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. StargazeDid you know that Ocracoke has no traffic lights, no billboards, minimal traffic and very few public exterior lights (streets can be dark!). With minimal light pollution and very little air pollution, Ocracoke is the ideal place for stargazing. Whether you are on the beach under a clear night sky or on your deck, there will be nothing between you and the heavens. You'll be amazed at what you see. Ocracoke is a great place to bring your telescope or a star chart with you on vacation! Come To One of Ocracoke's Annual EventsOcracoke has all sorts of celebrations and festivals, so schedule a visit to coincide with one of them and see what all the fun is about! Memorial Day weekend offers the Fire Department Pig Pickin, Auction and Dance. The Ocrafolk Music and Storytelling Festival has rapidly become the highlight of a spring visit. Ocracoke is also famous for its July 4th celebration. The Ocracoke Art Walk is traditionally held on the last Saturday of September, bringing all of Ocracoke's artist talent together in one place. Visit www.OcracokeGuide.com for more information. Go Boating in the Atlantic Ocean or One of the Local SoundsThere are several docks located throughout Ocracoke to accommodate a range of boat sizes, from small skiffs to large pleasure boats. Many rental properties are equipped with a dock or a bulkhead for your boat. You can also rent a small boat to use during your Ocracoke vacation or consider chartering a boat with an experienced captain to show you the area. Have a Beach CampfireA great way to relax and see the stars is to have a beach campfire. Take your family down to the beach just before sunset and set up your chairs, refreshments and firewood. If you would like, bring a few roasting sticks and some marshmallows. Once the sun goes down and the stars come out, you will be amazed at the view. Enjoy the stars (and the marshmallows!). Be sure to check the National Park Service website or stop by the NPS Visitors Center before planning your beach campfire. Loosen Up with a Yoga ClassYoga means union of the body, mind and spirit. Stretching, moving and strengthening the body helps to quiet the mind and ease emotional and physical tension. All classes are located at Deepwater Theater on School Road. To unwind, call (252) 921-0182. Go Waterfowl HuntingIn the 1920s, many parts of the Outer Banks were known for prime waterfowl hunting. Today, people visit the Ocracoke for many different reasons - family vacations, reunions, windsurfing, surfing, kiteboarding, research or simply to just get away for a few days. Though waterfowl hunting is not a primary pastime in the area, some hunters do still visit to hunt waterfowl. Local guides are available to take you on a hunting trip during the winter. Enjoy the Ocracoke Community CenterActivities may include anything from fundraisers, dances, musical performances, exercise classes or community meetings. Check local bulletin boards or the sign in front of the center for events. The Community Center can be rented for private parties or receptions. Spend a Relaxing Afternoon of Kayaking or CanoeingPeople of any age and skill level can enjoy a relaxing afternoon of kayaking or canoeing in the calm waters of Silver Lake Harbor or the Pamlico Sound. Silently paddle among the sailboats that are anchored in the harbor. Schools of baitfish ripple across the surface as a family of ducks swim up to join you. Ocracoke's flora and fauna will delight you, as seagulls reel overhead and a pelican dives into the water after a snack. In a kayak, you are right there at eye level with nature. 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. | Ocracoke RestaurantsHoward's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sunset Sweets 272 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Coffee Co. and Island Smoothie 226 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Flying Melon Cafe 804 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Fig Tree Bakery & Delicatessen 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Dajio 305 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Thai Moon 589 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Cafe Atlantic 1129 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Slushy Stand & Bicycle Rentals 73 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ShoppingThe Hemp Shop - Natural Selections of Ocracoke Island35 School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Hemp Shop - Natural Selections of Ocracoke Island 35 School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Community Store 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 BW's Surf Shop 274 Irwin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Variety Store & Hardware 950 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Artworks 89 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sea Maiden's Muse 58 Creek Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 O'Neal's Dockside II Tackle Shop 800 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Tradewinds Tackle Shop 1094 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Sweet Tooth 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Seafood Company 416 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke AttractionsAnchorage Inn & Marina205 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Teach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Lighthouse 1 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Preservation Society 49 Water Plant Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ActivitiesRide the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop486 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island Boat Tours 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 Coastal Helicopters, LLC 158 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Ghost & History Walk 170 Howard Street 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 Pamlico Sound Waterfowl Hunting PO Box 674 Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Youth Center 1037 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Austin Boat Tours: Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Cruises 138 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Glass Bead 585 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 |