Usually, the words just pour out when we write about a destination. However, explaining the essence of Ocracoke Island feels like an impossible task if you haven’t been there yourself.
The thing is Ocracoke is just a wonderful place, you don’t want to do it an injustice with wimpy words and sad adjectives. We’ll do our best, but this is your disclaimer: if you want a secluded destination, for solitude, sunshine, and relaxation put Ocracoke on your to- visit list. It’s just perfect!
Getting to Ocracoke Island: The Only Way is by Boat
Wether you come from the North or you come from the South there is ONLY one way to get to Ocracoke and that’s by boat. Yep, you heard that right! No bridges or roads to this island just daily ferry service to get you, your car, your bikes or any thing else you’d like to bring along, across the wide water and onto this secluded bit of wonderfulness!
Coming from the North the ferry terminal at Hatteras Village, provides free service to Ocracoke. Because the service is free, you cannot reserve a ferry time. Summer ferries fill up fast. Get in line early and be prepared to wait!
If you come from the south, you have two ferry options. You can access terminals at either Cedar Island or Swan Quarter. Both locations charge a small fee to take you to the island. The good news is these are both reservable ferries ( reservations highly recommended). These rides are a good bit longer then the ride from Hatteras to Ocracoke, so make sure you bring some reading material or a card game to pass the time!
Where to Stay: Camping on the Ocracoke Dunes
There is a multitude of adorable bed and breakfasts, inns, and hotels on Ocracoke, but in classic Venture Wild style we of course always prefer the campground. There are several available on the Island but in our honest unpaid opinions the sites managed by the National Parks are the best especially if you’re traveling on a budget.
NPS campsites cost $28 per night, or $14 for access pass holders. They sit right behind the dunes, giving you quick walking access to the ocean! The downside is that compared to other campsites, sites are rather close to each other, and the campground itself is a bit far from the village, but easily manageable by bicycle. The only other word of caution, is that showers here are cold water only, fine on a hot summer’s day, just worth being forewarned about!
Like all things on this tiny Island space is limited, so be sure to make your overnight accommodations well in advance of your visit to avoid any unnecessary stress! NPS reservations can be made here.
Things to Do: Pirates, Wild Ponies, and Lighthouses
Its probably hard to imagine that an Island that is only 16 miles long can have as much to do and to be done on it as Ocracoke but you won’t find yourself struggling to pass the hours on this tiny little village.
The Pirates of Ocracoke
One of history’s most legendary pirates of all time plundered and pillaged in the waters surrounding Ocracoke during the Golden Age of Piracy. To this day the Island still hold remnants of its practical history with ‘Teach’s Hole” Inlet, named so for Edward Teach, better known by many as Blackbeard.
Wild Banker Ponies
If pirates weren’t exciting enough, the island is also home to a herd of wild “Banker” ponies; named so for the Outer Banks which they inhabit. Locals believe these ponies descend from 1500s shipwreck survivors. As the Ocracoke’s human population grew, the safety of the ponies and their impact on the island’s ecosystems became a great concern and in the 1950’s they were corralled and now reside on a protected portion of acreage maintained by the Park Service.
Historic Lighthouses
On an tiny island jutting out towards the Atlantic Ocean, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that you’d find a lighthouse here. In fact the Ocracoke Island Light is the second oldest functioning lighthouse in the United States, dating back to 1823. Unfortunately the light is not climbable but the grounds can be visited at any time.
Explore by Bike– This tiny little island is the perfect place to pack the car keys away and stretch your bike riding muscles. Almost all of the island is easily accessible by bicycle, and is the ideal way to wander the village. The artsy local vibe in the shops will inspire you and leave you in awe, of the amazing talents of the inhabitants of this incredible island!
There are lots of location for bike rentals across the island, or bring your own! Walk ons for bikes are free of charge for ferry goers no mater which direction you travel from!
Best Places to Eat on Ocracoke Island
Usually, small islands with limited access have very few food choices. You often have to cross your fingers and hope for the best! But like all things on Ocracoke the restaurant choices, and varieties will surprise, and delight you!
Howard’s Pub– This is THE classic Ocracoke dining experience. Let’s be frank, this is not going to be a James Beard award winning chef prepared meal, what it is going to be is a super fun atmosphere, ice cold beers, and portion sizes to feed hungry island explorers. Everyone on the Outer Banks knows Howard’s Pub, and its very likely that if you ask any local where to eat on the Island they’ll tell you Howards.
The Magic Bean– We stumbled on this awesome little coffee shop purely by accident and holy moly are we glad we did. Serving up delicious steaming cups of organic responsibly sourced coffee, as well as smoothies, the Magic Bean is the absolute best place on the island for a cup of joe. This quaint little cafe also doubles as a local style think tank, and you’re sure to run into some friendly local faces while you’re there!
More Info…
The Ocrafolk Festival takes place every year in early June, and is without a doubt probably one of the very best small festivals we have ever attended. With a great variety of artisans, and performers, all gathered together to celebrate are and folk culture, if you’re trying to figure out the best time to visit, this is it!
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