Ocracoke Island is one of the barrier islands of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The of unspoiled beaches and salty ocean breezes offer great opportunities for solitude, serenity, and peace of mind. The expansive vista of ocean and soundfront marsh provides a closeness to nature highlighted with her variety of beach vegetation and bird life. The proximity to the Gulf Stream, and consequent warm southern waters, make for perfect swimming and excellent fishing (gulf stream, surf, and sound). There are also water sports and a colorful history to explore.
Understand
Rated the #1 beach in America for 2007, the island of Ocracoke abounds in natural pleasures. Ocracoke offers a great medium for quality family time. The slow pace and warm, southern hospitality round out a perfect island vacation; one that insures peace, rest and relaxation.
Get in
The island is only accessible by ferry, boat or private plane. The free Hatteras ferry is a 40-minute ride that runs roughly every 30 minutes in the summer. There are two other ferry routes: Cedar Island, 2 hr 15 min, which runs from the southwest, and the Swan Quarter 2 hr 30 min, which runs from west of Ocracoke. $15 for a passenger car call for reservations +1-800-byferry
Ocracoke Ferry information is available online (dead link: January 2023).
By ferry
- Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry, 35.20812°, -75.70252°. 5AM-midnight. This vehicle ferry crosses Hatteras Inlet and brings people with their vehicles from Hatteras Island over to the northeast side of Ocracoke Island. Free 2022-06-13
- Swan Quarter to Ocracoke Ferry, 35.394°, -76.3282°. 10AM-4:30PM. Fares based on vehicle 2022-06-13
- Cedar Island to Ocracoke Ferry, 35.0187°, -76.31405°. 8AM-4:30PM. Fares based on vehicle 2022-06-13
- Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry, 35.20812°, -75.70252°. 9:30AM, 1PM, 4:30PM. $10/person, roundtrip 2022-06-13
By private plane
- Ocracoke Island Airport, 35.101111°, -75.965833°. Flight planning facility available. Airport is close enough to walk to the beach. Howard's Pub monitors UNICOM and will pick you up. 2022-06-12
Get around
You can best get around Ocracoke' charming village on foot or by bicycle. There are several places in the village to rent a bike or scooter.
There are sidewalks in the village but they are narrow.
- Ocracoke Beach Outfitters, 804 Irvin Garrish Hwy (next door to Native Seafood), 35.10774°, -75.97278°, +1 252-921-0311. Sa–Tu 9AM–5PM, W–F 9AM–1PM. Rentals of bikes for adults and children, linens, baby equipment, beach gear and other convenience items. Adult bikes can be outfitted with child trailers and baby seats. Youth helmets are available at no additional charge. Free delivery and pick-up is available for all orders over $75 (Ocracoke Island delivery only). Orders under $75 incur a $15 delivery charge. 2022-06-13
- Ocracoke Island Golf Carts, 216 Irving Garrish Hwy (intersection of Irving Garrish Hwy and British Cemetery Rd), 35.11463°, -75.98395°, +1 252 928-0090. Rent a golf cart and cruise the quiet tree lined streets. Carts can be driven anywhere in the village of Ocracoke. 2022-06-13
Golf carts are a great way for getting around the village (especially given the narrow streets, 20 mph speed limit, and often scarce parking). They may only be used within the village, i.e. no further than Howard's Pub. Getting to the beach will still likely require a car, or a shuttle, if your lodging provides one. It is possible to take your cart to the end of the village and walk to the nearest pedestrian access point (Ramp 70, next to the airstrip), but those with a lot of beach gear or small children will likely want to make alternate arrangements.
See
Do
- Watersports are also a popular outdoor recreation. Surfing, kite boarding, kayaking
Sport fishing and surf fishing.
Boating. Beach combing. Sunbathing. Swimming. Read a book. Have a nap in a hammock. Well, in Ocracoke you really don't have to do anything but relax.
Buy
- Ocracoke Restoration Company, Spencer's Market (Route 12), +1 252-928-2669. 10AM-5PM. An eclectic - and sometimes whimsical - merging of old and new. Featuring antique stained glass, antiques and gifts.
- Ocracoke Variety Store, 950 Irvin Garrish Highway, 35.10771°, -75.97528°, +1 252 928 4911. 7AM-7PM. As the only grocery store on Ocracoke Island, this is the place to pick up fresh-cut meats, fresh produce, frozen foods, gourmet cheeses, dairy products, bread, spices, sauces, vegan and gluten-free products – basically everything you need to prepare your own meals and snacks. The Variety Store offers grab-and-go sandwiches, prepared foods, plus coolers to pack your picnic in. They have a good selection of wine and craft beer as well. 2022-06-13
Eat
- Howard's Pub and Raw Bar, 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway (at the north end of the village), 35.1073°, -75.9711°, +1 252 928 4441, info@howardspub.com. 11:30AM-9PM. Specializes in fresh seafood, burgers and steaks. 2022-06-13
- Back Porch Restaurant and Wine Bar, 110 Back Road, +1 252 928 6401. W-Sa 5PM-9PM. A popular local restaurant specializing in seafood and other American-style cuisine. 2022-06-13
- The Slushy Stand, 35.1118°, -75.98172°, +1 252 928 1878. A great place to pick up a coffee, bagel, and a muffin for breakfast, an ice cream for a snack, and a bicycle to get around the village. 2022-06-13
- Jason's Restaurant, 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway, 35.10703°, -75.97257°, +1 252 928 3434. 11AM-2PM, 5-8PM. 2022-06-13
Drink
- Sweet tea is always good in the South anywhere you can find it. If you ask for "iced tea" or even just "tea," you will probably get sweet tea. Ask for "unsweetened tea" or "hot tea" if that's what you want. If "sweet tea" is too sweet and "unsweetened" tea bland for you, you could ask for "half and half" to get moderate sweetness.
Sleep
- The Cove Bed and Breakfast, 21 Loop Road, +1 252 928-4192, info@thecovebb.com. Has views of the Lighthouse and Pamlico Sound as well as Springer's Point (over 120 acres) just down the street.
- The Captain's Landing, 324 Highway 12, +1 252-928-1999. Oceanfront hotel with amazing views and comfortable suites. Rooms are available nightly and weekly, and the hotel provides both boat slips and airport transportation, making travel to the area very convenient.
- The Ocracoke Harbor Inn, 144 Silver Lake Road, +1 252-928-5731, info@ocracokeharborinn.com. Picturesque views, jacuzzi suites and boat docking available.
- The Castle on Silver Lake B&B, 155 Silver Lake Road, innkeeper@thecastlebb.com. This 11-room B&B offers its guests views of the harbor, complimentary bicycles, outdoor heated pool, poolhouse with sauna and steam showers, and a full country breakfast.
- Silver Lake Motel and Inn, 395 Irvin Garrish Highway, innkeeper@theinnonsilverlake.com. Affordable rooms and suites, pet-friendly, full kitchens available, breathtaking views.
Camping
Stay safe
- Pay attention to the road rules that apply everywhere. Bike on the right, walk on the left. There are no sidewalks, so there is traffic congestion on the busy one-lane Highway 12.
- There is no crime recorded on the island except for a few stolen bicycles from your favorite late-night hangout.
Go next
Deepwater theater and Music Hall
The Jolly Roger on silver lake, great music, great sunsets.