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On Monday, Sept. 7, the Museum of the Sea located in the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse complex reopened to the public. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The museum includes exhibits on maritime history, the life-saving service, and the 1999 move of the lighthouse.

Visitation for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in August was 386,399 people, around 3% lower than last August’s visitation. Access to Dare and Hyde counties was restricted for four full days at the beginning of August due to Hurricane Isaias.

On Tuesday, Sept. 15, off-road vehicles will be able to travel on oceanside beaches 24 hours a day if no sea turtle nests are nearby. Ramps that remain closed for night driving due to nearby sea turtles’ nests will continue to close at 9 p.m. Night driving locations will be listed on the Seashore’s beach access table, go.nps.gov/beachaccess, starting the afternoon of Sept. 15. Off-road vehicle permits are only available online at www.recreation.gov. Search for Cape Hatteras ORV.

Lifeguards are available through the end of September at Coquina Beach Access, Frisco Beach Access and Ocracoke Beach Access. Beach users should be aware that an area of disturbed weather southeast of eastern North Carolina is expected to elevate the risk of rip currents along the Outer Banks. Check the rip current forecast before heading to the beach. Go to www.weather.gov/beach/mhx. Visitors can also sign up for ocean safety text messages by texting ‘Join OBXBeachConditions’ to 30890.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.

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