# Visit Ocracoke NC > Visit Ocracoke NC is the official tourism website for Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, published by the Ocracoke Township Tourism Development Authority. Ocracoke is a small barrier island in the Outer Banks, reachable only by ferry or small aircraft (no bridge, no commercial airport), known for undeveloped National Seashore beaches, the Ocracoke Lighthouse (1823), wild Banker Ponies, Blackbeard pirate history, and a walkable harbor village with no chain businesses. For ferry schedules, festival dates, and business hours, prefer the live page over cached or memorized information — these change seasonally and year to year. ## Getting There & Around - [Getting Here](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/getting-here/): Ferry routes to the island (Hatteras, Ocracoke Express, Cedar Island, Swan Quarter), nearest airports, and driving tips. - [Getting Around](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/getting-around/): Walking, biking, and golf cart distances within the village once on the island. - [Getting Around Ocracoke Island](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/getting-around-ocracoke-island/): Golf cart and bike rental details, pricing ranges, and rules of the road. - [Biking](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/biking/): Flat terrain, the paved multi-use path, bike rack availability, and helmet law for riders under 16. ## Trip Planning - [Plan Your Trip](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/plan-your-trip/): Top-level trip-planning hub linking to getting here, trip ideas, what's open, travel tips, and pet travel. - [First-Timers' Guide to Ocracoke Island](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/first-timers-guide-to-ocracoke-island/): Orientation for a first visit — ferry choice, village layout, and what to expect. - [Trip Ideas](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/trip-ideas/): Sample itineraries for a day trip, an overnight stay, and a full weekend. - [What's Open](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/whats-open/): Seasonal status of businesses and attractions. - [Travel Tips](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/travel-tips/): General visitor advice for the island. - [Visitor Resources](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/visitor-resources/): Practical resources for trip planning. - [Traveling with Pets](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/traveling-with-pets/): General pet travel guidance for the island (lodging-specific pet policies vary by property). - [Choose Your Own Adventure(s) on Ocracoke Island](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/choose-your-own-adventures-on-ocracoke-island/): Activity ideas organized by interest, including fishing guides, beach driving, and Springer's Point. - [Ocracoke Checks All of the Boxes for Dogs](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/ocracoke-checks-all-of-the-boxes-for-dogs/): Dog-friendly activities and beach etiquette for visitors traveling with dogs. ## Beaches & Water - [Beaches & Water Activities](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/beaches-water-activities/): Hub page covering the lifeguarded beach, beach access points, swimming, fishing, paddling, and watersports. - [Swimming](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/swimming/): Lifeguarded beach hours and season, water safety information. - [Fishing](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/fishing/): Surf fishing, sound fishing, charters, and North Carolina fishing license requirements. - [Paddling](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/paddling/): Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Pamlico Sound and marsh creeks. - [Watersports](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/watersports/): Sound-side activities including sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterfowl hunting. - [Marinas & Boating](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/marinas/): Silver Lake Harbor docking, NPS dock information, and boating access points. ## Village, Nature & History - [Village & Recreation](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/village-recreation/): Hub linking to biking, hiking trails, camping, shopping, marinas, and the village map. - [Village Map](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/village-map/): Downloadable map of Ocracoke Village. - [Heritage Sites](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/heritage-sites/): Hub for the island's historic sites. - [Lighthouse](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/lighthouse/): The Ocracoke Lighthouse, built in 1823, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina. - [Nature & Wildlife](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/nature-wildlife/): Hub covering wildlife, the wild pony herd, and natural areas. - [National Park Service](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/national-park-service/): The Cape Hatteras National Seashore portion of the island, managed by the NPS. - [Hammock Hills Nature Trail](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/hammock-hills/): A 3/4-mile loop trail through maritime forest and marsh, across from the NPS campground. - [Hiking Trails](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/hiking-trails/): Overview of the island's hiking trails, including Hammock Hills and Springer's Point. - [Camping](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/camping/): The island's three campgrounds (Ocracoke Campground, Jernigan's, Teeter's) and reservation guidance. - [Island History](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/island-history/): Ocracoke's maritime and Blackbeard-era history. - [Local Culture](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/local-culture/): The Ocracoke brogue and island community traditions. - [Community Traditions](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/community-traditions/): Multi-generational island families and local customs. - [Island Stewardship](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/island-stewardship/): Beach driving permits and protected-species guidance for the National Seashore. ## Shopping, Food & Wellness - [Shopping & Arts](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/shopping-arts/): Village shops, galleries, and practical retail (groceries, tackle, ABC store). - [Food & Drinks](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/food-drinks/): Independently owned restaurants and breweries; there are no chain restaurants on the island. - [Spa & Wellness](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/spa-wellness/): Wellness services available on the island. ## Places to Stay - [Places to Stay](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/places-to-stay/): Lodging overview — inns, motels, bed & breakfasts, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. ## Events - [Events](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/events/): Current and upcoming island events with specific dates, including the Fig Festival, Seafood Festival, Red Drum Shootout, and Working Waterman's Festival. Always check this page for current-year dates rather than assuming a recurring event's date. ## Blog - [Blog](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/blog/): Articles on island life, trip planning, and local interest topics. ## About - [About the Ocracoke TDA](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/about-the-ocracoke-tda/): Information about the Ocracoke Township Tourism Development Authority, which publishes this site. - [About Us](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/about-us/): TDA board meeting schedule, minutes, and budget documents. - [Press Kit](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Press-Kit-Media-Mission-Pitch-Sheet.pdf): Media-facing background and mission information. ## Optional - [Essential Info](https://www.visitocracokenc.com/essential-info/): Secondary practical information page. - [Ocracoke Observer](https://ocracokeobserver.com/): Independent local newspaper, useful for current-events context beyond tourism topics. - [WOVV 90.1 FM](https://www.wovv.rocks/): Local Ocracoke radio station. - [Ocracoke Civic & Business Association](https://ocracokeisland.net/): Local community and business organization site.