Outside Over There UT22

Three Bedroom House, Located on Ocracoke

Discover the Sound Via Robbie's Way

A sandy footpath leading to Pamlico Sound can be found along the western end of Silver Lake Road. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to use Robbie's Way to go clamming, watch the sunset or enjoy a quiet moment on the sound. Please walk or bike since no parking is available.

Take a Flightseeing Tour with Coastal Helicopters

Coastal Helicopters offers flightseeing tours, photography and videography flights over the beautiful Outer Banks. You will enjoy panoramic views from the sky with an FAA Certified Commercial Helicopter Pilot when you take your air tour with Coastal Helicopters. The helicopter is a Robinson R-44 Raven II and offers a safe, smooth ride to accompany the unparalleled views. A few attractions that can be seen from the air include Wright Brothers National Monument, Jockey's Ridge State Park, Wild Banker Ponies, Oregon Inlet, Cape Hatteras National Sewashore, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and more! Call Coastal Helicopters today at 252-928-8074 for more information.

Make a Friend, Talk To a Local

Strike up a conversation with a local, especially an older one, and you might be surprised how much you can learn about the island. Also known as Ocockers, the native islanders are a tight knit bunch. There is a real sense of community on Ocracoke. You're sure to notice the Ocracoke "brogue," the famous local dialect that has evolved over the past 250 years. Sit for a spell and let a real Ococker tell you about some of the historical and cultural lore of Ocracoke.

Build a Sandcastle

Plan an afternoon to go to the beach and build a sandcastle. You could have your own family sandcastle contest. No matter how the sandcastles turn out, you are sure to have fun! If you are staying on Ocracoke on July 4th, join the Sand Castle Contest or stop by for some inspiration.

Take Your Four Wheel Drive Vehicle on the Beach

You can drive on the beach in many parts of the Outer Banks in designated off-road beach access areas. You will need to have a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle to prevent getting stuck. Some areas don't allow beach driving and some require permits to drive on the beach in certain seasons, so check with the local area officials to make sure you are following the rules. For more information, contact the National Park Service at (252) 473-2111 or stop by the National Park Service Visitors Center on Ocracoke.

Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, located in Buxton on Hatteras Island, is possibly the most famous lighthouse in the nation. At 208 feet tall, it is the tallest brick lighthouse, and has survived a move of more than 1,600 feet and saving it from the danger of an eroding shoreline. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for climbing from late March to early October each year.

View the Sunset Over the Sound

After a day of sightseeing, shopping, fishing or surfing, take time to relax and watch the sunset over the Pamlico Sound. Sunset views from the island are breathtaking. The National Park Service Boat Ramp area is a popular spot to watch the sunset on Ocracoke.

Go Beachcombing For Shells

Beachcombing for shells, also called shelling, on the beaches of Ocracoke is an activity enjoyed by all. The best times to look for shells are after a high tide, after a storm, in the morning and during the winter months. When picking up shells from the sand, make sure you check first to make sure nothing is still alive inside the shell. If the shell you choose is still home to a live sea creature, set it back in the sand and keep searching.

Visit the Deserted Portsmouth Island

Portsmouth Island is a small, deserted island just south of Ocracoke Island. Though once inhabited, now Portsmouth Island has no residents and is accessible only by boat. There is a 2-mile trail that leads from the village to the beach. Wilderness camping is allowed, but don't forget your insect repellent! For more information on the Island, contact Cape Lookout National Seashore at (252) 728-2250.

Watch the Full Moon Rise and Look For Ghost Crabs at the Beach

Go to the beach on a balmy, summer night and wait for the full moon to come up over the ocean. On a clear night, the full moon rising up over the horizon sometimes has an orange or red tint which is the light from the setting sun filtering through particles in the Earth's atmosphere and reflecting off the moon. It's absolutely beautiful hanging in the sky above the dark ocean waves. When the moonlight floods the beach and reflects brightly off the white sea foam, you will see dozens of ghost crabs skittering about. If the clouds are over the moon, bring a flashlight and see how many ghost crabs you can find!

 

Ocracoke Restaurants

Ocracoke Coffee Co. and Island Smoothie
226 Back Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Flying Melon Cafe
804 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Creekside Cafe
475 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Station
990 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Pony Island Restaurant
51 Ocean View Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Creekside Cafe
475 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Flying Melon Cafe
804 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Fig Tree Bakery & Delicatessen
1015 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

The Slushy Stand & Bicycle Rentals
73 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant
1175 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant
1175 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Smacnally's
180 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Shopping

Teach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit
Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Captain's Cargo Gift Shop
324 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Annabelle's Florist & Antiques
324 Back Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Village Peddler
285 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Island Hammock Co.
201 British Cemetery Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Kitty Hawk Kites
Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Blackbeard's Ice Chest
45 Trent Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Variety Store & Hardware
950 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Island Natural Health Store
170 Back Road
Sunflower Center
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Island Hammock Co.
201 British Cemetery Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Down Creek Gallery
260 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Java Books
226 Back Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Attractions

Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
1 Loop Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Preservation Society
49 Water Plant Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Anchorage Inn & Marina
205 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Teach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit
Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke
396 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Activities

Schooner Windfall Pirate Cruise
278 Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square Docks
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ride the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop
486 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Austin Boat Tours: Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Cruises
138 Loop Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo
Back Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Kitty Hawk Kites
Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Youth Center
1037 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

The Glass Bead
585 Irvin Garrish Highway
Spencer's Market
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Morning Starr Beach Rides
1070 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Kitty Hawk Kites
Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions
396 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Portsmouth Island Boat Tours
278 Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square Docks
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Ghost & History Walk
170 Howard Street
Ocracoke, NC 27960