Explore the waterfront setting in Harkers Island
The island views and surrounding scenery provide a peaceful ambiance to your vacation home in Harkers Island. Travelers to this relaxing city praise the fishing, boating and biking. If you're looking for accommodations with space to entertain friends and family, HomeAway has plenty of options to choose from. Many rental homes offer full kitchens and laundry facilities, perfect for big groups.
Family-friendly fun and history on Harkers Island
For a small area that comes in at only 3.8 miles, Harkers Island certainly offers plenty to see. The most well known by far is the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, a 163-foot behemoth overlooking the Southern Outer Banks. The exceptional Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center is dedicated to the posterity of area history, cultural achievements, and environmental highlights that make Harkers Island so attractive. The family will find plenty happening at the Harkers Island Visitor Center, too—there are interactive exhibits on ecology and animals, a children’s area, and a short film viewing.
Ferrying, shopping, nature-ing? It's all here.
If you’re a nature lover and you happen to have a Harkers Island vacation rental, take a moment to step outside, if you will. The Harkers Island Nature Trail, located just behind the Cape Lookout Visitor Center, is calling your name. Shaded by pines, the heavily forested trail is the ultimate bird-watching spot. You can also hop aboard the ferry and enjoy amazing views of the water, wander the beaches, or go for a swim before heading inland—about 10 miles outside Harkers Island—for a little shopping.
Snow means nothing on Harkers Island
Snow really isn't a thing in Harkers Island—how could it be when the average winter high is about 55 degrees? Sure, you may experience a cool breeze being near the water, but it’s a small price to pay for enjoying the beauty of a Harkers Island vacation rental. Summer is customarily hot, with averages of around 90 degrees, and humidity tends to rear its steamy head around the middle of the season. It doesn’t really cool off until November, and even then you may experience a stray 70-degree day or two.
Exploring the natural landscape of Harkers Island
Whether you're looking for fun outdoor activities or just want to take in the scenery, Harkers Island is a great place to get out in nature. These are a few of the area's most eye-catching features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Fort Macon State Park (6.7 mi / 10.8 km)
- Cape Lookout National Seashore (17.8 mi / 28.7 km)
- Freedom Park (4.8 mi / 7.8 km)
- Rachel Carson Reserve (5 mi / 8 km)
- Old Burying Ground Historic Cemetery (6.1 mi / 9.9 km)
- Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail (10.9 mi / 17.5 km)
Traveling to and around Harkers Island
The nearest airport is in New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional), located 37.7 mi (60.8 km) from the city center.