Hatteras and Ocracoke are fun. However. You now need an ORV permit to drive on the beach now. Gotta take a ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke. The island is fun but not truly touristy
https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm#ORV
I have a 2012 Kia Optima EX that's usually my daily driver. I have enjoyed driving it. But I just got a 16 Limited 4x4 as my midlife crisis vehicle. I love driving that. It's all up to you