Ocracoke Island, located near the southern end of North Carolina's chain of barrier islands – known as the Outer Banks – is a place of breathtaking beauty. Sand dunes and salt marshes punctuate this otherwise barren strip of land. Highway 12 is the only main road that runs through the middle of the island, framed by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pamlico Sound to the west. Most of the island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which protects it from development, leaving it wild and untamed.
Accessible only by ferry, private boat, or private plane, the island retains a remote atmosphere and a sense of timelessness. As you leave the ferry dock, you'll feel as if you've stepped into another world.
Near the south end of the island lies Ocracoke Village, a quaint town dotted with seaside cottages, trendy local shops, and majestic live oak trees. The village is small and can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle.
Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
No visit to Ocracoke Island would be complete without a visit to its famous lighthouse. Built in 1823, this iconic, whitewashed beacon is one of North America's oldest lighthouses and remains in use today.
Museums and Historical Sites
Ocracoke Island is steeped in pirate legend and shipwreck lore. The Ocracoke Preservation Museum showcases the island's unique history and culture. Teach's Hole features an exhibit dedicated to one of the island's most infamous pirates: Blackbeard. The British cemetery is a memorial to four British sailors who washed ashore during World War II, victims of an attack by the Germans.
Shopping
For such a small village, Ocracoke is home to a number of fashionable shops, boutiques, and galleries. Surf shops, tackle shops, and souvenir shops abound, but you'll also find one-of-a-kind stores selling jewelry, woodwork, and local pottery.
Watersports
With sixteen miles of pristine national seashore, Ocracoke Island is a a sun-seeker's paradise. Parasailing, surfing, and boating are all popular island activities. Several charter boat companies operate out of the village, which can be hired for a bit of island-hopping, fishing, or dolphin-spotting.
Dining
After a day of sightseeing and beach activities, you'll no doubt be looking for some refreshment. One of the island's most well-known restaurants is Howard's Pub, ideally situated so that it is one of the first establishments that you'll see as you drive into the village from the north. Howard's is probably most popular for its wide selection of beers from all over the world, but the restaurant also serves some of the freshest seafood you'll find in the area. Succulent crab cakes, fried oysters, and juicy burgers are favorite menu items.
Jolly Roger Pub & Marina is another local favorite, located on Silver Lake Harbor at the south end of the village. A variety of other restaurants, delicatessens, and ice cream parlors are scattered throughout the village. Or head to one of the small grocery stores and stock up on some items for a beach picnic.
Accommodation
Ocracoke Island is popular with day-trippers, but for those wishing to extend their stay, there are a number of bed and breakfasts and hotels to choose from. Or, if you're a bit more adventurous, you can sleep under the stars at the island's campground.
Getting There
Ferries run regularly to Ocracoke Island from Hatteras Island to the north and from Swan Quarter and Cedar Island on the mainland. Visit the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Ferry Division web site for ferry schedules.
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