Ocracoke Island Travel Guide

  Just look for this sign!
by JillPotter
 
  • Just look for this sign!
      Just look for this sign!
    by JillPotter
  • You won't regret your stop at Howard's Pub!
      You won't regret your stop at Howard's...
    by JillPotter
  • whirlpool tub was great!
      whirlpool tub was great!
    by JillPotter
  • Pony Island Motel
      Pony Island Motel
    by JillPotter
  • our kitchen
      our kitchen
    by JillPotter
 

Pro

NC_Ziggy profile photo

 Small, Intimate & Historical Island 


Con

Shihar profile photo

 Way too much tourism for that tiny island in peak season 


In a nutshell

Toja profile photo

 just go and check :-) 

 

Explore Ocracoke Island

Things to Do  

Make a fire on the beach

Make a fire on the beach, Ocracoke Island

 xdescendx Says:  You can easily find a spot on the beach to make a small fire. It can be very ropmantic. Due to the lack of "cuttable" wood on the island, you'll have to buy a bundle of wood for about 6 bucks. You can't beat it :) 

Visit the Visitor Center - National Seashore

Visit the Visitor Center -  National Seashore, Ocracoke Island

 Shihar Says:  Since Ocracoke is part of the NPS Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a lovely little Visitor center is available on the island. There is a huge whale skull outside from a beached whale. The NPS staff never disappoints at being so knowledgable and friendly. You can purchase... 

Ocracoke lighthouse

Ocracoke lighthouse, Ocracoke Island

 Shihar Says:  Driving down to the OBX you will notice several different lighthouses. Each lighthouse has their own unique design. The Ocracoke lighthouse is all white, built in 1823 and is the 2nd oldest lighthouse in the US. Standing at a mere 75ft it is also the shortest and oldest of... 

Visit the British Cemetery

Visit the British Cemetery, Ocracoke Island

 Shihar Says:  There is not much to this British cemetery, but since it was next to the campground we had a look. Many people walk to the cemetery since everything is walking distance on the island. This gravesite is also next to a private gravesite.The cemetery has 4 graves of English... 

Hike a trail! Springers Point trail

Hike a trail! Springers Point trail, Ocracoke Island

 Shihar Says:  We discovered this newly developed trail while we were cruising around on our bikes. This trail leads you through some hardwoods as well as along the beach. The trail is still in progress of being developed as noted the sign states "coming soon". 

Hike a trail! Hammock Hill Trail

Hike a trail! Hammock Hill Trail, Ocracoke Island

 Shihar Says:  We found some interesting trails on our travels throughout the island. One of the trails is right off of Hwy 12 as you come off the ferry towards the town center. (Hammock Hill trail).We saw some wildlife on the trail but you gotta keep your eyes open from them; I almost... 

Restaurants  

Howard's Pub: You Have to go by the Pub!

Howard's Pub: You Have to go by the Pub!, Ocracoke Island

 JillPotter Says:  This is a must go to place when you are on Ocracoke. There is something for everyone. You can get a great burger, fresh fish and seafood, fantastic chicken and steak meals, and everything in between. Howard's is open all year long and there is always a smile waiting for you... 

Captain Ben's Restaurant: Fresh Seafood at it's finest !

Captain Ben's Restaurant: Fresh Seafood at it's finest !, Ocracoke Island

 initfrfn Says:  Great fresh seafood. Nice atmosphere, great and quick service. We enjoyed dinner here twice during our stay in Ocracoke. Even the sides were fantastic. The baked potato was creamy as though it was mashed and even the limas were tasty. Nice variety of warm rolls and hush... 

Ocracoke Pizza Company: The Best Pizza anywhere

Ocracoke Pizza Company: The Best Pizza anywhere, Ocracoke Island

 MimiZepp Says:  Best Pizza I've ever eaten. The ingredients are fresh and the crust comes two ways, thin & crusty. Hubby and I plowed thru a 16" Vegetarian and just could not believe how great it was. You can call in and pick up or have it delivered. Sorry no dining in but what does it... 

Pony Island Restaurant: Great Pony Potatoes

Pony Island Restaurant: Great Pony Potatoes, Ocracoke Island

 NCCruiseGurl Says:   Pony Potatoes are named after the ponies of Ocracoke, now penned at the northern end of the island. Vince has named his specialty dish after these equine animals. They are hash browns topped with salsa, melted cheddar cheese and sour cream. Man, are they good! Best served... 

The Pelican Restaurant: If You Love Shrimp

The Pelican Restaurant: If You Love Shrimp, Ocracoke Island

 NCCruiseGurl Says:  Every afternoon between 3:00-5:00 PM you can get 15 cent shrimp at the Pelican. Eat in the courtyard with umbrellas over each table, you order your shrimp in counts of 25. A cool beer is just great since the shrimp are seasoned with Old Bay. In cooler weather, the bar is... 

Transportation  

No Roads Lead To Orcacoke

No Roads Lead To Orcacoke, Ocracoke Island

 NCCruiseGurl Says:  Ocracoke: a wonderful hiding place. To get there, you can fly, though not commercial flights or go by the North Carolina State Ferry System. If arriving from the northern end, the Hattaras ferry (free) will leave every 1/2 hour in the summer and on the hour in the winter... 

Have a Ferry good time!

Have a Ferry good time!, Ocracoke Island

 Shihar Says:  The only way to get to Ocracoke is by a ferry. There are several different places in NC to board the car ferry. We picked it up on the Hatteras inlet. The total time was 40 minutes one-way. In off season, the ferries run from this location every hour; peak season every half... 

Local Customs  

Ocracoke Broque- Dialect

Ocracoke Broque- Dialect, Ocracoke Island

 Shihar Says:  One of the main reasons that I was looking forward to visiting Ocracoke is to hear the native dialect. I took to a Language and Culture class recently and was taught about this very unique accent. The dialect is partlyUK English, partly Northern US sounding. The speculated... 

Warnings and Dangers  

Please don't feed Wildlife!

Please don't feed Wildlife!, Ocracoke Island

 Shihar Says:  Feeding the gulls and other wildlife will only contribute to annoying behavior. If animals associate humans as a food source that is when the raid tents, swoop down on people, etc.. Also,once they identify humans as a food source they loose the desire to find food on their... 

Blood Sucking Freaks!!

Blood Sucking Freaks!!, Ocracoke Island

 phastphreddy Says:  I've mentioned those three evil banes to humanity before, but it bears repeating here. The mosquito, the deer tick, and the green head fly are all out to get you. They know no fear, there are millions of them, and they never stop.Mosquito bites leave those itchy bumbs we all... 

Tourist Traps  

All things Blackbeard!

All things Blackbeard!, Ocracoke Island

 Shihar Says:  If you had no idea that the pirate Blackbeard hung out here on Ocracoke, you will definately be educated by the overabundance of Blackbeard references throughout the island. There is even an entire museum dedicated to him.Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard, was a privateer that... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Any water sports available!
Shihar profile photo

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Shihar 312 reviews

You can do and rent any type of water activities of your hearts desire! The most interesting sport we saw was Kite Surfing. The outerbanks are definately a good place to kite surf because of the wind.

We didn't get a picture of the surfers but now I wish I had!

Updated Apr 29, 2006

Related to:
 National/State Park

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Favorites  

Legless Louie the Laughing Gull

Legless Louie the Laughing Gull, Ocracoke Island

 Shihar Says:  Before going on this trip, I did some research on VT (of course). One VTer I go to for great tips is NC_Ziggy's travel pages. On his Ocracoke pages he mentions his encounter with a legless gull on the ferry to Ocracoke Island. Being a birder, I was intrigued but never... 

Waterborne Bliss

Waterborne Bliss, Ocracoke Island

 phastphreddy Says:   I know that my dad will never be the poster boy for outdoor sports, but I think this picture of him really sums up a kayaking trip we took. We paddled out of the harbor to some marshy cuts just south of the town. The weather was cool (for June, which means it’s still quite... 

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Map of Ocracoke Island