Shackleford Banks

Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
Price range: CA $135
Rating: 8

Travel Guide

"Beauty and Beast"

Image of wild horses captured at Shackleford Banks in North Carolina during an overnight camping trip at nearby Cape Lookout Island. To get to this island, you have to take a ferry from Harkers Island (or take your own boat to the island if you have/rent one). The ferry is pretty reasonable and in the summer, they operate relatively long hours. I'd advise going early before the sun is too high and on days that the humidity is low, as there is no shade on the island whatsoever. Carry plenty of water with you in any case, as the island is very long and you might have to walk a fair distance before you come across the wild horses.

Other than the horses, there's really nothing else on this island. There is wild camping permitted on the island, so you could make it an overnight trip and have the ferry pick you up the following day. If so, carry food and anything else you might need as there are no facilities on the island. Also carry bug spray as the no see ums will be out in murderous numbers at sundown. The Harkers Ferry also offers options to combine a trip to Cape Lookout and to Shackleford Banks, so you could cover two locations in one trip.

I've heard this place can have magical sunsets/sunrises. On this trip, didn't have much luck with either. But was lucky to stumble across these horses just chilling in the mid morning sun. If you do visit the island, please exercise caution as these horses are wild. They are used to seeing humans around but getting close to them or feeding them is not advisable. This image was taken with a telephoto lens from quite some distance away. Also watch out for cacti - they are around and you run into em when you least expect em.

Thank you for stopping by.

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Visit Shackleford Banks

Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing

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includes taxes & fees

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DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

2717 W Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach NC

CA $135

CA $152 total

Mar 7 - Mar 8

includes taxes & fees

Book a stay at this beach hotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...

8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)

Staff, restaurant, view, location and pier were all strong points.

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

A Place at the Beach

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Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Triple S Marina and ...

8.4/10 Very Good! (287 reviews)

Nice area and amenities, all with beachfront access.

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OCEAN FRONT WITH THE BEST OCEAN VIEWS. HEATED POOL & HOT TUB ALL YEAR

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Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Circle Regional Beach Access ...

9.8/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)

Lovely beach front property! We stayed here for a long weekend and had the best time. The home is the perfect beach cottage with tons of space to spread out and enjoy vacation. Our family enjoyed to hot tub, pool and fun game room. Winter sunsets are amazing-we spotted dolphins sitting on the back ...

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.