Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Cape Hatteras occupies the most favorable position on the East Coast—a bend in the coastline where the Outer Banks jut into the Atlantic, intercepting swells that miss everywhere else. The iconic striped lighthouse stands watch over miles of sandbars that transform into powerful beach breaks when hurricanes track offshore or winter nor'easters sweep through. The remote location within Cape Hatteras National Seashore means fewer crowds and more empty peaks for those willing to make the drive. For serious East Coast surfers, Hatteras represents the closest thing to consistent, quality surf this side of the Caribbean.