After you’ve whiled away your time relaxing, why not throw on your hiking shoes and explore the coastal maritime forests of Hammock Hills and Springer’s Point Nature Preserve? Discover Ocracoke’s pirate past on Blackbeard Island, and head down to the historic Silver Lake Harbor for sunset happy hours. A stroll or bike ride around the tree lined streets of Ocracoke Village is a must, stopping at cafés, museums, and gift stores along the way. Wild ponies are Ocracoke’s most loveable locals, which means a trip to the oceanfront pen is a must if you’ve got kids in tow.
It’s easy to top up your tan on Ocracoke Island as there’s over 16 miles of white sandy beaches to enjoy. After you’ve relaxed on the sands, head to Silver Lake and rent a kayak or a paddle board. Visit in the right season, and Ocracoke serves up rolling waves that are perfect for parasailing, kite-boarding, and surfing. Love to fish? Sign up for an offshore charter boat trip and reel in your very own catch of the day. If you take advantage of Ocracoke vacation rentals, you’ll be able to cook up a seafood feast for the whole family.
Summer brings warm weather and hordes of sunseekers, with temperatures hovering around the low 80s. There’s a fun vacation vibe, but if you want to relax then private Ocracoke vacation rentals serve as summertime sanctuaries. Spring is gorgeous, with great fishing and birdwatching. Most locals love fall, when crowds thin out but temperatures remain warm. Even in the winter, it’s still possible to enjoy a sunny getaway to Ocracoke Island. The Gulf Stream saves the Outer Banks from freezing over, and there’s something special about having windswept beaches all to yourself.
Ocracoke is the southernmost key in the Outer Banks archipelago, a chain of barrier islands that sit off the coast of North Carolina. It faces the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Pamlico Sound on the other, which means there’s a beach for every occasion. Stay by the ocean, or escape to secluded Ocracoke vacation rentals tucked away under magnificent Southern Live Oak trees. Remember, there’s no road access to the island which means the only way to arrive is by private boat, plane, or the state-run ferry service.