Ocracoke Vacation Rentals

Outer Banks Fishing Charters & Fishing Guide

Ocracoke Fishing Guide

Vacation Rentals

Visitors are often surprised at the number and variety of weekly vacation rentals throughout the area.. Vacation rentals are, in fact, an increasingly popular accommodation available to vacationers, and visitors will find that the sheer number of rentals available allows them to find an ideal retreat to fit their crew, from quiet condo complexes to brightly colored oceanfront sand castles.

Ocracoke Harbor

The Ocracoke Harbor is easily the busiest quarter mile stretch of Ocracoke Island. Consisting of a small, lagoon-like section of saltwater, and lined by a semi-circle of docks, restaurants, shops, marinas and motels, visitors will find that any and all of the activities on Ocracoke Island can most certainly be found harbor front.

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Ocracoke, NC History

Ocracoke has a unique history that revolves around pirates, shipwrecks, and offshore battles. Occupied for hundreds of years, this now booming tourism destination has deep roots that run parallel to the history of the country.

Ocracoke Beach Information

All of the beaches along Ocracoke Island are part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and as such, National Park Service (NPS) rules and regulations apply to every stretch of shoreline. Keep these following rules, regulations and NPS ordinances in mind to ensure a great day at the beach.

Ocracoke's Banker Ponies

The Ocracoke Wild Horses, or "Banker Ponies" are easily Ocracoke's oldest residents, and have been plodding along the island for the last few hundred years. These famed horses are arguably one of the island's top attractions, and can be easily admired by any Ocracoke visitor via a quick trip to the National Park Service's Ocracoke Pony Pen.

Outer Banks Birding

For bird lovers, the Outer Banks is hard to beat. This delicate chain of barrier islands is not only home to dozens of different native shorebirds, but also thousands of migrating birds who make a rest stop on the Outer Banks every year. Add to this the fact that the islands have hundreds of miles of deserted beaches, maritime forest, and marshlands for species to quietly flourish, and it's clear that the Outer Banks is literally for the birds.

Top 10 Things to do on the Outer Banks

Every vacation destination has its own unique draw to potential visitors, whether it's a national monument, a fantastic shopping or dining scene, or an exotic locale that's meant for total relaxation. Many newcomers to the Outer Banks are surprised to learn that this destination has all of these attributes and more, and it can be hard to narrow down the overflowing list of "must-sees" or "must-dos" that have to be squeezed into a 1-2 week OBX vacation.

Outer Banks Ferry System

Decades ago, one of the only ways to access some of the most secluded areas of the Outer Banks was via a ferry, and this tradition carries on today for thousands if not millions of visitors who want to travel to some of coastal North Carolina's most famous and off-the-map locales.

Outer Banks Real Estate

After a few days of sunny beach afternoons, fantastic local attractions, and all the amenities that attract people to the Outer Banks, many visitors find themselves daydreaming about a more permanent vacation. Whether your ultimate goal is to own an investment property, a retirement or vacation home, or simply a year-round home on the beach, the Outer Banks is filled with incredible opportunities and a variety of properties for sale.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) may be considered one of the Outer Bank's newest crazes to hit the water, but the sport itself is actually centuries old, originating in the Hawaiian and Polynesian Islands as an easy-going mode of transportation from one waterfront beach to another.

Fun Facts about Ocracoke

Check out our list of fun facts about Ocracoke, NC.

Sailing the Outer Banks

Vacationers will notice a handful of sailboats at every local Outer Banks port, either saddled up to the docks or breezing across the harbor, en route to the nearest sound for a cruise, or to the continent-spanning Intracoastal Waterway to continue a long coastal voyage. Some vacationers are even in it for the long haul, docking for a summer or a winter season at a number of local marinas that offer all the comforts of home. Clearly, sailing lovers of all varieties have plenty of options, but even newcomers to the sport can experiment with life on the water with a local sailing lesson, rental, or waterfront cruise.

Outer Banks 2025 Vacations - Wide Open Spaces

The Outer Banks offers plenty of opportunities for a healthy, family fun vacation. Visitors can spread out over more than 100 miles of pristine shoreline. Local restaurants and eateries are providing abundant take-out and delivery options. Kids are distance learning from the beach! Also, there’s no risk of boredom with our list of social-distancing compatible activities! It’s no wonder that vacationers are turning to the Outer Banks for a fun, relaxing, and safe vacation during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Here are our picks for outdoor attractions, parks and activities where it’s easy to maintain social distancing guidelines while having 100% of the fun.

Blackbeard and other Pirates

The Southern Outer Banks, particularly Ocracoke Island, is notorious as the stomping grounds for some of history's most infamous pirates. Notable swashbucklers from Calico Jack to Anne Bonney and Mary Reed, arguably the most famous women pirates, have made a splash in this area, robbing privateers blind and making intricate, sneaky escapes in the inlets and soundside waters off of these barrier islands.

Ocracoke Island Lighthouse

The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse may not be the most imposing of the Outer Banks lighthouses, but as North Carolina's oldest lighthouse in operation, (and the second oldest in the United States), it is certainly one of the most beloved. At just 65' ft. tall, it is by far the smallest lighthouse on the Outer Banks, but it still towers over the 4 square miles of Ocracoke Village, and its beacon can be spotted up to 14 miles into the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

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Things to do in Ocracoke

Check out our list of things to do in Ocracoke, NC.

Best Outer Banks Sunrise Spots

The Outer Banks is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning views. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Outer Banks is to wake up early and watch a stunning sunrise over the Atlantic ocean. With miles of pristine coastline, there are plenty of spots to catch a breathtaking sunrise. From Carova to Hatteras Village, here is our list of the best places to see a sunrise on the Outer Banks.

Surfing on the Outer Banks

Forget Hawaii and California - on the East Coast, the best place for surf is on the Outer Banks, and this region is renowned as one of the best surfing destinations from New York to Florida. Surfers from all over the country and the world flock to the Outer Banks for the annual ESA tournament, or just after a storm swell, to paddle out to the Atlantic and enjoy some of the best waves on the coast.

Ocracoke Ferry System

Ocracoke is separated from the rest of the world by the 20+ mile wide Pamlico Sound, which means that the only way to access the island is via a personal vessel, or more commonly, by a North Carolina State Ferry.

Outer Banks Nature Spots

With 150 miles of pristine coastline, and some of the East Coast's largest swaths of undisturbed maritime forest, the Outer Banks is a popular destination for nature lovers. As an important spot on America's "Flyway," which is the route that migrating birds take on their northern and southern treks across the country, the Outer Banks is the temporary home to hundreds of species of birds. Combine this with the number of deer, foxes, waterfowl, fish, turtles, and even alligators, and it's clear that the Outer Banks is truly a wild vacation destination.

The 10 Best Beach Canopies & Umbrellas for 2025

Beach canopies and umbrellas create shade, lower ambient temperatures and block UV rays on hot, sunny Summer days. Sitting under the canopy of a quality beach umbrella can make the difference between comfort and sweltering. When choosing an umbrella, we look for durability, wind ratings, weight and size.

Ocracoke Island NC

Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, is a remote and enchanting destination at the southern end of the Outer Banks. Accessible only by vehicle ferry, passenger ferry (seasonally), private boat, or small plane, the island has maintained a sense of isolation and charm that makes it feel worlds away from the bustle of modern life. For first-time visitors, Ocracoke offers a unique blend of maritime history, natural beauty, and small-town atmosphere that sets it apart from every other spot on the coast.

Ocracoke Island NC

The island is roughly 16 miles long but only about a mile wide in most places. Its only village - Ocracoke Village - is located at the southern tip, clustered around Silver Lake Harbor. This is where most of the island's year-round residents live and where visitors will find lodging, restaurants, shops, and attractions, all tucked into shaded streets lined with live oaks, picket fences, and bicycles.

Ocracoke Island Lighthouse NC

Accommodations on Ocracoke are varied, with a focus on smaller-scale, independently owned options. Vacation rental homes are a popular choice, many located within walking or biking distance of the harbor and village attractions. These rentals range from rustic cottages to modern coastal homes with decks and water views. The island also offers a selection of small inns, boutique hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts that provide a more personal and intimate experience. Several campgrounds near the northern beaches allow for tent and RV camping, including sites nestled among dunes or pine forests.

What makes Ocracoke especially appealing is its slower pace. Many visitors park their cars upon arrival and spend the rest of their stay walking, biking, or riding golf carts - the preferred mode of island transportation. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and deeply connected to the island's long seafaring history.

Ocracoke Island Express Ferry NC

One of the most popular attractions is Ocracoke's pristine beach, which stretches for miles along the Atlantic coast. Protected as part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the beach is undeveloped and wide, offering soft sand, gentle waves, and a sense of solitude that's increasingly rare. It's a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, shell hunting, or simply relaxing away from the crowds. Off-road vehicle access is available in designated areas with a permit, and surf fishing is popular throughout the year.

Ocracoke Island NC

The village itself is a delight to explore. Visitors can stroll along the harborfront, stop at locally owned shops and galleries, or visit historical sites like the Ocracoke Lighthouse - the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the country. Its white tower stands as a peaceful sentinel over the village and is a favorite photo spot. Another landmark is the British Cemetery, a small but poignant memorial to sailors from a World War II naval battle just offshore.

Nature and wildlife are central to the Ocracoke experience. The island is home to marshes, maritime forests, and tidal creeks, all of which can be explored on foot, by kayak, or via guided boat tours. Birdwatchers will find a rich variety of species, particularly during migration seasons. Visitors may also spot dolphins offshore or see the island's famous wild ponies, believed to be descendants of Spanish mustangs that survived shipwrecks centuries ago. These ponies are kept in a protected area just north of the village.

Ocracoke Island NC

Activities: Fishing, boating, and paddling are popular ways to enjoy the water. Charter boats offer inshore and offshore trips, while kayaks and paddleboards provide a quiet way to explore the soundside shallows and hidden coves. Crabbing and clamming are traditional pastimes that some local outfitters help visitors try for themselves.

Ocracoke Island NC

Dining on Ocracoke is relaxed and locally focused. Restaurants serve fresh seafood, Southern comfort food, and seasonal dishes, often with harbor views or outdoor seating. Ice cream shops, bakeries, and coffee spots are scattered throughout the village, perfect for a slow morning or a treat after a beach day.

Cultural life on the island is rich despite its size. Ocracoke has a long history of storytelling, folk music, and craftsmanship. Visitors might catch live music at a local venue or attend a small community festival. Local museums and preservation groups offer insights into the island's pirate legends, shipwrecks, and early settlement - many tied to the infamous Blackbeard, who met his end just off Ocracoke's shores in 1718.

Ocracoke Island NC

Getting to the island is part of the adventure. Most visitors arrive via the NCDOT state-run ferry system, which offers scenic rides from Hatteras, Swan Quarter, or Cedar Island. The ferry from Hatteras is free and runs frequently, while the longer routes from the mainland are paid services and require reservations. These ferry rides set the tone for what's to come: unhurried travel, scenic views, and a step away from the everyday.

For those looking to disconnect, unwind, and immerse themselves in a setting where nature, history, and community come together, Ocracoke Island is a rare find. Its mix of untouched beaches, historic charm, and quiet hospitality creates an experience unlike any other on the Outer Banks. Whether you're here for a weekend escape or a weeklong stay, Ocracoke invites you to slow down, breathe in the salt air, and enjoy a coastal retreat that feels timeless and true.