Frisco Beach
Frisco, NC 27936, USA
fishing
Excellent surf fishing opportunities year-round; NC fishing license is required

swimming
Frisco is a designated OBX swimming beach

lifeguards
Lifeguards are on duty daily from 9 AM to 5 PM from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day

pets
Leashed pets are welcome

activities
Fishing, Surfing, Kiteboarding, Swimming, Seacombing, Camping

amenities
Restrooms, Showers, Changing Rooms, and Lifeguards

fees
Free to access on foot; driving on the beach is $50 for a 10-day pass or $120 for an annual permit

parking
Parking on the beach is available with a permit; there are also 3 parking lots near the bathhouse
Nearby Beaches





Frisco Beach is on the southern tip of Hatteras Island in North Carolina. It's in the small, unincorporated town of Frisco and offers a quiet, relaxing getaway for those heading to the Outer Banks. In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about Frisco and how to have a fantastic vacation.
With several beaches lining the chain of islands off the North Carolina coast, there's plenty of space for beachgoers to spread out. Frisco, NC is an excellent place to visit if you're looking to get away from the hustle while enjoying beautiful scenery, delicious food, and water activities.
While Frisco is laid-back, it's still a popular destination during summer. As part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, it boasts 70 miles of scenic shoreline that makes for a picturesque panorama.
Let's take a look at all things Frisco, NC!
History
The history of Frisco dates back to the Hatteras Native Americans, which is why some people refer to the area as Indian Island. It's believed that the Croatoan Indians were among the first people to call the island home. To learn more about the area’s Native American history, Frisco vacationers and locals can visit the Frisco Native American Museum.
Hatteras Island was one of the first areas British colonists found in the New World. It's said that the first British settlers in the area disappeared between 1587 and 1590. New European colonists settled in the area in the 1700s. They depended on fishing, hunting, and the lumber trade for their livelihoods.
By the late 1800s, the area was well-traveled but somewhat dangerous because of the Diamond Shoals, which caused hundreds of shipwrecks.
Prior to being named Frisco, the small village was known as Trent by its first English settlers. When the first post office opened in 1898, the name Trent and Trent Woods were rejected. That's when it was named Frisco.
Today, archeologists enjoy exploring the Buxton Woods Maritime Forest, where they find huge sand piles and treasures buried deep down.
Road 12 crosses from island to island and connects the island chain to the mainland. You can cross over from the mainland on Highway 64 or Highway 158. The small Billy Mitchell Airport also serves the area. These updates, along with the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse prevent all the shipwrecks that once plagued the area.
Although there are only about 200 permanent Frisco residents, this quaint town is easy for travelers to get to. There are tons of vacation rentals that welcome vacationers year-round, especially during the summer months. It's an amazing destination for those looking to unwind and enjoy wide open beaches.
Where To Stay
There are several accommodations in and just outside of Frisco, NC. Whether you're looking to enjoy nature while camping, rent a vacation rental with your friends or family, or stay in a hotel, there's something for everyone.
Here are a few places to stay in Frisco:
- Frisco Woods Campground: a popular waterfront campground with tent and RV sites, water activities, and amazing scenery.
- The Inn on Pamlico Sound: a boutique hotel with fine dining and views of the Pamlico Sound.
- The Atlantic Inn: a historic inn with unique and charming decor.
- Breakwater Inn: a laid-back hotel on the water, ideal for boaters and anglers.
Frisco Beach Attractions
There are many fun things to see and do on Hatteras Island and in Frisco, NC. Before visiting, check into which places are open as many places on the island close during the off-season.
Beach Activities
The Outer Banks is known for its fun beach activities, and Frisco is no exception! You can go kayaking, kiteboarding, windsurfing, fishing, and seaside camping. Frisco is also a great place for swimming and surfing, especially for beginners looking for smaller waves. Many visitors also enjoy seacombing and finding lots of seashells.
The island also has ORV ramps that are open 24 hours a day for four-wheel-drive vehicles with a beach driving permit. Many visitors enjoy parking on the sand to settle in for the day and into the night, as you can also have a bonfire next to the ocean. Just be sure to purchase a beach fire permit first.
If you're interested in checking out other beaches, be sure to check out Hatteras Village and the Haulover Day Use Area.
Historical Sites
If you're a history buff, you're in luck! Frisco, NC is home to several fascinating historical sites, including the following:
- The Futuro House: an iconic piece of architecture from the 60s.
- Frisco Native American Museum: a non-profit museum that has preserved Native American art, artifacts, and history.
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: 1 of 7 historical OBX lighthouses run by the National Park Service.
Art Galleries and Gift Shops
If you're looking for treasures to take home, you'll love Friso's art galleries and gift stores. You can find various ones along highway 12, each unique with beautiful pieces.
We definitely recommend checking The Blue Lagoon (a local art gallery and chocolate shop) and Red Drum Pottery and Coffee (another art gallery selling gorgeous pottery and delicious coffee).
Dining
You can't visit Hatteras Island without enjoying delicious fare. You can find several delicious restaurants in Frisco, including several seafood spots and cafes. Keep in mind that some restaurants are closed during the off season.
Frisco Beach Review
Frisco is away from the hustle and offers a relaxed atmosphere. Frisco beaches are beautiful and provide the perfect place to unwind and enjoy water activities. We think it's perfect for beachgoers looking for a quiet slice of paradise.
The beach is very accessible, with ramps providing access to the ocean and restrooms. The sand is also relatively flat and easy to walk on. You can also get a permit to drive right up to the Atlantic Ocean.
Because Frisco beach is a smaller town, you'll find more shops and equipment rentals nearby in Hatteras proper or Buxton.
Overall, Frisco Beach is gorgeous and it's one of the best free public beach accesses in the area.
Here's what other beachgoers said about Frisco:
"I love the seclusion of this area. You can always find an empty spot to look for shells and surf."
"Great vacation spot"
"Best place on entire island!"




