Salvo, North Carolina is a small village located on Hatteras Island. As part of the Outer Banks, Salvo is in a popular vacation area of North Carolina and attracts many visitors each summer as part of the tri-village community of Salvo, Rodanthe and Waves.
Originally known as Clarksville until the early 20th century, the village received the new name Salvo after a small post office was built in 1901, once one of the smallest post offices in the United States, according to theCoastalExplorer.com. The restored post office stands in the town today along Route 12. Mainly a residential community, Salvo attracts vacationers as part of the tri-village community of Salvo, Rodanthe and Waves, once known as the Chicamacomico Banks.
As part of the Outer Banks, Salvo lies between Pamlico Sound to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west on Hatteras Island. Airports near the Outer Banks include Norfolk International Airport, approximately 120 miles from Salvo; and Raleigh/Durham International Airport, about 230 miles away. Rental car services are available at both of these airports. Drive to Salvo from the north by crossing the Oregon Inlet Bridge and taking Route 12 into Salvo. From the south, travelers take the Ocracoke Ferry and again take Route 12 north to Salvo.
Norfolk International Airport
2200 Norview Ave.
Norfolk, VA 23518
757-857-3351
norfolkairport.com
Raleigh/Durham International Airport
2400 W. Terminal Blvd.
Morrisville, NC 27560
919-840-2123
rdu.com
Visitors to Salvo can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, surfing, fishing, kiteboarding, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, scooter rentals, boating and beach activities. Many local companies provide equipment rentals and lessons for various activities. Between outdoor fun and relaxing on the beach, visitors can also enjoy the small-town charm of Salvo at the Village Conery ice cream store.
Hatteras Watersports
27130 Highway 12
Salvo, NC 27972
252-987-2306
hatteraswatersports.com
Village Conery
26204 Monitor Lane
Salvo, NC 27982
There are a number of accommodation options along Route 12 in the small villages of Hatteras Island, including the oceanside Salvo Inn Motel. Camping is also a cheap option at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, with facilities for RVs, tents and trailers available. The campgrounds provide toilets, showers (unheated), grills and picnic tables, and are the only areas where camping is permitted on Cape Hatteras.
Salvo Inn Motel
27219 Sand St.
Salvo, NC 27972
252-987-2240
salvoinnmotel.com
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
252-473-2111
nps.gov/caha
As a small residential village, Salvo doesn't offer too many dining options for visitors, but there are several restaurants and cafes in Waves and Rodanthe. Try Asian-American cuisine, burgers, hot dogs, seafood, delis and cafes in the Salvo area along Route 12, such as the Down Under Restaurant and Lounge, or the Atlantic Coast Café for dining in or take-away.
Down Under Restaurant and Lounge
25920 N.C. Highway 12
Waves, NC 27982
252-987-2277
downunderrestaurant.com
Atlantic Coast Café
25150 N.C. Highway 12
Waves, NC 27982
252-987-1200
atlanticcoastcafe.com
