Audio Description
Audio Description for exhibits at the Ocracoke Discovery Center is available on both the NPS app and on-site devices, which can be checked out for free. Audio Description is not currently available for exhibits at Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Hatteras Island Museum of the Sea.
Bathhouses
The bathhouses at Coquina Beach, Salvo Day Use Area, Haulover Day Use Area, Frisco Beach, and Ocracoke Beach have ramps and accessible bathrooms.
Bathrooms
Accessible bathrooms are available at all three visitor center locations, as well as many accessible outhouses located throughout the seashore, such as the Buxton Woods picnic area and swim beaches.
Beach access
Several beach access ramps along the seashore have boardwalks to assist in reaching the beach. From north to south, these are Coquina Beach, ORV Ramp 25, Frisco Beach, ORV Ramp 55, the beach access route across from the Ocracoke Pony Pens, and Ocracoke Beach. Several other routes contain boardwalks for a majority of their length but don't fully reach the waterfront. Please stop by a visitor center for further information on which beach access routes are most accessible.
The use of special-permitted ORVs to transport individuals with mobility concerns to a predetermined location in a beach area in front of a village that is not otherwise open to ORV use may be arranged. For more information about this free limited mobility transport permit, and to acquire one, call the park information desk at 252-473-2111.
Beach wheelchairs
At the Cape Hatteras Light Station one beach wheelchair is available for loan. Stop by the visitor center to borrow it (phone number and address of person borrowing it required). It must be returned by 4 pm each day, even if used on consecutive days.
Braille
There is a Braille version of the park brochure available for loan at the information desk in the Hatteras Island Museum of the Sea Bodie Island Visitor Center and Ocracoke Discovery Center. A copy of the Braille brochure in a Braille Ready Format (.brf) can be downloaded in advance of your visit.
Films
The Hatteras Island Museum of the Sea has three closed-captioned and audio-described videos available for viewing.
Lighthouses
There are no elevators in either the Bodie Island or the Cape Hatteras Lighthouses. There is a photo book available at the Bodie Island Lighthouse that provides views of the inside of the lighthouse and views from the top of the lighthouse for anyone unable to climb.
Parking
Accessible parking is provided at all visitor center and swim beach locations.
Trails
The pond trail at Bodie Island Lighthouse is a boardwalk trail that leads to a viewing platform looking out over the marsh and ponds near the lighthouse. The viewing platform is accessible via a ramp at the end of the boardwalk.
Visitor facility ramps
The visitor centers at Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and Ocracoke Lighthouse are all accessible by ramp. The first floor of the Hatteras Island Museum of the Sea is also accessible by ramp; however, the second floor is currently only accessible by stairs.
