03/06/2025
When fresh air, sunshine, and easy access to outdoor fun are all top priorities on your vacation must-have list, heading to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and enjoying time in beautiful Buxton is always the right choice. This quiet village on Hatteras Island is packed with charm and a true haven of opportunity for those who are looking to relax and kick back on the sand or cast a line in the waves alike. From amazing architectural marvels to delicious eateries to explore, Buxton has something for everyone to enjoy in every season of the year. The following Buxton travel guide is a great place to start when you’re heading this way in the name of vacation fun and you’re looking to make the most of every single moment.
Where to Find Buxton on Your Hatteras Island Adventure
Travelers will be delighted to find that locating Buxton on a Hatteras Island getaway is a breeze. This inviting village sits west of Cape Hatteras and finds its place on the widest portion of Hatteras Island. It’s also home to a dense maritime forest aptly named Buxton Woods that spans both Buxton and the neighboring village of Frisco. Here, you can find yourself enjoying time on what’s considered the highest point of the island and arguably, one of the most scenic as well!
An Area Rich in History
Before Buxton was ever the popular vacation destination it is today among travelers who set their sights on quality time on Hatteras Island, it was home to indigenous tribes who inhabited the lush, wooded terrain. Experts believe tribes thrived throughout the entirety of the area that currently extends from modern northern Buxton to southern Frisco. As European settlers began to arrive in the area, the landscape inevitably began to shift.
By 1873, a post office had been established on the eastern edge of what’s known now as Buxton Woods, and originally, this area was referred to by residents as The Cape. It wasn’t until 1882 that the name was officially changed to Buxton and adopted by locals and visitors alike. Eventually, Buxton would grow to include a schoolhouse, general stores, and churches as well. Later on, roadways were paved making this wooded retreat more accessible across the island. Today, Buxton still carries a refreshing balance of off-the-beaten-path charm and access to area fun that delights those who head this way year after year.
A Destination That’s Home to Iconic Landmarks
Mention that you’re traveling to Buxton, North Carolina and there’s a good chance that maritime culture will spring to mind with good reason. That’s because this welcoming village is home to the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and it’s a structure that’s come to define the area for many thanks to its easy-to-spot black and white spiral exterior. In many ways, the lighthouse is an icon of all of Hatteras Island, but Buxton is proud to be the official keeper of the light. Presently operated by the National Park Service, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has long been an important structure in the area for guiding ships and vessels to safety.
A Buxton Vacation to Hit the Waves in Style
If on the water adventures fit your travel style perfectly, you’ll love your time in Buxton too! Many visitors heading this way consider Buxton to be a true haven of opportunity for surfing and they come with boards in hand to catch some of the best waves around. In fact, the Eastern Surfing Association has been hosting its annual championships here near the lighthouse since 1972 and it remains a world-class event to attend and admire.
Surfers from along the East Coast and beyond gather here to put their skills to work on the water and the stunning ocean typically has them lingering well beyond the competition dates on the calendar.
Activities You Won’t Want to Miss When You’re Here
This area is packed with additional options for fun to round out any travel itinerary. If you’re someone who enjoys checking out charming shops when you visit new places and you have a heart for literary wonders, don’t miss out on an afternoon of browsing the goods on display at Buxton Village Books. This independent bookstore is a great place to spend time reading, relaxing, and enjoying diving into stories in a space that’s endlessly welcoming. It’s also a one stop hub for picking up one-of-a-kind gifts when you want a token to remember your Buxton getaway by when you return home.
Swell Art Gallery isn’t far away and is a terrific stop to add to your agenda when you’re someone who appreciates time browsing locally crafted works of art. Afterward, head over to Beads and Grinds which is a great coffee and ice cream shop in Buxton where you can also purchase handmade jewelry put on display by local artists. Angling enthusiasts heading to Buxton will find places like Canadian Hole in the area are not only ideal for surfing but casting a line in good company too. For those who have a passion for lacing up their boots and hitting scenic trails, the nature-immersed routes that run through Buxton Woods are a must when you head this way.
Delicious Dining Stops to Check Out
No matter how you end up spending your leisure time in Buxton, this Hatteras Island village never disappoints when it comes to flavor. As cravings come calling and you have appetites to attend to, you’ll find there are plenty of great Buxton restaurants in the area to choose from. Make sure you enjoy a meal at Diamond Shoals Restaurant and Seafood Market at least once during your stay. You’ll find this popular family-owned eatery and market at 46843 N.C. Highway 12 and it’s a place that’s been a culinary staple in the area for more than 30 years. They’re open every day of the week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and whether you go with the stacks of pancakes in the morning, or the fresh caught fare and sushi in the evening paired with a handcrafted cocktail and a great view, your tastebuds are in for a treat.
Rusty’s Surf & Turf is another terrific place to get your fill when hunger strikes during your getaway to Buxton. Rusty’s Surf & Turf is located at 47355 N.C. Highway 12 and it’s truly designed to be a seafood lover’s dream come true. This is an eatery where patrons return time and again for the bold flavors and island-inspired dishes that pair fresh-caught fare with unique toppings at every turn. The restaurant is colorful and inviting and the great service only gives visitors reasons to return with every trip to Buxton. If you drop by just to hang out at the bar, you’ll have the opportunity to try a variety of North Carolina-produced beers as well as unique cocktails that promise to please.
Buxton Is a Prime Place to Enjoy Beach Day Fun
For those who are spending time in Buxton and looking forward to endless days on the sand, this is a place that promises to impress. While there are plenty of beach access points to choose from, the shoreline near the lighthouse is a great option when you want to pair your beach day fun with beautiful scenery. Make sure to head this way early in the day to guarantee the best nearby parking and don’t forget your umbrella, boogie board, and sandcastle-building gear when you arrive.
Getting to Buxton Is a Breeze No Matter Where Your Point of Origin May Be
The goal of a great Buxton vacation is often for travelers to be able to de-stress, unwind with ease, and focus on the fun exclusively for a while. Buxton itself does a great job of providing visitors with this inviting vibe and the good news is that when you head this way, getting here is designed to be equally inviting. If you’re flying into the area, utilizing Norfolk International Airport as your landing point is highly recommended. From here, you can easily hop in your rental vehicle and make the smooth and scenic 3-hour drive into Buxton at your own preferred pace.
If you don’t mind adding onto that drive time a bit and you’re a fan of soaking up great scenery, the Raleigh/Durham International Airport is just a 4-hour drive from your inviting final destination and serves a variety of domestic and international flights daily.
Plan a Trip This Way to Suit Your Travel Style
In every season of the year, Buxton is a vacation destination that has something wonderful and exciting to offer travelers. That said, understanding the travel seasons here can help you further customize your getaway. In general, Buxton’s place on this beautiful barrier island means that prevailing ocean winds are almost always present. This makes even the hottest days in summertime a bit more mild and can add a bite to colder days for winter travelers.
If you want to avoid the rain on your Buxton getaway, planning to travel outside of July and August is a good idea. That said, storms tend to pass quickly so packing in layers can be enough to keep your plans on track. July and August are generally the warmest months of the year in Buxton with daily highs averaging in the low to mid-80s while January and February are typically the coldest months with daily highs in the mid-50s and evening lows dipping down into the 40s.
Book Beautiful Accommodations in Buxton Through Midgett Realty
No matter when your travel plans have you making your way to scenic Buxton, North Carolina, your Hatteras Island adventure deserves to include exceptional standards of luxury, comfort, and style every day you’re here. That’s where the team at Midgett Realty comes into the picture. We’re proud to be area property professionals who are fully dedicated to making sure travelers make more of their experiences on Hatteras Island and our Buxton-based rental options are designed to inspire! Whether you’re looking to enjoy time in a cozy abode by the water, or you’re more in the mood to spend time in a multi-level retreat with shoreline views that can accommodate the entire family on your trip, we have what you’re looking for and more.
Our rentals in Buxton are ideal for solo travelers, couples, groups of friends, and large groups too and offer up amazing views paired with impeccable amenities on-site. Property options showcase spacious open floor plans and fully equipped kitchens for guests to enjoy in Buxton as well as welcoming living spaces outfitted with stylish and tasteful furnishings.
Reach out today to learn more about our exciting lineup of property options in Buxton and beyond the next time Hatteras Island is your vacation destination of choice.
