Have you ever wanted to visit a remote island, surrounded by water, where the streets are lined with bicycles, there's a bit of history around every corner, and the sunsets are something you'll never forget?
Ocracoke Island is a magical place on the Outer Banks, only accessible by ferry and a classic annual vacation spot for many families, guests and local alike. Keep reading and we'll show you how to make the most of your time on Ocracoke Island. Whether you're looking to plan your first trip to Ocracoke or your fifth, these ideas are sure to make any day trip to Ocracoke unforgettable.
1. Explore Ocracoke Village
Curious what life looks like in an island village with no stoplights?
Ocracoke Village is walkable, bikeable, and full of soul. You’ll find art studios, salty general stores, and locals with stories to tell. Getting around is easy with the village itself being a mile in any direction, making it entirely walkable, even on the outskirts of town! And if you're looking for a scenic walk as you take in the ocean spray with a cup of coffee, there's a two-mile-long paved path that's perfect for exploring and will lead directly the lifeguarded beach! Check out the walking map and directory, as well as the bike map and information about golf carts and the local tram here.
The charm is real—and so is the fudge at the Sweet Tooth and Fig Tree Deli. Get ready to enjoy a variety of local stores, catering to all of your needs, from a local Kitty Hawk Kites branch for all your watersports needs, to Moonraker Tea Shop and Annabelle's Florist & Antiques. You're also going to love the convenience of the gourmet wine shop, artisan crafts and jewelry, and arts and crafts that both embrace the whimsy of the island and give you the perfect souvenir to take back home with you to your loved ones.
Did you know? Almost the entire village is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Don’t leave without stopping at Books to Be Red—the most beloved indie bookshop on the island. While you're here, make sure to pick up some local Deepwater pottery, handcrafted jewelry, candles, and soaps for the ultimate island experience!
2. Snap a Photo at Ocracoke Lighthouse
Why is the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina also one of its most photographed landmarks?
Standing since 1823, the Ocracoke Lighthouse may be short compared to others, standing 75 feet tall, but its whitewashed simplicity and serene setting make it iconic. Though interior tours aren’t available, the grounds are open year-round. In 1954, the Ocracoke Light Station became fully automated and there was no longer a need for a lightkeeper to live on the grounds of the lighthouse. It is technically still an active Aid to Navigation and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It's one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the US (behind the Boston Light and Sandy Hook Light) and it still stands by to help navigation through the inlet!
Check out this virtual tour of Ocracoke Light Station and Lighthouse Climb before you go!
Insta-worthy spots: The Ocracoke Lighthouse is one of the most Instagrammed locations on the island (#ocracokelighthouse).
Snap a photo here just before sunset—bonus if you catch the soft glow of golden hour. This is also the PERFECT spot to go kayaking and get a great view from the water of the lighthouse and the surrounding marsh area!
3. Dig Your Toes in the Sand at the Uncrowded Beaches
Looking for beaches that feel like your own private stretch of paradise?
Ocracoke’s beaches are routinely ranked among the best in the country, thanks to their untouched beauty and peaceful vibes. With miles of undeveloped shoreline, you’ll never have to fight for towel space. Take advantage of the lifeguards and the well-known clean sand and water. There's also an ADA-accessible ramp at the Pony Pen Beach! And don't forget, there's also plenty of parking, restrooms, showers, water fountains, and a boardwalk out to the beach! If you're looking to get away from the world and just exist with the sea and sand, Ocracoke Island is the PERFECT place to get away.
Need Proof? Dr. Beach named it the #1 beach in America in 2007, #2 in 2019, and again named the Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach as the best beach in the US for 2022!
Pack a cooler, bring a book, and head to the lifeguarded beach just south of the village.
4. Visit the Ocracoke Pony Pens
Think wild horses only roam Corolla? Think again.
Like their Corolla counterparts, the Wild Banker Ponies of Ocracoke Island arrived with a shipwreck and thrived on the island for centuries. In 1959, the ponies were permanently penned and came under the protection of the National Park Service! Now with 188 acres of beach and marsh to traverse and paddocks and stables for resting, guests can come and visit them at any time at the Ocracoke Pony Pens! Children of all ages are going to love the chance to see these beautiful ponies and celebrate their place and legacy here on the Outer Banks.
Take in the Views: Visitors often enjoy the raised viewing platform and boardwalk that make this the perfect place to relax and enjoy a waterside walk. So bring the kids (and the cameras) and get ready to enjoy this fun (FREE) spot during your Ocracoke Island adventures.
5. Enjoy Some Watersports!
Curious how it feels to kayak alongside herons in the marsh or sail into a pastel sunset?
Ocracoke is an island, so it should be no surprise that the ocean is truly life on this stretch of land! From food to fun, the ocean is at the heart of everything on Ocracoke Island. Sign up for a guided kayak tour, rent a paddleboard, or book a sunset sail out of Silver Lake Harbor for an unforgettable adventure that is sure to make memories to last a lifetime. If you're looking to surf, SUP, or boogie board, Ocracoke is an incredible place to do it. You'll also find that this is the prime spot for kitesurfing, clamming, fishing, and more!
Book Local: Partner up with a local outfitter like Ride the Wind or Portsmouth Island Boat Tours for a local's perspective of the water. Be sure to book a sunset cruise for date night or head out with your family for bird spotting on a kayak adventure!
6. Explore Local Cuisine
Wondering where to find the best fresh seafood on the island?
Ocracoke’s food scene may be small, but it’s mighty. From restaurants and breweries to food trucks and ice cream shops, there's a little something for everyone on the island. Seafood is definitely the highlight of food on Ocracoke, but there's also a wide range of cuisine options, including Italian, Greek, Mexican, and more! Be sure to visit Back Porch – Lunch Box, Plum Pointe Kitchen, or Pony Island Restaurant during your visit. Prefer food trucks for snacks on-the-go? Eduardo’s of Ocracoke and Old Salt Sandwiches & Such are the perfect places to stop for lunch at the beach. Don't miss out on your new favorite coffee spot and stop by one of these establishments for sweets and treats the whole family will love.
Don't Miss the Classics: Howard’s Pub has been serving OBX staples since 1979—and it’s still the place to be. And don't forget to order a fig cake if it's on the menu - that's the island's signature sweet! Figs are so big on Ocracoke, that they also hold an annual festival to celebrate them!
7. Discover the British Cemetery
Did you know Ocracoke played a role in WWII naval history?
Highlighted in our blog, Top Things to Do on the Outer Banks, you can’t miss a visit to the British Cemetery on Ocracoke Island. In 1942, the HMS Bedfordshire was sunk off the coast by a German U-boat. Four sailors were buried in what’s now the British Cemetery, a quiet, poignant site maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Each May, they hold a ceremony and reception commemorating the sinking of the ship and celebrating the sailors who are buried there. This hallowed spot is ideal for history buffs, veterans, and people looking to soak up the local history by traveling off the beaten path!
Be sure to make this spot a reflective meditation stop during your trip around the island - it only takes about 10 minutes, but the memories will stay with you much longer.
8. Find Some Live Music
What is there to do in the evening?
Ocracoke Island has a fantastically active local art scene and creative spirit, meaning that all throughout the summer, you're sure to find live music coming from patios, porches, and restaurants most nights. Be sure to check out chalkboards around the village to make sure and catch the newest and greatest in pop-up events and local, indie concerts. Regular open-mic and trivia nights abound, making this the ultimate spot to stop on your cultural tour of the Outer Banks as you get to experience the nightlife on Ocracoke Island.
Celebrate Local Culture: Each year, the Ocrafolk Festival local fundraising event brings in the latest and greatest artisans, musicians, and storytellers for a weekend of locally inspired fun.
Be sure to swing by Dajio, Inc., Deepwater Theater & Music Hall, and 1718 Brewing Ocracoke to find live music and plenty of chill island vibes.
Getting There: The Journey Is Part of the Fun
You’ll need to hop a ferry to reach Ocracoke, but the ride is part of the experience.
Options:
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Hatteras Ferry (Vehicle, Year-Round)
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Passenger Ferry (Seasonal)
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Cedar Island & Swan Quarter Ferries (Vehicle)
Take the early ferry from Hatteras and stay flexible—it’s how Ocracoke works its magic. Find out more about getting to Ocracoke Island here.
Stay Close, Explore More
You don’t have to stay on Ocracoke to enjoy it. Many of our Outer Banks vacation homes in Rodanthe, Hatteras Village, and Frisco are perfect home bases for day trips to the island. So find your perfect Outer Banks vacation rental today and get ready for an unforgettable Ocracoke Island day trip that is the cherry on top for your next vacation!
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next unforgettable adventure to the Outer Banks. There so much to do and see. With amazing food and drinks, exciting excursions, and plenty of sand for everyone to relax, there's something for everyone here on the Outer Banks.
And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, history professor, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
