Ocracoke in the famed Outer Banks of North Carolina is home to a wide variety of things to do to fill a day, a few days, or even a week in town. Local history can be found at the Ocracoke Lighthouse, while the Springer’s Point Land Preserve offers natural beauty in abundance, as well as a place to possibly spot wild horses and other wildlife. The Ocracoke Island Visitor Center offers a great place to start to learn about the area’s nature, wildlife, and fascinating history, including stories of pirates. There are many great restaurants as well.
Springer's Point Preserve
Springer's Point Preserve in Ocracoke, North Carolina is a beautiful nature preserve that boasts a rather legendary history. Open to the public and populated for centuries, the small area on Ocracoke Island is one of the island’s last undeveloped tracts of land and is carefully preserved by the Coastal Land Trust. The nature preserve encompasses approximately ninety acres of maritime forest near South Point along the Pamlico Sound. Springer's Point is supposedly the site where Blackbeard met with fellow pirates not too long before he died in 1718. Today, visitors will find opportunities for nature walks and wildlife viewing.
104 Loop Rd, Ocracoke, North Carolina 27960, Phone: 910-790-4524
Ocracoke Lighthouse
The Ocracoke Lighthouse is the country’s second oldest lighthouse in operation. This whitewashed, sturdy tower stands at seventy-five feet tall and is built out of brick and an exterior of concrete veneer. Construction of the lighthouse was completed in 1823 with the walls being five feet thick at its base. The beacon of the Ocracoke Lighthouse has shown across the island and the Atlantic Ocean for more than two hundred years, weathering many hardships and countless storms. The bright light can be seen for approximately fourteen miles at sea and has guided several generations of sailors safely home.
360 Lighthouse Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960, Phone: 252-473-2111
British Cemetery
The history of Ocracoke includes German submarines positioned right off the North Carolina shore during World War II. The Royal Navy sent the HMS Bedfordshire to assist the United States Navy in 1942 in anti-submarine efforts. Unfortunately, U-558 fired torpedoes at the ship and caused it to sink nearly immediately, resulting in the loss of the entire crew. The bodies of two sailors were seen in the surf off of Ocracoke Island and buried in a small cemetery, followed by two more found a week later. This well-kept cemetery, known as the British Cemetery, flies a British flag in perpetuity.
234 British Cemetery Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960, Phone: 252-473-2111
Ocracoke Island Visitor Center
The Ocracoke Island Visitor Center provides a great place for visitors to start their exploration of the Ocracoke area. The center offers a quick overview of the town’s points of interest, regulations, lifestyle, and more. Visitors will find exhibits on the role of Ocracoke Island during both World War I and World II, the rich pirate history along the North Carolina coastline, lighthouses on Ocracoke and Hatteras, the wild ponies, and more. Along with the assortment of exhibits, the Ocracoke Island Visitor Center also includes a gift shop with everything Outer Banks and a bookstore carrying a wide variety of books.
38 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960, Phone: 252-475-9701
Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum
The North Carolina island of Ocracoke has a wonderfully interesting history which you can learn about when you visit the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. The society was formed in 1983 to safeguard and showcase the intriguing history and culture of the island and is currently headquartered in the historic David Williams House which was built in 1900 and moved to its current location in 1989. The museum is filled with interesting photographs, documents, period furniture and exhibits from the past on the ground floor and there is a research facility on the top floor. There are also a number of outdoor exhibits including a traditional fishing boat and vintage cistern.
Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum, 49 Water Plant Road, Ocracoke, NC 27960, 252 928 7375
Eduardo's Taco Stand
Eduardo's Taco Stand serves regional, authentic Mexican fare that is creatively prepared using organic ingredients and locally sourced seafood whenever possible. The small dining establishment prides itself on the innovation and quality of its Mexican cuisine. Visitors shouldn’t be misled by the food truck setting of Eduardo's Taco Stand. The food here is lovingly prepared, gourmet Mexican food. The menu includes burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and several Eduardo's specialty dishes.
10 Lawton Ln, Ocracoke, NC 27960, Phone: 252-928-0234
Zillie's
Zillie's in Ocracoke, North Carolina is a popular place in the Outer Banks to relax with a refreshing drink, have a bite to eat, and watch the rest of the world go by. The locally owned and operated casual restaurant has a good selection of beers, microbrews, and wines from all over the world, as well as cheeses, gourmet snacks, premium cigars, and gift items. Guests are welcome to just hang out with friends on the deck, which provides a perfect spot to relax after a day at the beach.
538 Back Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960, Phone: 252-928-9036
Dajio
The locally owned and operated Dajio has been providing a unique dining experience in Ocracoke, North Carolina since 2008, serving both brunch and dinner in its pleasant main dining room. The restaurant also offers daily specials, live music on occasion, and a casual bar area, all of which have helped make Dajio a local favorite on Ocracoke Island. With a focus on sustainability and sourcing locally, the menu here changes with each season to ensure guests are getting the finest ingredients the sea has to offer, as well as the fresh ingredients from the backyard garden or the farm.
305 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960, Phone: 252-928-7119
Howard's Pub
Howard's Pub welcomes local residents and visitors alike to its own “little corner of paradise,” catering to everyone both old and young, from honeymooners to anglers. The casual and fun loving neighborhood eatery is open for both lunch and dinner from the early part of spring through late fall. Most of the dishes served at Howard’s Pub are made from scratch and everything is made to order. The pub also offers cocktails, wine, and a rather extensive list of beer, including craft beers from throughout North Carolina, draft beers, and bottled beers from other parts of the world.
1175 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960, Phone: 252-928-4441
Ocracoke Pony Pens
Ocracoke Island has long been associated with seafaring and played a prominent role in trade, piracy and warfare over the centuries. Hundreds of years ago a shipwreck off the coast left a herd of Spanish mustang horses stranded on Ocracoke Island. Over the centuries the descendants of the wild horses thrived. Many were tamed and used by the early colonists for transport and to patrol the beaches during WWII. Today the ponies are restricted to a 188 acre area where they are protected and cared for by the National Park Service. You can meet the famous Ocracoke Banker Ponies at the Pony Pens located off Hwy 12.
Ocracoke Pony Pens, NC -12, Ocracoke Island, NC 27960
Portsmouth Island
One of the largest settlements on the Outer Banks was established on Portsmouth Island in 1753. The last of the Portsmouth Island inhabitants left in the 1970’s, and the remaining buildings are now cared for by the National Park Service. Many of the historic buildings have been restored and are open to the public.
A visit to the church, the school house and the post office offer visitors a glimpse of island life as it was in the early days and many of the houses have been kept exactly as they would have been back then. There is a small Visitor’s Centre with restrooms. You can access the island by private boat or join a guided tour.
Portsmouth Island, Outer Banks, North Carolina
Outer Banks National Scenic Byway
Visitors to the North Carolina coast are encouraged to embark on a wonderful scenic drive along the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway is one of just a handful of designated National Byways and traveling some or all of its length will be an unforgettable experience. The byway stretches for 138 driving miles and incorporates 25 ferry-traveling miles, crossing several of the Outer Banks islands, crossing 2 inlets and visiting no fewer than 21 charming coastal villages. Highlights of your scenic tour will include Bodie Island Lighthouse, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.
Hammock Hills Nature Trails
If you would like to enjoy a scenic walk during your visit to Ocracoke Island, you can make your way to the Hammock Hills Nature Trails. The trail winds between some of the most elevated points on the island and offers walkers some great views as well as the chance to do some wildlife watching. Visitors can find the parking area just off Highway 12, opposite the Ocracoke Camp Ground. As you reach halfway along the 0.75 mile trail you will find a boardwalk which leads to a scenic outlook over Pimlico Sound and the marshes. Dogs on a lead are allowed to join you on the trail.
Hammock Hills Nature Trail, Highway 12, Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
Ocracoke Coffee Company
Peacefully located along Back Road, the Ocracoke Coffee Company is the perfect place to meet up with friends, enjoy a brilliant cup of coffee or just relax between activities. The coffee shop/bakery has a wonderful outdoor deck shaded by a massive cedar tree and their coffee, smoothies and Sell your Soul Muffins are famous all over the island. In addition to a changing selection of at least 15 types of muffin, they also make decadent Ocracoke Scones, Cinna-Yum Buns, Donuts and a selection of gluten-free treats. If you prefer something savory you can order a delicious bagel with your choice of filling.
226 Back Road, Ocracoke, NC 27960, 252 928 7473
