Location: Ocracoke
Top Things to do in Ocracoke
What to do and see in Ocracoke, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By sanju_222323 - New Jersey
We were here at the sunrise time. Walking at sunrise feels really good. Beach is uneven at some place. Beach houses are right at the beach unlike other beaches at OBX. Shells are really beautiful here.
This is a small island and beach just near to hotel we stayed, makes it more beautiful. OBX beaches are so long that you won't find crowded at all. You can swim, kayak-surf, do water sports. Get down and have some relaxing moment.
2. Springer's Point Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
Reviewed By D2958ZXgarym - King, United States
Springer’s Point on Ocracoke Island is one of North Carolina’s lesser known natural treasures. The Nature Preserve is owned by the Coastal Land Trust, which used grant funds from the State Clean Water Management Trust Fund to purchase a 31 acre tract of land in 2002 and a 91 acre site, known as the McWilliams Tract, in 2006. The 122-acre Preserve, which opened to the public in May, 2006, protects one of the last undeveloped sections of land on the southern tip of Ocracoke Island and contains an ancient maritime forest, wet grasslands, pockets of salt marsh, and a small strip of beach facing Pamlico Sound and overlooking the spot known as Teach’s Hole.
To some extent, Springer’s Point may be the best kept secret in Ocracoke. The trailhead is located only a short walk from the Ocracoke lighthouse, but, by design, there is no public parking available at the site. The idea, perhaps, is to have visitors prepare themselves for a relaxing walk through the Preserve by first taking a quiet walk from the parking areas located around Ocracoke Village. The trail itself can be easily overlooked, since it leads unobtrusively from the road past neighboring rental cottages toward the Sound. The path through the Preserve is an easy, half-mile loop over mostly flat terrain and there are lots of benches along the way. Visitors will pass tall grasses and flowering yucca bushes and will likely spot some of the island’s wildlife: opossums, lizards, egrets, and herons. Centuries-old live oaks, with their sprawling, twisted limbs, provide many shady spots. The sound front view includes the iconic Ocracoke lighthouse, about a quarter-mile distant. During good weather, visitors will likely see lots of activity on the water, with colorful sailboats, fishing boats, and kayaks dotting the sound.
3. Ocracoke Preservation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
A tiny museum that features the history of Blackbeard, the 18th-century pirate.
Reviewed By PathLeastTraveled3 - Charleston, West Virginia
The Ocracoke Preservation Museum is a great place to visit during the heat of the day. The exhibits offer a varied look at Ocracoke's history and help the tourist understand the island's past and enhance their time on the island. They frequently have people doing demonstrations or talks. I especially enjoyed the shell exhibit and the film on Ocracoke language.
4. British Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
The remains of four British soldiers whose ship was sunk off the coast during World War II are buried here.
Reviewed By Maggie B
Cemeteries are great snapshots of local history, and this one offers a reminder of WWII history and how close the war came to our shores.
5. Ocracoke Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 842 reviews
The oldest lighthouse still in operation in North Carolina.
Reviewed By D2958ZXgarym - King, United States
The most recognizable structure in Ocracoke Village, of course, is the famous lighthouse. Built in 1823, the 75-foot beacon is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina. Although the tower is closed to the public, a portion of the lighthouse grounds is open to visitors, so it’s easy to get good views and photos of this sturdy Tar Heel sentinel. The visit to the lighthouse won't take long, leaving plenty of time for such other activities as taking a walk at Springer's Point, a 122-acre nature preserve; admiring the island's wild ponies at their 180-acre enclosure north of town; touring the Ocracoke Preservation Society museum; enjoying a half-day trip to Portsmouth Island via a private ferry; learning about the infamous pirate Blackbeard; quiet reflection at the British cemetery; shopping; and relaxing over lunch or dinner at one of the village restaurants.
6. Ocracoke Island Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 152 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 Skipper1949545 - Saint Paris, Ohio
We took the ferry from Hatteras down to Ocracoke. Had to wait in line to board almost an hour. But they load real fast and it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get there. This was a free ferry ride which was really nice.
7. Portsmouth Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Over a century ago, Portsmouth Village was a bustling port town. Today, the buildings and exhibits tell the story of changing times and life on the Outer Banks. The Theodore and Annie Salter House and Visitor Center, School, Post Office and General Store, U.S. Life-Saving Station, Methodist Church, and Henry Piggot House are open to the public seasonally.Be sure to bring insect repellent, drinking water, food, sunscreen, adequate clothing, a hat, and good walking shoes.
Reviewed By Jim D - Lexington, NC USA
Portsmouth Island was once a thriving community living off the bounty of the sea and the once plentiful ocean shipping that offloaded onto shallower draft vessels to move into North Carolina's sounds. That freight handling died off and the community slowly faded away. Back in the 1950's the last inhabitants left the island, which by then was a part of the National Park Service holdings. The houses that remained and the church still stand and are maintained by NPS. Throughout the old village are a few signs to identify the buildings. And, then there are the mosquitoes... far more than you can imagine and highly aggressive. If you are unprepared, you won't last long on the island... scurrying back onto the windy pier is probably the best thing you can do. Access to the pier is by boat only. I believe you can arrange a tour via a firm in Ocracoke.
8. Outer Banks National Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By DMJA21 - Fishers, Indiana
This is where you catch the second ferry on your drive south across the outer banks. Once again a reservation is required and you better not be late. The ferry ride from Ocracoke south to Cedar Island takes 2 1/4 hours.
The drive from the north to south ends of the Outer Banks is special. There is a huge amount of nature to take in. Be sure to stop and smell the roses but give yourself plenty of time to catch your reserved ferry at the appointed time, especially in Ocracoke. If you miss your ferry there, there is nothing to do but wait until there is another opening.
9. Hammock Hills Nature Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
A nature trail that takes hikers through some interesting terrain.
Reviewed By BILLandDD - Atlanta, Georgia
Plenty of easy parking. Not large crowds. Across from National Park campground. A scenic island hammock nature walk that is flat.
10. Ocracoke Pony Pens
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 259 reviews
U.S. National Park Service manages a wild pony herd that lives in a penned area on Ocracoke Island.
Reviewed By Terry P
There is nothing really special about this attraction other than it is something else to do. I can see where a family with young children would be fun and entertaining. It is kinda unique to see the horses on the Island and learn the history of how the horses got on the Island. There is also a very good beach access across the street.
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