North Carolina’s historic Outer Banks are a chain of long, narrow barrier islands full of Atlantic Ocean and wetlands scenery, giant sand dunes, lighthouses, beaches, state parks, wild ponies, and shipwreck diving sites. From the first English settlement in 1587 to the site of the Wright Brothers’ first flight in 1903, this is an exciting place for a biker adventure.
The area also offers three annual biker events, including Outer Banks Bike Week in April, Outer Banks Bike Fest in September, and the Outer Banks Bike Show over Labor Day weekend.
NC Highway 12 runs the chain of islands along the eastern coast of North Carolina. When planning a Cape Hatteras motorcycle trip, know that the route from Cedar Island to Manteo, NC, will include two ferry rides and several stops to see the local attractions.
The Route
Starting at Cedar Island, take the Ocracoke ferry to Ocracoke Island. The ferry will land near the Ocracoke Lighthouse. If you need a break before your next ferry ride, explore Ocracoke Island and see the wild ponies or learn about the island’s pirate history.
At the north end of Ocracoke Island, take the NC-12 ferry to Hatteras. From there, it’s 64 miles up NC-12 to Manteo riding among the beachfront dunes between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound.
A ride straight-through will take about five hours—but of course you’ll want to stop in many places along the way. Plan an early start and book the first ferry to Ocracoke to give yourself more time to explore the sights en route.
The Sights and Attractions
Plan a beach visit to any of several beaches along the way. The area often features strong winds, and kiters, windsurfers, and parasailers take advantage of the steady breezes where you can see them from the main road. You’ll also find many fishing piers where you can catch flounder, trout, bass, or mackerel.
The Outer Banks offer five different lighthouse experiences throughout the islands, four of which you can climb. If you want to visit each of the lighthouses, you may want to plan a weekend trip for the ride rather than attempting the full route in one day.
Check out the wild ponies at the pony pen on Ocracoke Island. You can support their conservation efforts and adopt a pony to sponsor.
The historical locations along the route are plentiful, offering opportunities to tour lighthouses, museums, and landmarks. A highlight for shipwreck history is the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras.
As you approach Manteo, you’ll see the Bodie Island Lighthouse, beachfront hotels and villas, and restaurants. You can visit the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island and visit Fort Raleigh National Historic Site celebrating the infamous Lost Colony of settlers.
If you continue north to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, you can visit the Wright Brothers Memorial Museum.
The Eats
If you start early in the morning off the ferry to Ocracoke, stop by the Ocracoke Coffee Company for coffee and pastries. For a later start in the day, or riding through Ocracoke to end your trip, stop by Howard’s Pub & Raw Bar or SmacNally’s Waterfront Bar & Grill.
Once you get to Hatteras, the dining options include Kat’s Deli, the Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop, and the Hatteras Sol Waterside Grill.
In Frisco, don’t miss the Frisco Sandwich Co. restaurant or the Pamlico Deli. Stop for dinner at the Cockeyed Clam Restaurant in Buxton.
Avon offers an assortment of ice cream parlors, restaurants, and sandwich shops.
When you get to Manteo, you can turn toward the mainland again or continue toward Nags Head and enjoy dinner at The Dunes Restaurant or Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant. If starting your return trip, grab some donuts at Duck Donuts in Nags Head.
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