Sunset on Trent UT05

Three Bedroom House, Located on Ocracoke

Spend a Relaxing Afternoon of Kayaking or Canoeing

People of any age and skill level can enjoy a relaxing afternoon of kayaking or canoeing in the calm waters of Silver Lake Harbor or the Pamlico Sound. Silently paddle among the sailboats that are anchored in the harbor. Schools of baitfish ripple across the surface as a family of ducks swim up to join you. Ocracoke's flora and fauna will delight you, as seagulls reel overhead and a pelican dives into the water after a snack. In a kayak, you are right there at eye level with nature.

Come To One of Ocracoke's Annual Events

Ocracoke has all sorts of celebrations and festivals, so schedule a visit to coincide with one of them and see what all the fun is about! Memorial Day weekend offers the Fire Department Pig Pickin, Auction and Dance. The Ocrafolk Music and Storytelling Festival has rapidly become the highlight of a spring visit. Ocracoke is also famous for its July 4th celebration. The Ocracoke Art Walk is traditionally held on the last Saturday of September, bringing all of Ocracoke's artist talent together in one place. Visit www.OcracokeGuide.com for more information.

Take Your Kids To Surf Camp

Ride the Wind Surf Shop on Ocracoke offers a kids surf camp in the summer. Classes emphasize water safety as well as surfing skills. They have operated the surf camp for several years and have introduced hundreds of kids to surfing and the surfing community. Check online for the surf camp schedule and reservations information at www.SurfOcracoke.com.

Make a Friend, Talk To a Local

Strike up a conversation with a local, especially an older one, and you might be surprised how much you can learn about the island. Also known as Ocockers, the native islanders are a tight knit bunch. There is a real sense of community on Ocracoke. You're sure to notice the Ocracoke "brogue," the famous local dialect that has evolved over the past 250 years. Sit for a spell and let a real Ococker tell you about some of the historical and cultural lore of Ocracoke.

Catch a Wave Surfing in the Outer Banks Ocean Waters

Because the Outer Banks are set farther into the ocean with deeper waters than most other coastal regions, the surf of the Outer Banks is said to have the best breaks on the East Coast. The various shipwrecks and sandbars also create unusual wave patterns for the thousands of surfers who come to the area each year to ride the waves. As with any activity in the ocean, always go with a friend and be aware of water, weather and beach conditions. Educate yourself about rip currents by visiting www.EenaProject.com.

Join the Ocrafolk School

The Ocrafolk School is a week of island heritage workshops and fun. They offer courses such photography, pottery, painting and basket weaving. Offered annually and only in October, this is a week you'll never forget! Visit the website, www.OcrafolkFestival.org or call (252) 928-0217 for more details.

Go Swimming in the Ocean

A favorite pastime of Ocracoke visitors is going swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Ocracoke has one Lifeguarded Beach. It is the most popular of Ocracoke's beaches. The Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach was named the Number One Beach on Dr. Beach's annual America's Best Beaches list of 2007. This beach offers public restrooms and showers, ample parking and a wooden boardwalk leading over the dunes and onto the beach. Even experienced swimmers should check with the lifeguards for information on water conditions. Educate yourself about dangerous rip currents at www.EenaProject.com.

Get a Beach Family Portrait

The picture perfect backdrop of Ocracoke's beaches provide the ideal setting for a family portrait. The Atlantic Ocean's jeweled tones against soft, light sand with dune grasses and sea oats waving behind you ... can't you just see it? There are several Ocracoke photographers available to capture that special portrait of family or friends.

Enjoy an Al Fresco Waterfront Dinner

Ocracoke has a number of waterfront dining options where you can sit outdoors and enjoy a lovely breeze off the sound and maybe some live music, too! What could be better than enjoying a cool beverage and a delicious meal as you watch the boats coming in to the harbor for the evening and the watercolor sky lit up with a brilliant sunset. A walk through the heart of the village reveals several waterfront dining options along the shores of Silver Lake Harbor.

Tour the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located in Hatteras Village, was created to preserve the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks throughout history. The museum has a unique design with an entrance modeled after the timbers of the many shipwrecks that have happened along the treacherous Hatteras coast. For more information, contact the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum at (252) 986-2995. Conveniently located next to the Hatteras Ferry Terminal, a museum visit can be combined with other Hatteras Island attractions for a day off the island.

 

Ocracoke Restaurants

Ocracoke Pizza Company
Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Fig Tree Bakery & Delicatessen
1015 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant
1175 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Jason's Restaurant
1110 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Creekside Cafe
475 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Flying Melon Cafe
804 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Thai Moon
589 Irvin Garrish Highway
Spencer's Market
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Dajio
305 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Smacnally's
180 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Flying Melon Cafe
804 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Jason's Restaurant
1110 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Coffee Co. and Island Smoothie
226 Back Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Shopping

Island Memories
271 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Zillie's Island Pantry
538 Back Road (Near British Cemetery Road)
Ocracoke, NC 27960

BW's Surf Shop
274 Irwin Garrish Highway
Community Square
Ocracoke, NC 27960

The Sunglass Shop
589 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Deepwater Pottery
62 School Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Zillie's Island Pantry
538 Back Road (Near British Cemetery Road)
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Island Natural Health Store
170 Back Road
Sunflower Center
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Restoration
585 Irvin Garrish Highway
Spencer's Market
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Island Girl Gifts
419 Back Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

The Community Store
278 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Island Hammock Co.
201 British Cemetery Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Fat Boy's Fish Co.
300 Lighthouse Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Attractions

Anchorage Inn & Marina
205 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke
396 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Preservation Society
49 Water Plant Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
1 Loop Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Teach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit
Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Activities

Portsmouth Island Boat Tours
278 Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square Docks
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Kitty Hawk Kites
Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Kitty Hawk Kites
Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ride the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop
486 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Ghost & History Walk
170 Howard Street
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Coastal Helicopters, LLC
158 Ocean View Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Morning Starr Beach Rides
1070 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Pamlico Sound Waterfowl Hunting
PO Box 674
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Austin Boat Tours: Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Cruises
138 Loop Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Youth Center
1037 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

The Glass Bead
585 Irvin Garrish Highway
Spencer's Market
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Schooner Windfall Pirate Cruise
278 Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square Docks
Ocracoke, NC 27960