Location: Ocracoke
Top Things to do in Ocracoke
Top 10 Free Things to do in Ocracoke, North Carolina (NC)
Ocracoke /ˈoʊkrəkoʊk/ is a census-designated place (CDP) and unincorporated town located at the southern end of Ocracoke Island, located entirely within Hyde County, North Carolina, in the United States. The population was 948 as of the 2010 census. As of 2014, Ocracoke's population was estimated at 591. Ocracoke Island was the location of the pirate Blackbeard's death in November 1718.
Restaurants in Ocracoke
1. Outer Banks National Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By BearH928 - Williamsburg, United States
Drove from Ocracoke to Kill Devil Hills on a Monday morning in October. Most of the road is thru the National Seashore area which is often patrolled by the park police so watch the speed limit of 55 and 45. There are villages along the way which have lower posted limits. A 2 lane highway for the most part and is heavily trafficked in parts. Since it is the only highway on the Outer banks it is used by trucks, boaters etc. The free ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke island is no reservation. The property owners on Ocracoke have priority on the ferry with their property pass. On Ocracoke the waiting area is at the end of the island with nothing but the ferry docks, Hatteras is boarding area is right outside the town. There are also 2 other car ferries one from Swan Quarter and one from Cedar Island. They take reservations and cost $15.00 one way for passenger cars. Watch your speed in the town of Ocracoke as it is 20 mph and they enforce plus you have the walkers, bikekes, golf carts to watch . Part of the highway along the dunes gets water and sand covered depending on how much wind and surf there is. A couple [laces the road works continually are pushing back the sand. One place on Ocracoke the surf is presently almost coming on the road. Take your time and enjoy
2. The Village Craftsmen
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By photogal222
This is simply a delightful shop with beautiful, unique handmade gifts, many that are made locally. There is always so much to choose from! The store manager, Amy Howard, is always cheerful and welcoming. This is my absolute favorite shop on the Outer Banks, and every time I visit I come home with a new treasure (or several!). :) Highly recommended.
3. Ocracoke Preservation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
A tiny museum that features the history of Blackbeard, the 18th-century pirate.
Reviewed By sandcmom - Boone, United States
We stumbled across this gem after eating lunch at sMacNally's. It's full of Ocracoke history but the best part is that it won't take up a whole lot of your time. It's just a small place and I think we were there maybe 30min. We soaked it all in and we on to enjoy the rest of the island. It's free which is always nice, but they do have little donation jars sat around if you do want to donate.
4. Hammock Hills Nature Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
A nature trail that takes hikers through some interesting terrain.
Reviewed By ipbchlvr - Whitehall, United States
very nice walk through the marsh & maritime forest. very peaceful and quiet. we did not see any wading birds in the marshes, however we were thrilled to see an eagle take flight! it was magnificent. take the time to check out this trail.
5. Ocracoke Island Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Pick up information about the island, view exhibits and visit the bookshop. You can also arrange to use the Park Service docks, pick up maps of the bike paths, and attend free summer programs run by the Rangers.
Reviewed By Kathy324
Took a neighbor that hasn't been to the Outer Banks. Drove from Hickory, NC to Kitty Hawk and then to Hatteras and saw everything in-between. Then took a ferry to Ocracoke and saw everything there before we took the ferry back. We were very lucky because this was four days before the hurricane hit. There was alot of destruction.
6. British Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 385 reviews
The remains of four British soldiers whose ship was sunk off the coast during World War II are buried here.
Reviewed By snoopydoo - Florida, United States
This cemetery is truly historic and a beautiful tribute. You'll only need to pul over for a few minutes to take it in. The stones/memorials explain who they are and why they are there. It's a quick sight, but worth your time to pay respects to these soldiers. Very glad we stopped.
7. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Reviewed By mb22727 - Madison, United States
Natural beach with showers, and walkway to the beach. Always clean and the beach is flat backed by sand dunes. Lifeguards on duty for designated swimming zone. We loved it for morning beach walls. Monitored turtle nests line the dunes and we enjoyed learning more about the turtles from the park rangers . Really it can’t be beat ????☀️????
8. Springer's Point Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Reviewed By BeachbumJon
This is a cool short hike through some interesting trees ending with a view of where Blackbeard met his fate. We parked at the nearby church (left a donation in the box) and walked to the trail entrance. 20-40 minutes is about all you would need for this. We enjoyed it.
9. Island RagPicker
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By CarsonsMommy
Love shopping here for unique Christmas gifts! Great pottery, handmade mugs, soap dishes, puzzles, t shirts and more! One of my favorite items is the antique colored glass bottles to store my sea glass finds in!
10. Books to Be Red
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By CarsonsMommy
Love to start my Christmas shopping here each year! Great selection of books, jewelry, toys, and unique knick knacks you never knew you needed! Found a cute tea strainer and a book on sea glass identification this time, as well as an armful of books on my daughter’s list, a bracelet she had to have, a cute toy ferry with loadable cars for my nephew, and cute tea towels for my sister!
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