Things to Do in Ocracoke

Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly since 1974. With more than 10 retail locations from Corolla to Ocracoke, Kitty Hawk Kites boasts an impressive selection of kites, flags and spinners, toys, apparel, gifts and games on the Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk Kites specializes in kites, from the single-lines for kids to high-tech stunt varieties. The stores also sell fun outdoor goodies such as flags, toys, boomerangs and games. You’ll find a wide selection of beach sportswear and footwear from Crocs, Sanuk, Chaco, Hey Dude, Southern Fried and Life is Good apparel, t-shirts, sweatshirts, outdoor clothing, sunglasses and more. Kitty Hawk Kites also offers a number of adventure activities including hang gliding, kayak and SUP tours, lessons and rentals, dolphin tours, tours to and of various Outer Banks locations, parasailing, Jet skis, fishing tournaments and more. At Kitty Hawk Kites' Waves Village Watersports Resort in Rodanthe, you can learn kiteboarding; buy and rent kiteboarding gear; rent a kayak, surfboard or standup paddleboard or climb the adventure tower/ropes course.

Ocracoke Alive, Inc. was formed to enrich the Ocracoke Island by serving the cultural and artistic needs of the community. Through fundraising and donations, this group supports the musical, educational and artistic vein of the Ocracoke community by organizing and sponsoring multiple events throughout the year, including the annual Ocrafolk Festival, Ocrafolk School Fall Retreat, Festival Latino de Ocracoke and community plays and school programs.

For a peek into Ocracoke’s past, visit Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Museum. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the island’s history and cultural heritage and to protecting its environment. Housed in the turn-of-the-century home of Coast Guard Capt. David Williams, the museum lets visitors glimpse island life in the early to mid-1900s. Many of the architectural elements are intact, and a bedroom, living room and kitchen are decorated with period furnishings donated by island families. The museum has photographs, artifacts and exhibits that pertain to island life and culture. A favorite is a video on the Ocracoke brogue. The museum also houses special rotating exhibits and a gift shop. Upstairs is a small research library that can be used by appointment. In the yard of the museum you can find outdoor exhibits including an old-style cistern and the traditional fishing boat, Blanche, circa 1934. During the summer, OPS hosts free porch talks and museum tours with a variety of islanders sharing their knowledge, stories and history. The museum also offers a mid-week Create-a-Craft program for kids. This interactive program is fun and informative and the children leave with a handmade island souvenir. Stop at the OPS gift shop for a schedule of these events. It’s free to visit the museum, though donations are encouraged. It’s open from the end of March through the first week of December.

The lineup of brightly colored golf carts next to Pony Island Motel is sure to catch your eye. Stop in to rent an electric or gas cart from this friendly local family. They will deliver your cart to your rental house or hotel, or if you’re just on Ocracoke for the day, they’ll let you park and scoot off into the village, with the fresh air on your cheeks. If you are flying into the tiny Ocracoke airstrip, they’ll pick you up and get you set up with a cart for your time on the island and deliver you back when it’s time to go. Wheelie’s great customer service has earned them lots of repeat business, so reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome as well.