Ocracoke Island History
During the early 1700s, Ocracoke Island sat amid a bustling trade route. Larger vessels were unable to navigate the shallow Pamlico Sound, and the island became a settlement for skilled sailors […]
Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum
Located in a restored 1900s-era house, the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum is a non-profit organization that works to preserve the island’s unique history and rich culture. Here, you can find […]
Wild Banker Ponies
Several hundreds of years ago, a shipwreck just offshore left a herd of Spanish mustangs stranded on Ocracoke Island. Their descendants still thrive here today. Physically, the Ocracoke ponies are […]
Island Brogue
“Hoi Toider,” as the Ocracoke Brogue is also known, is a dialect of American English spoken only on remote islands in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The unique accent and vocabulary, […]
British Cemetery
During World War II, German submarines lurked right off Ocracoke Island’s shores. In 1942, the British Royal Navy sent 24 armed trawlers to assist the U.S. Navy in defending our […]
Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Exhibit
In 2006, the watermen on Ocracoke Island banded together to save their livelihood. The island’s last fish house had been put up for sale, which meant there was no access […]
U.S. Navy Beach Jumpers Memorial
In the years leading up to, during, and after World War II, Ocracoke Island was home to a top secret, advanced amphibious training base for a highly classified U.S. Navy […]
Fort Ocracoke Civil War Memorial
During the Civil War, nearby Beacon Island was home to a Confederate fort built on the site of a fort from the War of 1812. Construction on Fort Ocracoke began […]
Restaurants and Brewery
It’s surprising how many dining options you have on Ocracoke Island—and best of all, not a chain restaurant among them. Choose from coffee shops, food trucks, a brewery, fine dining, […]
Food Trucks
Food trucks are a way of life here at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you’re craving biscuits or breakfast burritos, cheeseburgers or shrimp tacos, we have the hook up.
Breakfast and Coffee
Breakfast on Ocracoke Island can be as fast or as leisurely as you like. If you want to grab a quick breakfast sandwich, piled-high biscuit, hot coffee, or fresh smoothie […]
Sweets and Treats
In addition to the fabulous dessert menu offerings at our local restaurants, you can find a variety of sweet treats across Ocracoke Island. We’re famous for figs, so trying our […]
Seafood Markets and Grocery
Yes, you can buy groceries here. Ocracoke Island’s only grocery store, The Variety Store, is the one-stop island shop where you’ll find produce, meats, beer and wine, and almost all […]
Hotels
Your Ocracoke Island experience starts with where you stay. Are you looking for incredible harbor views? Or do you prefer a living-among-the-locals, neighborhood feel? We have a variety of accommodations—all […]
Bed and Breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts are as unique as their owners, and the ones on Ocracoke Island are certainly no different. Our island families play host at B&Bs ranging from charming and […]
Campgrounds
There are several options for RV and tent camping on Ocracoke Island. Reservations are strongly recommended for all, especially during the peak season. The National Park Service offers year-round camping […]
Realties
Ocracoke Island realties can offer personalized lodging selection beyond compare. Tell them what you’re looking for—waterfront views or nestled in a neighborhood? Prefer a private pool or pet-friendly rental? These […]
Pet Friendly
There are lots of pet-friendly accommodations to choose from on Ocracoke Island, ranging from vacation rentals and cottages to campgrounds and hotels. Just be sure to check before bringing your […]
Rental Cottages
Ocracoke Island has a wide variety of rental cottages that are perfect for families and groups of friends who want to keep everyone under the same roof while enjoying a […]
Shopping
We have something for everyone, from gallery hoppers to souvenir shoppers. Our arts and crafts and specialty shops are full of items sure to spark joy. But we also have […]
Spa and Wellness
Relax and go with the flow of an outdoor yoga class or deep tissue massage. Or get your adrenaline pumping with P90X LIVE or try virtual PiYo™ from the comfort […]
Getting Around
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Entertainment
With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, our entertainment scene is bouncing back. Once again, you can find live music playing in the evenings at many restaurants. Our local arts organization is gearing […]
Fishing
The surf side of Ocracoke Island lies just 12 miles away from the Gulf Stream, which results in easy access to offshore big game fishing spots as well as a […]
Watersports
Ocracoke Island’s spacious, uncrowded beaches are ideal for surfing and kitesurfing, offering a safe and easy place for beginners and novices who want to get away from the distraction of […]
Biking
Ocracoke Island’s terrain is comfortably flat with minimal hills, which makes for an easy and enjoyable ride no matter how much experience you have. Single-speed beach cruiser bikes with coaster […]
Kayaking and Paddle Boarding
Ocracoke Island is an ideal destination for safe and easy kayaking or paddle boarding in the smooth, shallow waters of the Pamlico Sound. You’ll paddle through beautiful marsh-lined estuaries that […]
Birdwatching
Closer to the Gulf Stream than it is to the mainland, Ocracoke Island is a birdwatcher’s dream, with more than 400 species having been observed here, including out-of-range rarities blown in […]
Marinas
Because Ocracoke Island is only accessible by boat or plane, marinas are pretty much a given here. And we have several options to choose from depending on boat size and […]
Camping
There are several options for RV and tent camping on Ocracoke Island. Reservations are strongly recommended for all, especially during the peak season. The National Park Service offers year-round camping […]
Shelling
Every inch of beach on Ocracoke Island is fair game for some fantastic shelling. Lucky shellers with a little patience and a good eye have found everything from sand dollars […]
Waterfowl Hunting
Located on the Atlantic fly way, the waters around Ocracoke Island are a haven for migrating waterfowl, including brant, red heads, widgeons, pintails, canvasbacks, and teal. Since the late 1880s, […]
Beaches
Ranked as the best beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2022, Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and operated by the National Park Service. […]
National Park Service
The National Park Service (NPS) offers a variety of nature-focused educational programs for adults and children, which are free and only require a simple reservation. They also staff the Ocracoke […]
Ocracoke Banker Ponies
Several hundreds of years ago, a shipwreck just offshore left a herd of Spanish mustangs stranded on Ocracoke Island. Their descendants still thrive here today. These ponies are a rare […]
Ocracoke Lighthouse
Built in 1823, the Ocracoke Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina and the second oldest in the nation. It shines with 8,000 candlepower and can be […]
Springer’s Point Nature Preserve
This 122-acre nature preserve is open to the public and includes a 0.8-mile nature trail that winds through a maritime forest, salt marsh, and wet grasslands before ending at a […]
Hammock Hills Nature Trail
Over the course of a 0.75-mile loop, Hammock Hills Nature Trail runs through some of the highest points on the island and offers an up-close experience with a diverse collection […]
Portsmouth Island
Established in 1753, Portsmouth Island was one of largest settlements along the Outer Banks, but changing shipping routes, the Civil War, and a lagging economy caused many people to leave […]
