Sunset at Canadian Hole and Kite Point on Cape Hatteras: Outer Banks’ Best Photography Spots
After countless early mornings spent chasing golden sunrises along the Outer Banks, it’s only fitting that I highlight a few of my favorite sunset photography locations as well. Just minutes from the Avon Fishing Pier, Canadian Hole and Kite Point offer some of the most breathtaking sunset views along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
These two soundside locations sit along the Pamlico Sound, offering a wide-open view of the western horizon — perfect for capturing rich sunset colors reflecting off calm, shallow water. The combination of wide skies, still water, and frequent cloud drama creates a dreamy canvas for photographers of all levels.
Canadian Hole, a popular windsurfing spot by day, transforms into a peaceful, glowing shoreline as the sun dips low. The water is shallow and clear, often creating stunning mirror-like reflections.
Kite Point, just a short walk north, offers more natural shoreline with sea grasses and a small beach that add texture and depth to compositions. If you have an ORV pass, you can park in the parking area nearby.
Cape Hatteras sunsets are especially beautiful in the spring and fall, when the skies tend to have more color and clouds. I recommend arriving about 45–60 minutes before sunset to scout your composition and catch the soft golden-hour light that precedes the sunset itself. Make sure you stick around after the sun drops — some of the best color shows up 10–15 minutes later in the twilight.
Photography Tips
Sunset at Canadian Hole and Kite Point offers a unique blend of serenity and visual drama. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of these Outer Banks photography spots:
Use a Wide-Angle Lens: A wide lens (at least 24 mm) helps capture the expansive skies, glowing water, and full scale of the scene — especially when the clouds stretch across the horizon.
Try a Telephoto Lens for Sunset Details: A longer lens (70–200mm or more) allows you to isolate the sun, compress the scene, and focus on small details like silhouetted trees, birds in flight, or windsurfers crossing the glowing horizon. It’s a great way to add variety to your series.
Reflections Are Key: The shallow, calm waters of the Pamlico Sound are perfect for mirror-like reflections. Position yourself low to the ground to emphasize symmetry between sky and water.
Pay Attention to the Sky: The clouds over Cape Hatteras are often the stars of the show. Look for layered cloud formations, color shifts, and light rays that add drama to your composition.
Don’t Be Afraid of Minimalism: Sometimes the strongest images are the simplest — a single boat, a strip of land, or a lone wader in the water can create a peaceful, minimalist frame with big emotional impact.
Shoot in RAW: This gives you more flexibility when editing to bring out subtle tones in the sunset, shadows, and sky.
Bring a Tripod: As the light fades, a tripod allows for longer exposures to capture detail without camera shake.
While the Avon Pier feels more energetic at sunrise, Canadian Hole and Kite Point offer a quieter, reflective way to close out the day. Whether you're capturing windsurfers backlit by the last golden rays or simply photographing the vibrant sky mirrored in the sound, you’ll leave with more than just beautiful images — you’ll leave with peace.
