Hatteras Island stretches from Oregon Inlet southward to Hatteras Inlet, with the vast Pamlico Sound on the landward side.  At 'the cape' -Cape Hatteras proper- a visitor is approximately 25 miles from the mainland.  Seven villages are on the long island; Rodanthe, Avon, Buxton, and Hatteras Village are the best known.  Hatteras is internationally known for its fishing --surf, sound, or Gulf Stream charter.  Cape Hatteras National Seashore is keeper of one of North Carolina's most famous 'trademarks' and major visitor destination --Cape Hatteras Lighthouse near Buxton on the cape itself.