Discover the Sound Via Robbie's WayA 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 HelicoptersCoastal 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 LocalStrike 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 SandcastlePlan 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 BeachYou 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 LighthouseThe 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 SoundAfter 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 ShellsBeachcombing 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 IslandPortsmouth 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 BeachGo 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 RestaurantsOcracoke Coffee Co. and Island Smoothie226 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 ShoppingTeach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard ExhibitIrvin 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 AttractionsOcracoke Island Lighthouse1 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 ActivitiesSchooner Windfall Pirate Cruise278 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 |