Are you looking for amazing places to visit and enlightening ways to expand your horizons and obtain a deeper gratitude for the beautiful world we live in? This road trip from Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) to Cape Hatteras National Seashore will do just that. Begin with your rental car pickup at Avis’ RDU car rental location, cruise through Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, and end your trip along the outer banks of North Carolina. There you’ll find stunning views that could serve as their own travel destinations stretching across 70 miles of coastal terrain that make up Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is less than a five-hour drive from Raleigh Durham International Airport, and is well worth every minute on the road. Once you’ve secured your RDU car rental, get on the I-40 and head East. Continue to Williamston and take exit 515 to get on US-64 E, which you’ll take all the way to Kinnakeet.
In less than four hours, you’ll have the option to visit one of the many great travel destinations in North Carolina. The Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to make a pit stop, have a picnic, and take a refreshing nature walk along wooden trails that weave through the refuge.
Not only is Cape Hatteras a place of abundant wildlife and raw beauty, but there is also a lot to do.
Spend your day at one of the many beaches along the east coast to catch some sun, build a few sandcastles, and take an energizing dip in the swells of the Atlantic ocean. Once the sun begins to set and the temperatures start to drop, warm yourself by a beach fire.
Visit one (or all) of the three historic lighthouses at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Ocracoke Lighthouse, and the Bodie Island Lighthouse are all well worth a visit; however, the interior of the Ocracoke Lighthouse is not open for self-guided climbs, unlike the other two.
Try your hand at waterfowl hunting and make sure you’re following state laws while you do it. Break out your fishing pole and go fishing along the surf, from atop a pier, or from the deck of a boat. Go for a mellow hike or a refreshing jog along sandy coastal trails, try your luck at crabbing off a nearby pier, take a kayak for a sunset float, windsurf, snorkel, and more! The possibilities are endless at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
If your itch to travel isn’t completely satisfied by the end of this road trip, keep cruising! The east coast drive is one of unique beauty, delicious restaurants, and plenty to see and do along the way. If plans change, you can drop off your Avis vehicle at any of our many convenient North Carolina rental car locations scattered across the state or the whole nation. Save time on the drop off when you choose to add a fuel plan to your car rental package!