Avon, NC Vacations | Rentals, Activities & Guides

Avon Guide Sections:

Where to Stay
Attractions
Beach Guidelines
Upcoming Events
History
Avon Today
Frequently Asked Questions

Avon Listings

Avon is widely considered by many visitors as the "Center of Hatteras Island," and for good reason. This small town is home to the island's only chain grocery store, a number of popular restaurants, the local medical center, and all the amenities and attractions of a good Outer Banks beach town. Vacationers here will find a number of gift shops, a fishing pier, a spa, a mini-golf course, and just enough amenities to remain entertained without distracting from the allure of the unspoiled and gorgeous beaches.

A kiteboarder in Avon NC

Hatteras Island newcomers who want to be close to amenities but who crave solitude will fall in love with Avon. The town has plenty of history, coastal charm and conveniences, but with a geographical location more than 20 miles off the coast of mainland North Carolina. As a result, Avon, despite its chain stores and two chain fast food restaurants, still clearly remains miles away from the rest of the world.

Where to stay in Avon

Vacation rentals

Hotels

Attractions

Avon Pier

Avon Pier - One of Avon's biggest attractions, besides the fantastic beaches, is the local Avon Pier. Open from early spring until late fall, visitors can fish well into the night, or simply take a stroll down the length of the pier for a fantastic view of the town's parameters. The pier also features a tackle shop, a gift shop, and a convenience store to load up on refreshments and snacks for a hard night of fishing.

Avon, NC Guide & Photos

Koru Beach Club - Nearby is the newly constructed Koru Beach Club which features kid-friendly activities throughout the summer season, and fantastic shows for night owls as well. Classic beach music bands such as The Embers make regular appearances at the club, and the oceanfront venue is an ideal evening destination for vacationers looking for a little after-hours fun.

Kinnakeet Village - One of the area's lesser known attractions is the original "Kinnakeet Village" itself, located on the soundside of one of the town's two stoplights. In this area, a walking or driving tour will introduce vacationers to a number of primarily residential homes, with overflowing coastal gardens, picturesque landscaping, and even a few surprises along the way. Case in point, a number of the village's oldest homes date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, and feature foundations and flooring made entirely out of shipwrecked pieces that were dragged for hundreds of yards off the beach.

Avon, NC Guide & Photos

Restaurants and Shopping - Avon also has a world of restaurants and shops to explore. From the cheap and quirky to the refined and regionally recognized, Avon has a dining establishment for all tastes and palates. For nightlife, a number of these same renowned restaurants also offer live entertainment or seasonal karaoke, with bars and lounges staying open until 1:00 a.m. or 2:00 am., ensuring that even the most dedicated night owls in your group have a fantastic time.

The town is also home to the island's only major shopping plaza, which includes a chain grocery store, a chain hardware store, a local pharmacy, several restaurants and boutiques, and the island's lone four-screen movie theater, which is open seasonally from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Windsurfing is very popular on the Pamlico sound

The Beach - The oceanside, however, is a clear attraction to visitors, and Avon's beaches are famous for being quiet, clean, and an absolute delight for vacationing families. As part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Avon is governed by the National Park Service (NPS), and as a result, local NPS rules are always in place on the oceanside. Visitors can visit the NPS website for more information, however, as long as the basics are followed, such as having a pet on a leash or having a beach bonfire close to the water's edge, vacationers shouldn't expect any trouble staying in compliance with the local rules.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore ramp 38 at the Southern end of Avon NC

The beaches are renowned, in fact, for exceptional shelling and fishing, particularly just a mile or two outside the town's limits, which are accessible by a 4-Wheel-Drive vehicle. (Beach driving permits can be purchased while on the island at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Park Service Station.) Because of the seclusion, shell hunters will find undisturbed piles of shells to root through, freshly washed up with the high or low tides. Here are some other things to know about Rodanthe beach policies:

Pets are allowed on a leash no longer than 6ft, year-round. Pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches. Service animals are allowed at all times.
Fireworks are not permitted in Avon.
Beach fire permits are required. Print, sign and keep your paper permit with you (permits available here). From May 1 to November 15, beach bonfires are only allowed at Coquina Beach, the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras, and the Ocracoke day use area. From November 16 - April 30, Beach fires are allowed throughout the park. Fires are allowed from 6am - 10pm. An adult must be present. Fires must be on greater than 3 feet in diameter. Fires must be built and maintained below the high-tide mark and 50 feet from any vegetation. Fires cannot be left unattended, and must be extinguished upon end of use. The area must be cleaned up.
Beer is allowed on the beach. Wine and liquor are not officially permitted. Please drink responsibly.
Metal detecting is NOT allowed within National Parks.
There are no lifeguard stations in Avon.
It is illegal to walk on the dunes, and it is also illegal to pick live sea oats growing on the beaches.
Fill in any holes you dig. Holes in the sand can be a hazard.
Be mindful of Noise. Most communities consider a violation of the noise ordinance to be any sound that can be heard from inside a nearby residence, and any load noise after approximately 11:00 p.m.
No glass on the beach. Be mindful of glass bottles. Alcohol is allowed on all beaches, but if at all possible, stick to cans and plastic to save future beach-goers from any bare foot injuries.
Surf fishing is allowed. A fishing license is required in North Carolina and can be obtained before your vacation via the NC Marine Fisheries and Wildlife website, or a fishing license can be purchased at most any tackle shop on the Outer Banks.
4x4 Driving on the Beach - The beaches of Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island are managed by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Permits are required, and can be purchased online and sent via mail, or in person at one of the following locations: Coquina Beach office, Cape Hatteras Light Station, and the Ocracoke Visitor Center. Each vehicle must have its own permit. Vehicles must be registered, licensed, insured, and have a current safety inspection if required in home state/country. Vehicles must have low-pressure tire gauge, shovel, jack and jack support board. A spare tire, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, trash bags, flashlight and tow straps are recommended. ATV's are not permitted. Night driving is generally allowed from November 16 through April 30. See current access ramps and beach closings by visiting this page and clicking on the "daily beach access map". Obey all posted signs. ATVs and UTVs are not permitted on the beach.

Upcoming Avon Events

4th of July Celebration at Avon Pier

July 4th, 2025

Celebrate your Independence Day with a bang at the Avon Pier and Avon Beach Klub on Hatteras Island. The 4th of July celebration will feature a collection of events which...

NCBBA Red Drum Tournament

October 22nd, 2025 - October 25th, 2025

Registration is currently open for the Annual North Carolina Beach Buggy Association’s (NCBBA) Red Drum Tournament. The tournament features more than $10,000 in cash and prizes up for...

Avon History

Locals have always referred to the town as "Kinnakeet" and continue to do so, and visitors will notice this name everywhere they go, from the town markers, to the names of vacation rental communities, to the casual conversations of local residents. The name refers to the original group of Native Americans, a branch of the Algonquin tribe, which flourished in the area for centuries. As the area became more populated with European locals, including fishermen and lumber farmers who harvested the dense original maritime forests, the name stuck, and was even designated as the official name of the area's two Lifesaving Stations, "Kinnakeet" and "Little Kinnakeet," both established in the late 1800s and located approximately 5 miles apart.

While the original Kinnakeet Lifesaving Station is unfortunately long gone, visitors can still see the Little Kinnakeet Lifesaving Station, a current work in progress as it is being restored by the National Park Service. The station is located about three miles north of town, and the entrance is only distinguished by a small stack of wooden pilings along the soundside of NC Highway 12. During the station's operation, from 1871 - 1915, the area was home to an entire community of lifesaving station employees and their families, as the daily trek from the larger "Big Kinnakeet" station in town was too far and too long for the majority of lifesaving servicemen.

As a result, the soundside areas of Little Kinnakeet Station held a number of homes and families who lived happily adjacent to the station. Today, the small secondary village has been wiped out, with only a few indications that there had ever been a village there. Adventurous visitors who travel the soundside beaches will find small clusters of brick foundations, and even a hidden and deserted graveyard. These small signs serve as the only evidence of the original Little Kinnakeet Village.

While Little Kinnakeet dwindled after the lifesaving station dissipated in 1915, the town of "Big Kinnakeet" grew, and eventually became a thriving community of locals and visiting hunters and fishermen. No one at the time lived anywhere close to the ocean, but instead settled into "Kinnakeet Village" a parcel of homes, shops, and schools next to the soundfront. The town was officially named "Avon" in 1883, but it took locals a decade or two to make the actual conversational transition.

Once the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge opened in 1962, visitors began to explore Hatteras Island, and soon afterwards developers took interest in the large parcels of oceanfront property. By the late 1960s, a number of small beach-boxes had been constructed along the oceanfront, (and many still remain), enticing vacationers with their wide porches, comfy living areas, and front row views to the deserted ocean beaches.

Avon Today

Development continues to blossom, and today the area is a mix of these well maintained classic cottages as well as new modern vacvation rental homess, complete with private pools, hot tubs, rec rooms, and a host of other resort-worthy amenities.

Avon, NC Guide & Photos

Avon vacationers generally find that they have the best of both worlds: a secluded and private vacation destination, coupled with a large number of modern conveniences and amenities. A vacation in Avon can include a day trip to the spa followed by a night of dancing at the local Beach Club, or a day of lounging on the beach followed by a family beach bonfire. Easily adaptable to all vacationer's expectations and styles, Avon is definitely a small village that offers a ton of modern fun to vacationers of all tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Avon, NC?

Avon is located in the center of Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks. It is 15 miles south of the town of Salvo, and roughly 5 miles north of the town of Buxton. It is bordered on either side by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

How do you get to Avon, NC?

Visitors can access Avon, NC by taking NC Highway 12 south. Avon is located approximately 30 miles south of the Bonner Bridge on Hatteras Island.

What is there to do in Avon, NC?

Avon is home to miles of undeveloped beaches, and is a popular spot for surfing, fishing, and watersports like kiteboarding and kayaking. The town also has a fishing pier – the Avon Pier – a spa, a number of shops and boutiques, as well as roughly a dozen local restaurants.

Where is Kinnakeet?

Kinnakeet is the historic name of the town of Avon. It is located in the heart of Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks. Some locals also refer to “Kinnakeet” as the primarily residential village in Avon, which is located on the soundside near the Avon Harbor.

Where did the name Kinnakeet come from?

Kinnakeet originated from the original Native Americans who lived in Avon, NC hundreds of years ago. Centuries later, when the village was settled, the area in this central corner of Hatteras Island would be called “Kinnakeet.” The town would later be officially named Avon by the US Postal Service in 1883 when a post office was officially established, but the name Kinnakeet stuck with locals. Today, people still refer to folks born and raised in Avon as Kinnakeeters.

Where is Little Kinnakeet?

Little Kinnakeet was the name of a U.S. Life-Saving Service Station that was constructed about 3 miles north of central Avon in 1874. When it was established, it was its own separate and small village, but it dissolved over the years until it was finally decommissioned in 1954. Today, there is no town or community where Little Kinnakeet once stood, but people can still see the original and intact Life-Saving Station along the soundside, just north of town.

What are the special events in Avon?

Avon is the site of a wide array of special events throughout the year. The town is home to the annual Independence Day fireworks display on Hatteras Island, as well as several pier or surf fishing tournaments in the fall and spring months. In addition, area restaurants and nightlife spots regularly host live music throughout the summer, and the Koru Beach Klub - the largest outdoor venue on Hatteras Island – has weekly summertime concerts with regionally and nationally recognized bands.

Where are the beach accesses in Avon, NC?

Avon has multiple beach accesses throughout the town, which include boardwalks at the end of every oceanside street. In addition, there are a number of ORV ramps on the town’s borders for 4WD vehicles, including Ramp 38 to the south, and Ramps 30, 32 and 34 to the north.

Does it cost any money to park at the Avon public beach accesses?

All beaches within the town of Avon and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore are free and open to the public, with the exception of seasonal bird or turtle nesting closures.

Are there lifeguards in Avon?

There are no lifeguarded beaches in Avon.

What are the attractions in Avon, NC?

Avon’s attractions include the Avon Pier, Spa Koru, the Koru Beach Klub and outdoor concert venue, and the town’s miles of pristine and uncrowded beaches. Visitors can also explore the historic Avon Village along the soundside, where a number of historic homes are located, as well as the original 1874 Little Kinnakeet Life-Saving Station, which is an almost secretive landmark located just north of the town.

Are there shops and restaurants in Avon, NC?

Avon has a wide array of shops which include beach gear and surf shops, gift shops, boutiques, coffee shops, art galleries, and other unique destinations. In addition, the town is home to Hatteras Island’s only chain grocery store, as well as seafood markets and specialty food and / or wine stores.

Where do you stay in Avon, NC?

Visitors in Avon primarily stay in vacation rentals, which are rented on a weekly basis, and which can range from smaller condos to 8 or more bedroom vacation rental homes. The town also has a small motel and a small campground for tents and RVs, which is located in the soundside Avon village.

What can you do on a rainy day in Avon, NC?

Avon has several destinations for arts and crafts fans, which includes a paint your own pottery studio and several bead shops. In addition, the town has a spa and salon, and a wide array of stores and restaurants. The town is also within 30 minutes of a number of Hatteras Island attractions, such as the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras village, the Frisco Native American Museum in Frisco, and the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station in Rodanthe.

Are pets allowed on the beach in Avon, NC?

Pets are allowed on the beaches throughout Avon provided they are on a leash at all times, per National Park Service rules and regulations.

Can I drive on the beach in Avon, NC?

Visitors can drive on the Avon beaches in the off-season, from October through March. In addition, there are a number of ORV ramps just outside the town borders, which include ramps 34, 32, and 30 to the north, and ramp 38 to the south.

Are there shells in Avon, NC?

Avon can have decent to excellent beachcombing, depending on a number of factors. Shelling is at its best after a summer hurricane or winter storm, and the beaches north of Avon, (including Ramp 34 and 32), tend to be the most popular with shell seekers.

Are beach bonfires allowed in Avon?

Beach bonfires are allowed within the Avon beaches, and throughout the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. A permit from the National Park Service is required and can be picked up in person at the ranger station in Buxton, or online.

Where can you kiteboard in Avon?

Avon is one of the most popular destinations in the Outer Banks for kiteboarding. Several communities and subdivisions like Kinnakeet Shores, Hatteras Colony, and Island Creek have direct sound access, and kiteboarders can also head south to Kite Point, which is located in between the towns of Avon and Buxton.

Where can you go windsurfing in Avon?

Avon is a very popular spot for windsurfers, with many vacation rental homes along the soundside offering waterfront access. Windsurfers can rent a vacation home in soundside communities like Island Creek, Kinnakeet Shores, or Hatteras Colony, and can also head to Canadian Hole, (also known as the Haulover Sound Access), which is located in between Avon and Buxton.

When is the best time to visit Avon?

The summer is the most popular time to visit Avon, although the beaches generally stay warm from May until early October. Many businesses in Avon are seasonal, which means they remain open throughout the spring, summer, and fall, but may close in the winter months.

What are the air temperatures each month in Avon?

January - high: 52°, low: 39°F

February - high: 54°, low: 40°F

March - high: 59°, low: 45°F

April - high: 66°, low: 53°F

May - high: 74°, low: 61°F

June - high: 81°, low: 69°F

July - high: 85°, low: 74°F

August - high: 84°, low: 73°F

September - high: 80°, low: 69°F

October - high: 72°, low: 60°F

November - high: 64°, low: 51°F