Driving to the beach is one of the most popular things to do in Hatteras. You can take your 4WD vehicle or rent a Weekly 4WD rental OBX. This gets you faster, so you can explore more beaches in less time. And it also helps you carry more stuff to the beach which is great for families, parties, and surf anglers. Keep in mind that the National Park Service has many rules on beach driving on Hatteras Island, and a permit is required. Today we will take you to discover the best things to do in Hatteras.
Beach driving
However, the National Park Service (NPS) requires visitors to have an all terrain vehicle (ORV) permit on designated ORV routes over the sea. ORV permits and trail maps can be obtained from any of the three NPS check-in offices located at the Bodie Island Visitor Center, the Hatteras Island Visitor Center (Buxton), and the Ocracoke Visitor Center. These offices are open all year round, seven days a week, from 9:00 to 17:00, with extended hours on weekends and public holidays during the summer. Check here for information on using the ORV at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
The beach can be reached by car via one of the many sand ramps along the island. Make sure you read all the signs for driving on the beach. There are also several off-road audio tracks on the maps. To do this you can search OBX 4×4 weekly rentals and you will find the best means to make your experience unforgettable.
4×4 Access Permits for Cape Hatteras
Beach drivers on the Cape Hatteras coast will need to obtain a beach ride permit before reaching shore, which can be purchased online and sent by post or in person to one of the following locations: Coquina Beach Office, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and Ocracoke Visitor Center. Each vehicle must have its own permit.
Vehicles must be registered, authorized, insured and continuously checked, if required, in their state / country of origin. Vehicles must be equipped with a low pressure tire gauge, shovel, jack and jack support plate. Spare wheel, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, garbage bags, flashlight and tow belts are recommended. Off-road vehicles are not allowed. Night driving is generally allowed from November 16th to April 30th.
Tips for Driving on an Outer Banks Beach
4×4 is the Gold Standard
The first and most important rule to beach riding is to use a 4WD vehicle. While some AWD or even front-wheel power vehicles can also be able to navigate via certain areas, especially along the soundside or any seaside that has hard, packed sand, the majority of the Outer Banks is comprised of deep and soft sand, which can solely be navigated with a 4WD vehicle, in particular when it comes to making turns, or having to veer off the established tracks.
Staying in tracks
Once on the beach, it is best, if possible, to stick to the hooked up sand tracks that run along the excessive tide line. These tracks are formed by means of dozens of daily drivers that have for this reason created a hard packed route, making driving along the seaside an easier venture. Drivers will observe there are generally two units of tracks, or “two lanes,” along the shoreline, and are inspired to follow the equal rules as a everyday road – stick to the farthest proper tracks, don’t pass by unless necessary, and do not veer off the “beach” road.
Wash down
Above all else, on every occasion possible, make sure you drive above the high tide line. Driving alongside the ocean wash will only splash saltwater into the undercarriage of your vehicle, (which can definitely ruin a truck). We suggest spraying your undercarriage A.S.A.P. when your beach force is over. Also, in the unfortunate case you get stuck, if you are located above the excessive tide line, you don’t have to fear about the imminent risk of saltwater.
