Buxton sits at the elbow of Hatteras Island, about 48 miles down, and it's the village with the landmarks: the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse — the tallest brick lighthouse in the US — and the Haulover Day Use Area, better known as Canadian Hole, a nationally known kiteboarding and windsurfing spot on the sound. The ocean side carries a serious surfing reputation. Housing runs smaller than most OBX towns — built for couples and small crews chasing water, not compounds.
Best for
- Surfers
- Kiteboarders and windsurfers
- Couples
- Lighthouse and seashore sightseeing
- Budget-conscious water people
Not ideal for
- Large groups needing big houses
- Luxury-amenity hunters
Access & character note: The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is in Buxton, inside Cape Hatteras National Seashore — the island's most-visited landmark.
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