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

Choose Your Own Adventure(s) on Ocracoke Island
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Getting Around Ocracoke Island
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Enjoying a slower pace of travel on Ocracoke
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Accessible Ocracoke: How This Delightful Outer Banks Island Rolls Out a Warm Welcome to Visitors with Disabilities
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How to Love Kayaking
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Fishing on Ocracoke – for the Non-Fisherman
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Ocracoke—the Ideal Camping and RVing Destination
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Ocracoke for the Retired Traveler
There’s a saying on island: If the world ended today, Ocracoke would hear about it next week.
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Ocracoke Checks all of the boxes for Dogs
   
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First-timers Guide to Ocracoke Island
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Fishing
An industry that fuels and sustains our island economy. A leisure activity for some. A competitive sport for others. No matter what drives your interest in fishing, all are welcome to cast here. 
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Watersports
Sixteen miles of uncrowded shorelines with tropical water temperatures and a gentle surf in the summer, coupled with wetsuit weather with heavy waves in the winter, make watersports enjoyable all year long.
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Biking
With its comfortably flat terrain and bike racks aplenty, biking is a perfect way to explore the island.  For locals and visitors alike, it’s a preferred mode of transportation.
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Kayaking and Paddle Boarding
Glide along the smooth open water of the Pamlico Sound. If you enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding—or ever wanted to try them in a safe, spacious place—Ocracoke Island is the destination for you.
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Birdwatching
Over 400 species of birds can be found here—Grab your binoculars and download the latest birding app because you’re going to want it here.
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Marinas
From quick, no-frills slips to a marina with a watering hole and other luxury amenities (including parasailing and more), Ocracoke Island is more than just a place to park your boat.
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Camping
Sleep under the stars with the sound of the waves crashing outside your tent. Hang out by the grill making new friends with fellow RVers. No matter your style of camping, Ocracoke has a spot for you.
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Shelling
Whelks. Coquinas. Queen Helmet Conchs. Periwinkles. Sand dollars. And the elusive Scotch Bonnet. Bring a bucket or a bag, roll up your sleeves (and pants legs, too), and prepare for a good haul.
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Waterfowl Hunting
Our haven for migratory waterfowl makes for a sport gunner’s paradise. Experience what the Pamlico Sound has to offer and learn something new along the way with guides that grew up on these waters.
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