Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Salvo, NC

  • Published 2022/06/07

Salvo is one of the tri-villages on Hatteras Island, a part of Dare County, in North Carolina.

It also spans around 253 hectares.

While Salvo is the quietest of the tri-villages, it has many options to explore.

Whether you want to spend time by the sea or check out the shops in town, there are plenty of ways to have fun in Salvo.

Here are the best things to do in Salvo, NC:

Enjoy a Picnic at the Salvo Day Use Area

Road sign of Salvo Day Use Area

Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the top places in Salvo is the Salvo Day Use Area.

The Salvo Day Use Area is a day park you can find by going south of town and has access to the beach.

When visiting this park, you can enjoy plenty of amenities, including a picnic space and launch areas for kayaks.

As a day-use area, you cannot access the park during the evening.

If you want to make the most out of this place, plan out your activities like kayaking and kiteboarding.

Browse the Collections of the Pea Island Art Gallery

The Pea Island Art Gallery is the prime spot to check out the art in Salvo.

Nearly a hundred artists, both local and regional, have created the artworks on display at the gallery.

The art pieces range from hand-crafted works to paintings and photographs.

You can also buy a selection of pieces, such as home decor and jewelry.

Other than featuring different types of artworks, the gallery has a replica of the 1874 Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station on North Carolina Highway 12.

Check Out Duck Village Outfitters

If you need outdoor gear, check out Duck Village Outfitters.

Whether you want to go paddling or cycling, Duck Village Outfitters offers plenty of equipment for rent and purchase.

Besides offering various gear for the beach and land, the store provides surfing lessons and kayak tours.

Find the gear you need at Duck Village Outfitters.

Find Gear at the Fishin Hole

For anyone interested in doing some fishing, check out the Fishin Hole for your fishing gear needs.

The Fishin Hole features a selection of products, ranging from rods and lures to bait.

Besides having various products to help cash different fish and shellfish, the shop provides drinks, snacks, and beach equipment like floats and sunscreen.

Whatever item you may need, you’ll find plenty of options when visiting The Fishin Hole.

Rent a Jetski from Hatteras Watersports

Head to Hatteras Watersports if you’re interested in watersports like jet skiing or kayaking.

Hatteras Watersports features different gear to enjoy activities on the water.

From paddleboards to jetskis, Hatteras Watersports offers multiple options for watersports enthusiasts.

Whether you have experience with watersports, the rental store is an ideal spot to check out local activities.

Shop at the Blue Whale

The Blue Whale is where to go if you’re looking to shop for local items.

As a local grocery store, the Blue Whale sells drinks, magazines, and sauces.

Besides being a local grocery, The Blue Whale offers petrol services and has a selection of gifts you can buy as souvenirs.

If you’re looking for someplace to shop in town, you should check out the Blue Whale.

Snag a Souvenir at Highway 12 Shirts

Are you looking for a souvenir?

If yes, you need to visit High 12 Shirts on Bluebeard Road.

While the shop mainly features shirts ranging from long sleeves and tank tops, you can also check out a selection of miscellaneous items.

These items include tote bags and stickers.

High 12 Shirts may not be the most famous shop in town, but there is plenty of items you can check out.

Rent a Ride from Island Cruisers

You can explore Salvo in many different ways, but have you ever gone around in a golf car?

With Island Cruisers, you can ride around town in a vintage buggy or golf car.

Depending on what you rent, there are different places you can find and a selection of options to fit your needs.

Whether you want to cruise the area or seek hidden gems, you’ll find plenty of accommodation with the Island Cruisers staff.

Book a Stay at Moon Palace 687

The Moon Palace 687 is one of the many places where you can enjoy a comfortable stay in Salvo with a view of the beach.

The vacation rental house, which you can find near the Farrow Drive area, is a six-room home with plenty of amenities.

These amenities include a pool, pool table, and game room.

You also get convenient access to different shops and eateries nearby.

If you’re looking for a place with plenty of conveniences and a view of the beach, consider booking a room at Moon Palace 687.

Relax at Castaway Too Salvo

Among the different places open for rent in Salvo, the Castaway Too Salvo is the ideal place for large groups visiting the town.

There are eight rooms available in this vacation rental and several amenities for guests to use.

Some of the amenities in this vacation house include a hot tub, fireplace, and comfortable furnishings.

You can find the vacation house around the Farrow Drive area and check out all availability online.

Treat Yourself at Cape Hatteras Massage

If you’re looking for more relaxing options to enjoy in the town, check out Cape Hatteras Massage.

It’s a mobile massage therapist service that caters to all villages on Hatteras Island.

They offer different massages, so Cape Hatteras Massage has plenty of options to accommodate you.

They also offer a selection of essential oils to help with your choice of session.

Cape Hatteras Massage is the service to book for anyone who likes massages for pain relief or relaxation.

Grab a Cold Treat at the Village Conery

If you’re looking for something sweet, then visit the Village Conery.

The Village Conery is an ice cream and yogurt shop that generally opens during a specific time of the year.

The shop features a variety of iced treats ranging from shakes to ice cream cakes.

While the shop is not open year-round, you’ll find plenty to enjoy on a hot day.

Go Drinking at Tina’s Tavern

Tina’s Tavern is where to go if you’re looking for something to drink.

It’s a cocktail bar that features different blends of alcohol and hosts live entertainment.

Besides live entertainment, the bar hosts different events throughout the year.

If you’re looking for someplace to have fun with drinks, Tina’s Tavern is your place.

Eat at the Atlantic Coast Cafe

The Atlantic Coast Cafe is the prime spot to enjoy a heat meal in Salvo; it also has plenty of options you can enjoy.

Whether you want to dig into a hearty breakfast or get a sandwich, the Atlantic Coast Cafe has plenty of meal options.

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a good meal, the Atlantic Coast Cafe is a top choice.

Find Fresh Seafood at Alex’s Shrimp Shack

Treat yourself to fresh seafood at Alex’s Shrimp Shack on Sand Street.

You can purchase some fresh shellfish or check out their sauces.

Besides featuring different shellfish and sauces, the shack has a selection of desserts, including key lime pie and banana pudding.

Alex’s Shrimp Shack also hosts some events.

Other Things to Do Nearby

See the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Exterior of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Stephen B. Goodwin / Shutterstock.com

Salvo has its share of nearby attractions you can check out.

If you’re interested in finding tourist attractions, you should go to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a 59-meter-high lighthouse located in Buxton, less than 30 minutes away from Salvo.

Entrance of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Tom Worsley / Shutterstock.com

The lighthouse has operated since 1803, and many have climbed the structure over the years.

Due to restoration work, access to the lighthouse may be limited.

Those interested in climbing will need to check the climbing allowance online.

Either way, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a prime spot for history enthusiasts to visit and offers lovely scenery for photography.

Visible stars under the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Mike Ver Sprill / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Watermen’s Bar & Grill

There are plenty of places to indulge in drinks and dig into a good meal, and the Watermen’s Bar & Grill.

The Watermen’s Bar & Grill is an eatery and bar you can find in Waves, North Carolina.

It features plenty of options and amenities.

Enjoy a range of dishes that include sandwiches and fajitas.

Besides the food, Watermen’s Bar & Grill offers a selection of alcohol and even features a rum bar.

If you aren’t into the list of blends, you can enjoy coffee and smoothies instead.

The eatery and bar also feature a lovely view with a waterfront stage where you can enjoy live music.

Explore the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site

Exterior of Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site

Elizabeth from burlington, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site is a historic station that doubles as a museum, established in 1874.

The station retains most of the original design and hosts educational programs and events throughout the year.

You can find this site in Rodanthe, North Carolina.

Find several artifacts on display telling the history of the US Life Saving Service.

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site is an ideal place to visit for history buffs.

Final Thoughts

Salvo is an ideal spot to enjoy a laid-back vacation.

There are plenty of shops and activities for you to try in Salvo.

If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you got plenty of options to choose from.

Salvo may not have the flashiest sights and attractions, but it is an ideal choice for a vacation by the sea.

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