Hatteras Island's "Tri-Villages," is an attractive Outer Banks option for travelers looking to engage with nature. Nestled between the marshy wetlands of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and the expansive stretch of beach that encompasses the Salvo Day Use Area, Salvo offers a tasteful glimpse of island living.
For Hatteras Island visitors looking for lodging, Salvo provides accommodations of all types, suitable for family reunions, getaways, and everything in between. Many of Salvo's vacation homes and condos are right on the ocean or sound, treating discerning travelers to the ultimate beach vacation on Hatteras Island.
Take in picturesque views during your Salvo escape by staying in Wind Over Waves. All of our homes in this Hatteras Island community effortlessly combine luxury and comfort. They’re also close to top Outer Banks attractions and beach access.
You’ll find everything you need in this Hatteras Island village to enjoy the best getaway possible. If you need to stock up on supplies, search for the perfect souvenir, or find a delicious meal, Salvo and the Tri-Villages have you covered.
Things to Do in Salvo
Sun, sand, and surf shape the activities best experienced in Salvo. The best place to enjoy your favorite sound activities is the Salvo Day Use Area, located just south of the village. The Pamlico Sound's calm and shallow waters make it a hit for families with young children who love splashing around. Kiteboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding are popular activities.
North, past Rodanthe, the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge is a haven for all sorts of creatures. The refuge, which provides habitat for countless animals, is approximately 13 miles long and features a range of ecosystems. Taking in the wildlife at Pea Island Wildlife Refuge is gratifying, particularly for avid bird watchers who have unparalleled views of hundreds of birds, some of which can't be found elsewhere in the Outer Banks.
Another notable attraction in the Tri-Villages is Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, one of the first lifesaving stations in North Carolina. Known as the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard, Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station operated for 42 years, and its crews saved 177,286 lives. Today, visitors can tour the historical attraction, which is now a museum filled with artifacts of days long past, and learn about the heroic stories of rescues.
Salvo & the Tri-Villages: A Fascinating Part of Outer Banks History
How did Waves, Salvo, and Rodanthe become the Tri-Villages? The area that makes up the Tri-Villages was once two separate villages known as Chicamacomico and Clarksville. In 1874, the U.S. Post Office changed the name of Chicamacomico to Rodanthe. Later, the southern part of Rodanthe was renamed Waves.
Last of all came the renaming of Clarksville to Salvo. According to legend, a Union ship sailed past Clarksville, and the captain asked the name of the village. No one knew, so the captain asked the crew to give them a "cannon salvo," or a cannon salute. The Salvo name stuck, and in 1901, the village officially changed the name. For decades, Salvo was also known as being home to the smallest U.S. Post Office in the country. The building was built in 1901 and destroyed by a fire in 1992. An exact replica still stands in Salvo for visitors to enjoy.
Vacation Rentals in Salvo
For water and nature lovers who enjoy a little peace and quiet from the comfort of a beautiful vacation rental home, Salvo is the place to stay. For lodging in Salvo, choose Surf or Sound Realty, the leader in hospitality on Hatteras Island. Please contact us today, and we'll help you secure the perfect accommodations for your next vacation to Hatteras Island.