Ocracoke Island NC holds a special place in my heart as the most memorable Carolina trip I’ve ever experienced. The island is a hidden gem, with charming character, beautiful nature, excellent weather, and delightful food and shops.
But what truly sets it apart are the people—the locals are incredibly friendly, welcoming, and possess a wonderful sense of humor. A special shout-out goes to Sherry at Blackbeard’s Lodge for making our stay even more enjoyable. Visiting Ocracoke feels like a true vacation; it’s an experience that’s hard to match.
The Mystique of Reaching Ocracoke
One of the island’s unique appeals is its seclusion. Yes, it requires a bit of effort to reach but that only adds to the mystique. We embarked on our adventure by driving deep into rural Carteret County to catch a ferry from Cedar Island. That ride in itself ended up being an unforgettable part of the trip, rather than just a chore to reach the island. For nearly two hours, we sailed across the sound, taking in the kinds of breathtaking views that people often pay a fortune for—but this ride costs just $15. The ferry offers plenty of space to stretch out, snacks to enjoy, and stunning scenery. You can relax in your parked car, wander around the spacious ferry, take a nap or read a book. The ride was relaxed, beautiful, uncrowded, and smooth.
The excitement starts building upon first sight of the silhouette of Ocracoke Island NC approaching. The ferry navigates through a narrow channel and into Silver Lake Harbor. The harbor’s unique shape along with the moored sailboats give it an exotic, almost Caribbean-esque feel (even if the water isn’t quite crystal clear). It’s a sight that’s difficult to describe until you witness it for yourself, but it is really beautiful. Then, once the ferry docks and you disembark, there is so much natural beauty to explore, unique culture to experience, and friendly people to meet!
Rich Ocracoke Culture
Ocracoke Island is steeped in coastal history, and filled with fascinating stories and lore that are deeply ingrained in its culture.
Blackbeard’s Legacy
Everywhere on the island, you’ll notice a distinctive black, white, and red flag flying. It features a skeleton with a spear piercing a heart. This is the flag of Blackbeard, the infamous pirate who once called Ocracoke home. Blackbeard would anchor his ship near Ocracoke Island, and by a channel that is now known as Teaches Hole. The shallow waters there allowed him to raid or evade larger vessels. Visitors to Springer’s Point, a public beach on the Pamlico Sound, can see Ocracoke Inlet and the site of the naval battle that ultimately led to Blackbeard’s demise.
The Unique Ocracoke Brogue
Known as “Hoi Toider,” the Ocracoke Brogue is a unique dialect of American English. It is only spoken by very few here on the islands in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. It evolved from the accents of Irish and Scottish colonists. Visitors often mistake it for a foreign accent, but this dialect is truly American, dating all the way back to the 1600s.
Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association
In downtown Ocracoke Village, the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association offers a museum-like experience showcasing the island’s fishing heritage. Exhibits include memorabilia and collectibles from the fishing industry from by-gone eras, duck decoys, books and documentation on the area, and educational videos on the importance of fishing and sporting to this island. Here, visitors get an intricate look at the industry that has been so vital to Ocracoke’s history.
Waterfowling Heritage
Situated on the Atlantic flyway, the waters around Ocracoke Island are a haven for migrating waterfowl. Since the late 1880s, waterfowl activities, from duck hunting to decoy carving, have been integral to the island’s culture. Ocracoke’s unique duck blinds, known as sink boxes, are cherished for their historical significance. We got to personally experience some of this waterfowl culture while conversing with the talented William Nathan Spencer of Spencer Decoys. Nathan carves duck decoys in the front yard of the home he was born in over 70 years ago. And, of course, he told all his fascinating stories to us in his island brogue!
Exploring Ocracoke Village
Once on land, Ocracoke Village charms visitors with its natural beauty, friendly locals, and endless exploration opportunities. Here’s a glimpse of our perfect Ocracoke itinerary.
Where to Stay on Ocracoke Island NC
We stayed at Blackbeard’s Lodge in a spacious, clean suite with a coastal feel. The game room was a hit with the kids, and the pool provided a refreshing escape from the Carolina heat. We also rode bikes past The Castle on Silver Lake B&B and the neighboring Ocracoke Harbor Inn, both of which looked lovely from the outside and offered beautiful harbor views. For a central location in the village, consider the Anchorage Inn. Closer to Lifeguard Beach, the Pony Island Inn boasts a massive pool.
Activities on Ocracoke
Despite its small size, Ocracoke offers a wealth of activities, starting with its pristine beaches. Lifeguard Beach and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore are must-sees. If you have a 4×4 vehicle, the drive to South Point is exhilarating.
Ocracoke Parasail
Our experience with Ocracoke Parasail was unforgettable! Ocracoke native Captain Farris took us out into the sound for the memorable adventure with his boat aptly named Native. There, floating high above the water, we were lucky enough to see amazing views that included the Ocracoke Lighthouse and a school of roughly a hundred dolphins (truly). It was one of the most memorable wildlife sightings of my life.
For those who love exploring the outdoors, they also rents bikes and boats, as do several other local vendors. Renting a bike is the perfect way to leisurely explore around the island so you can take in the scenic beauty at your own pace.
Ride The Wind Kayak Tour
One of our top highlights was the Ride the Wind Kayak Tour, expertly led by our fantastic guide, Rachael. Rachael’s extensive knowledge of the local waterways and its wildlife added an educational twist, making this more than just a paddling excursion. You’ll start in Silver Lake, paddling by all the beautiful sailboats. Then, you’ll make your way out into the Sound, learn about neighboring island Portsmouth, have the chance to catch minnows with nets, and see the lighthouse from a new perspective. Then you’ll paddle down a thin creek to see heron and egret and sea snails…which will come out of their shells if you sing or hum to them (seriously). Highly, highly recommend this kayak tour. It was a ten out of ten!
Ocracoke Island NC Yoga
For those seeking a bit of relaxation and inner peace while on vacation, consider joining a yoga class with Ocracoke Island Yoga. The classes are set in a tranquil setting, often outdoors, taking advantage of the island’s beauty. It’s a serene experience that helps you reconnect with nature while rejuvenating your mind and body. They were so welcoming to us and they cater to all levels of yoga practitioners, ensuring that everyone from beginners to advanced yogis can find their zen.
Ocracoke Lighthouse
Finally, for history enthusiasts, visit the British Cemetery and of course a must for everyone that visits the island: the Ocracoke Lighthouse. Lastly, if you love wildlife make a stop at the Pony Pens to see the Banker ponies.
Dining on Ocracoke
When you’re on Ocracoke Island NC, there’s tons of fresh seafood available for you to cook (and catch!) on your own. But, when you do want to venture out, try these local staples. Start your day off with coffee from Ocracoke Coffee Company or Deja Brew. If you choose Deja Brew, don’t miss the breakfast burritos at neighboring kitchen Stockroom Street Food—they’re delicious. If you choose Ocracoke Coffee Company, the lox bagel was very good. This is also a great spot for live music (shout-out Brooke and Nick) and converts to a wine bar later in the day.
We frequented 1718 Brewing for its live music, amazing reuben, burger, and lobster-stuffed pretzel. They also have an excellent beer selection. Ocracoke Oyster Co. was a standout lunch spot for their namesake, and the staff was so friendly. SmacNally’s offers beautiful marina views and tasty shrimp, while Eduardo’s Taco Stand serves incredible cheesy fusion and grilled shrimp mango tacos.
For dinner, consider both Flying Melon and Back Porch. The fish and steak were wonderful at the Flying Melon. It’d be an ideal spot to simply grab a drink, too. The ambiance and food at Back Porch (enjoyed on the porch, of course) was also very memorable. My recommendation is to grab supper early, hop on your golf cart and take a scud (local slang for a ride on a golf cart or boat) to the boardwalk behind the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, and catch one of the best sunsets of your life!
Shopping on Ocracoke Island NC
The island offers charming shopping and arts and culture, too. These are some of our favorites, starting with Little Rituals. This shop showcases thoughtfully crafted wares and healing arts for a purposeful life and deep, soulful connections.
Or you can immerse yourself in the creative spirit of over 100 regional and North Carolina artists at Down Creek Gallery, situated on the picturesque waterfront of Ocracoke Village. Here, you can find an exquisite array of fine art and crafts, including handcrafted jewelry, metal and wood art, decorative and functional pottery, fine art glass, paintings, captivating photography, and limited edition prints. While visiting, I bought a beautiful photography book by Daniel Pullen entitled H O M E S I C K, which does in fact make you miss the barrier islands.
Nearby, at Village Craftsmen, discover some of the most unique American-made handcrafted art. They feature curated collections from elegant pottery, unique jewelry, and artisanal kitchen utensils to luxurious soaps, prints, and finely crafted pewter items. I bought some small single bud flower vases for my mama, and of course I had to get an Ocracoke ornament for the tree! Island Ragpicker also had some really unique gifts and Mermaid’s Folly had a nice selection of hats, bags, and other stylish clothing items. And for the best local tees and apparel, Ride The Wind Surf Shop!
I JUST GOT BACK AND I Miss It Already!
Our trip to Ocracoke Island NC was nothing short of magical. From the ferry ride to the island’s rich history and vibrant culture, every moment was an adventure. You can go to explore the village, to enjoy the beaches, or to indulge in the local cuisine. Regardless, Ocracoke offers an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to return and create more memories on this enchanting island real soon.
