Open Spaces

Beaches
Enjoy a beach campfire under the stars, or a sunrise drive along the water’s edge in a 4x4. Sixteen miles of secluded, natural shoreline with no houses or high rises in sight—perfect for shelling, surf fishing, swimming, long walks in the sand, or just listening to the sound of breaking waves.
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National Park Service
Undeveloped beaches. Wild ponies. A historic lighthouse. It’s all here for you to explore and enjoy thanks to the care and protection of the National Park Service.
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Ocracoke Banker Ponies
On a 188-acre plot of land, behind a wooden fence, lives the herd of Ocracoke Banker Ponies, descendants of Spanish mustangs that survived a nearby shipwreck hundreds of years ago live contentedly in a 188-acre enclosure.
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Ocracoke Lighthouse
The oldest lighthouse still in operation in North Carolina and the second oldest in the nation. Hand-built in 1823, the lighthouse is a piece of history that is cherished by locals, Outer Bankers, North Carolinians, and lighthouse enthusiasts everywhere. 
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Springer’s Point Nature Preserve
A tranquil maritime forest with abundant wildlife, centuries-old live oaks, and traces of historic structures. It’s also the beach where Blackbeard and his crew met their fate at the hands of the British Navy. 
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Hammock Hills Nature Trail
Marsh views, old dunes, and a diverse collection of plants and wildlife. Bring your four-legged friends for an easy hike through some of the highest woodland points on the island.
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Portsmouth Island
Located a short boat ride away from Ocracoke Island stands a historic village on Portsmouth Island. Here, you’ll find a post office, church, schoolhouse, Lifesaving Station, and many lovely homes—the only thing missing is the villagers.
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Outdoor Activities