Ocracoke is a village on Ocracoke Island, part of North Carolina’s coastal Outer Banks region. The landmark 1823 Ocracoke Lighthouse overlooks the village and Pamlico Sound. Set in an early 1900s house, the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum traces the island’s history. Nearby, the tiny British Cemetery contains the graves of WWII sailors. Silver Lake is dotted with boats, and shops and restaurants line its harbor. ― Google
Ocracoke island history: The earliest record of the island’s name, on a map made by English explorer John White in 1585, designates the inlet as “Wokokon.” Subsequent spellings include “Woccocock,” “Oakacock” and “Okercock.” The name derives from the Woccon tribe of Native Americans, who lived in the mainland tidewater and established fishing
Accessible by only ferry, private boat, or by air, Ocracoke Island seems to make time stand still on its 16-mile island. What really makes this island special is that over three-quarters of it is protected Cape Hatteras National Seashore property. Ocracoke Island is famous for its exceptional shelling and is one of the best shelling destinations on the Outer Banks.
Some of the most popular Ocracoke locals are the Wild Ponies, which are protected in a secluded 180-acre area enclosure on the sound side of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore but can still be enjoyed by anyone passing through the island on NC Highway 12. The Corolla Wild Horses are located in the northernmost beaches of the Outer Banks, in the 4WD area that’s just north of Corolla. Wild horses, also known as Wild Ponies, are also found on Ocracoke Island and can be viewed at the Ocracoke Pony Pen just south of the Hatteras / Ocracoke ferry docks.
Ocracoke Island Rentals:
The average cost per night, per person in an oceanfront Outer Banks vacation rental home is as low as $45 a night! The Outer Banks is home to hundreds of miles of free and open unspoiled public beach. There’s no boardwalk on the beach, only a landscape peppered by homes. You can get on and beach at designated accesses and walk anywhere you want all for free. Our beaches are great places to find shells, sea glass, and more.
Within Ocracoke Island North Carolina, there are many different houses, schools, parks, and numerous boat ramps and places for beach access. The community is very friendly here, making it a perfect beach vacation spot for the entire family.
Ocracoke Island Realty manages the best selection of Ocracoke island vacation rentals on the island, located at the farthest reaches of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Our Ocracoke vacation rentals are perfect for families and groups. Many of our Ocracoke homes and cottages have waterfront views, screened-in porches, and private pools. Choose from hundreds of distinct Ocracoke Island vacation homes.
Ocracoke Island Ferry:
There are two ferry terminals on Ocracoke Island. The terminal on NC Hwy 12 at the island’s northern tip is for ferries headed to Hatteras Island. The terminal located on NC Hwy 12 at the island’s southern tip is for ferries headed to Cedar Island and Swan Quarter.
The Hatteras – Ocracoke Ferry ride is approximately 60 minutes long per crossing. The Ocracoke Cedar Island Ferry ride? The total crossing time for the Ocracoke – Cedar Island Ferry from either terminal is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
For everything practical and not so practical you’ll need while you’re away from home, you can find it here on Ocracoke Island. From beach chairs and boards to manicures and massages, and rental cars to finding a caterer – you can find everything you need to make
your beach vacation a dream come true.
For nearly 12 continuous miles, the dunes and marshlands of the island are untouched, providing a home for birds, deer, muskrats, rabbits, and other wild animals. The several beaches on the island are some of the last pristine beaches left in America. Fishermen
and anglers are allowed to drive on the beach, with surf fishing being truly great here.
If you visit Ocracoke Island in the summer, you’ll find that there is always something to do. The island has a happening nightlife as well, which is perfect for those who want more than just the beach on their vacation.
If you live close to North Carolina, Ocracoke Island is possibly closer than you may realize. Those of you who have been looking for the perfect beach vacation can find it here. All you have to do is book a hotel then let the good times roll.
Ocracoke Island Blackbeard:
In 1717, Blackbeard headed north and began trolling the waters near the newfound colonies with his fair-weather friend, Stede Bonnet. North Carolina, and specifically Bath and Ocracoke, became his preferred home.
5 Most Terrifying Pirates Ever:
- Blackbeard. Easily the most famous buccaneer on the list and possibly the most terrifying pirate of all time, Blackbeard had a reputation of horrific magnitude in his day.
- Zheng Yi Sao.
- Black Bart.
- Ned Lowe.
- Francois L’Olonnais.
Ocracoke Island Camping:
Ocracoke Campground is the largest campground on the island, located parallel to the beach. The beach is just over the sand dunes and you can hear the waves lapping the shore as you drift to sleep. Standard non-electric campsites are available for tents and RVs.
Camping on the North Carolina Coast
- Hammocks Beach State Park.
- Roanoke River Platform Sites.
- Carolina Beach State Park.
- Cape Lookout National Seashore.
Ocracoke Island restaurants:
- The Flying Melon Café
- 1718 Brewing
- Dajio
- Eduardo’s
- Fig Tree Bakery and the Sweet Tooth
- Graceful Bakery
- Helios’ Hideaway
- Howard’s Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant
- Jolly Roger Pub and Marina
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