Best Things to do in Avon, NC

Centrally between the beginning and end of the magnificent Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Avon, North Carolina, is a terrific town to visit year-round.

Hands down, the busiest time of year in this coastal haven are during the summer months of June, July, and August – however, September and October are arguably better times of year to visit.

Below is our list containing 11 of the very best things to do in Avon, NC.

Avon Fishing Pier

Drum, trout, flounder, and much more can be caught off the wooden deck of the only oceanfront fishing pier in Avon and established in 1963 as the final pier to be built on Hatteras Island.

Bring your pole or purchase one from the bait and tackle shop attached to the deck. Squid, as well as many other angler favorites, are available for purchase on-premise. As with every fishing pier on the Outer Banks, a fishing license is not required to cast off the side of the sturdy structure.

41001 Highway 12
Avon, NC 27915
(252) 995-5480

Oceana’s Bistro

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served with a smile at this culinary establishment that offers up primarily American cuisine options.

Clam chowder and anything containing the blackened tuna is a safe bet here. Easily one of the best early-morning spots on Avon for a bite to eat. There’s a well-stocked bar as well as traditional tables and booths.

40774 Hwy 12
Avon, NC 27915
(252) 995-4991

Beachcombing

There is much more to the beach than just surf, sun, and sand. Shells, colored glass, seaweed, weathered limbs, rocks, and natural treasures await your discovery on Avon’s pristine beaches.

Beachcombing is best done in the early morning, just before sunrise, when few others are on the hunt. High tide from the night before brings many treasures to the visible shoreline. This had to be included on our list of top things to do in Avon because it’s a past-time that never seems to grow old.

Surf Fishing

Grab your North Carolina fishing license and some bait and a pole and head to the beach to cast a line in the water at will.

There are many different types of fish you can catch from the shore, and if the water is warm enough and the sandbar extends out from where you’re located, it’s a solid idea to cast with your feet in the water.

Sure, charter fishing is a thrilling and worthwhile adventure, but nothing is like casting from the shoreline and hanging out in the sand, carefully watching your line bob up and down with the waves.

Kayaking

With water surrounding the coastal town on either side, there are plenty of spots to launch your kayak in Avon.

If you’re paddling in the ocean, always use an ocean kayak; an enclosed kayak is appropriate if you are on the good side. Along with leisure paddling, kayaking and fishing is also good time.

Pangaea Tavern

Craft beer, specialty cocktails, wine, and yummy bar food await you at Pangaea Tavern in Avon. Yes, it’s a pub, but don’t hesitate to bring your entire group as this place is family-friendly.

Service is on-point, and their seafood offerings are cooked to perfection and served alongside a diverse selection of different sides.

It’s also worth noting that although it’s a tavern, the joint is well-kept and by no means what most have come to expect from a bar-like restaurant.

41001 Highway 12
Avon, NC 27915
(252) 995-3800

Surfing & Bodyboarding

If you live to ride the waves, you’ll be pleased to learn that some of the best waves along the east coast can be found in Avon. Now there are, of course, calm days, but when the conditions are right, you’ll have a blast catching breaks in this town that’s heralded for its beaches.

Surfboard rentals are available from an array of businesses in and near the town of Avon. In addition, high-quality bodyboards with tricky, slick bottoms can be purchased from various locally-owned surf shops.

Please be careful in the water; Avon has no beach accesses with lifeguards on duty. If that’s a deal-breaker for you, consider traveling north to Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head.

Kiteboarding

An exhilarating water sport that’s unlike any other, kiteboarding originated only a couple of decades ago and is sure to get even the most seasoned adventure junkies' hearts racing. However, quite a few businesses and instructors offer lessons on Hatteras Island if you've never been.

Equipment can be purchased or rented during your vacation as well – we highly recommend you take lessons if you’ve never tried kiteboarding before, as it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing!

The Mad Crabber

Family-owned and operated for more than 25 years, this Avon eatery offers patrons a casual dining environment that accommodates small and large groups of vacationers and area locals.

Their menu includes a selection of fresh local seafood offerings and steaks, salads, and sandwiches. The kids’ menu has something for even the pickiest of youngsters. Portions are hearty, so come with a healthy appetite!

40606 Highway 12
Avon, NC 27915
(252) 995-5959

Kinnakeet Clay Studio & Showroom

Browse their selection of pottery and handmade goods, or schedule a class to learn how to create your unique clay creation. Nestled in the old fishing village of Kinnakeet, that’s located within the town of Avon.

The establishment has a functional eCommerce store if you’d like to make a purchase online for yourself or a friend.

40462 North End Road
Avon, NC 27915
(252) 995-0101

Studio 12

Pottery painting, mosaics, sun catcher glass fusion projects, and more await vacationers seeking a fun, hands-on, unique, and family-friendly activity.

Their gallery is filled with fantastic art for sale and an attached coffee shop that is well-stocked with snacks and a barista ready to prepare a specialty hot or cold beverage of your choosing.

41008 NC Hwy 12
Avon, NC 27915
(252) 995-7899