Buxton

North Carolina

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Our quiet little Buxton is located on North Carolina’s Outer Banks (OBX) and is famous for two things. Buxton is the location of the famous Hatteras Lighthouse. This is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States at 208 feet tall. Also Buxton has some of the nation’s finest ocean surf fishing at a location affectionately called by the locals as “The Point.”  

Buxton’s residential winter population of slightly under 1400 residents swells in size as the spring weather brings a promise of good fishing. From then on Buxton remains a fairly active place until the first real sustained cold weather in early January sends the fish to warmer southern waters. Buxton’s economy is virtually based on the seasonal tourism that our local surf fishing provides. As you cruise slowly and happily through Buxton at the posted speed limit of 25 mph you can’t help but begin to realize that you have come to a unique and very special place with a rich history that the area seems to want to share. With plenty of Hatteras Island tackle shops, restaurants, motels and unique Bed &Breakfasts available Buxton makes a very inviting place to enjoy your favorite outdoor activity. 

Currently Hatteras Island itself is deeply embroiled in some serious issues. Along with the fuel and housing crunch that all American's are feeling, the local businesses and citizens are forced to take an active roll in defending the area’s right to have free and open beaches which have been the trademark of this area and is also the basis of its local economy from long before the National Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife arrived.

During the spring of 2008 a lawsuit by the Audubon Society and Defenders of Wildlife was brought against the National Park Service. As this lawsuit developed in court we have come to realize that this lawsuit was actually coerced and even financed by the NPS against itself while using taxpayer money. The result was that they were able to get a Federal judge to require the NPS to severely restrict all beach access (which was their ultimate goal). Even though this maneuver went against written agreements with the original North Carolina donors, it was done  because the NPS claimed they had no defense to the lawsuit which in the end they were actually financing. 

Hatteras Island residents and businesses have always wanted to be able to use our beaches in harmony with the local wildlife. That's why we invited in the NPS here in the first place. However we did not want our public access beaches turned into private bird sanctuaries for a couple special interest groups like AS and DOW. In August of 2008 legislation was introduced into Congress by NC representatives in an effort to stay this judge's ruling and at least give the local "pro access interests" some voice in this issue but these bills were killed in committee due to NPS and Department of Interior's support of the heavy restrictions. This ruling has hurt the local economy so if you are a regular visitor please don't be surprised that your favorite businesses here may have closed or changed owners. It is also suggested that you carefully study all the maps at the NPS's website to be sure that you are not in violation by hiking over a dune to a previous favorite spot.

Please be aware that many great beach spots that are still claimed to be open by the NPS are actually not accessible without crossing un-open spots which is now illegal and heavily fined. This strategy by the NPS of first agreeing to manage a particular area as a National Park and then eventually completely closing that area to much of its public access should be a concern to all American citizens that believe there is a big difference between a National Park and a National Sanctuary.. 

Buxton offers two well stocked tackle shops (Red Drum Tackle & Dillon’s Corner) to get fresh bait and excellent advice. Since it is recommended that you let your tire pressure down to 20 psi or less if you are going to drive on the beach, it’s a comfort to know that there are several places in Buxton that you can immediately air back up when you come off the beach.  

Buxton is also the home of the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club with a membership of 900+ strong. CHAC holds an invitational surf fishing team tournament every fall as well as also sending its own members to represent it at several tournaments along the coast. CHAC is a great place for visiting fishermen to make contact and get the most up to date information on what is happening in Buxton.

• Fishing (surf fishing, offshore fishing, inshore fishing, pier fishing)
• Wave Riding (surfing, kiteboarding, sailboarding)
• Sunbathing
• Bird Watching
• Beachcombing
• Beach Horseback Riding
• Research Outer Banks History
• Fessenden Center (basketball, softball, soccer, dance, skateboard)
• Frisco Mini-Golf and Karts
• Kayaking
• Cycling (bicycles, scooters, motorcycles)
• Camping and RV's
• Seafood Dinner
• Wall Climbing (Kitty Hawk Kites - Hatteras Landing)
• Climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse/ Walk Trails
• Ferry Ride to Ocracoke - Tour Ocracoke Village and docks

Neighbors and Businesses

Buxton has several small neighborhoods with a variety of variously priced homes. Beware, even with the current housing crunch beach property still doesn’t come cheap. The main highway is State Route 12 which runs through the center of Buxton and has several motels along it. Many of the homes in and around Buxton are available for weekly rental. Buxton is Hatteras Island’s local business hub with gas stations, restaurants, grocery store, banks, fire station, EMS station and a small US Post Office. There is also a US Coast Guard Station located within Buxton. Don't miss our pages above (directions, history, information, partners, contact)

If you would like a Free Visitors Guide please let us know and we will have one sent to you. Don't forget to check out our other local Visitor Guides for Frisco, Hatteras, Avon & (Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo).