If you’re on the hunt for things to do on Ocracoke Island, boredom is the least of your worries. Ocracoke Island is a recreational wonderland, and finding fun here never takes long. The most popular attraction by far is the beach. Once you see and experience these clean, wide-open, undeveloped beaches, you'll understand why Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach, named Ocracoke's Lifeguard Beach as the #1 beach among his 10 Best Beaches in the USA in 2022.
Other things to do on Ocracoke enable you to know this island and its community and culture, from historic ghost walks to charter fishing trips to kayak tours and hiking through nature preserves. Keep in mind that on Ocracoke Island you will need a car, bicycle or golf cart. There’s not a traditional taxi service here, but there is a free tram in the village in the summer months. The island way of getting around involves walking, biking or a cruising in a golf cart. The village area can easily be covered in a matter of minutes.
The primary things to do on Ocracoke Island – attractions and outdoor recreation – stay pretty simple and unfettered. The setting and community provide the entertainment on Ocracoke. Enjoy a guided walk through the woods, listen to local musicians performing at live shows or gather around the old-timers to hear the stories of years past.
Unwind with Things to Do in Ocracoke
It seems that when people are here, they content themselves with less stimulation than what’s found in the hustles and bustle of cities. Things to do in Ocracoke celebrate simplicity: quiet walks on the beach (Cape Hatteras National Seashore), fishing and clamming, looking for shells, building a sandcastle, strolling around the village, sitting on the porch swing, observing nature or chasing ghost crabs in the moonlight. If you’re looking for more, walk or bike to the Ocracoke Campground on the new paved bike trail, stroll over to the Ocracoke Lighthouse (the oldest in North Carolina and still operating) and the Preservation Museum, or go out and visit the ponies and take a little hike. Another favorite activity is taking a daytrip to Portsmouth Island, an unoccupied island with remote beaches and old village buildings to explore. Learn more about Portsmouth Island here.
One last note to remember, when we refer to the locations for things to do on Ocracoke Island, Irvin Garrish Highway is also known as N.C. Highway 12.
Parasailing combines stunning views with the thrill of flying high above Pamlico Sound. Fly solo or with a friend. The boat can take up to six people. This...read more
There are many theories about how ponies found their way to Ocracoke Island. Some say they arrived on English ships during 16th-century exploration, others...read more
Three vehicle ferries bring cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles and bicycles to Ocracoke Island. The free Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry offers multiple trips daily...read more
The Ocracoke Village Tram is a free ride service in the village. It makes a continuous 30-minute loop from the Silver Lake Ferry Terminal along Irvin...read more
Ocracoke Waterfowl Hunting provides a unique site for waterfowl hunters. With 4’ X 8’ bushed blinds available, there is no better way to get close to the...read more
Ocracoke is one of the few remaining working maritime communities. Round out your Ocracoke cultural education and learn about the life and history of the...read more
The Ocrafolk Festival is one of the most beloved Outer Banks annual events and traditions. On the first weekend in June, storytellers, musicians and artists...read more
The National Scenic Byways Program recognizes, protects and promotes America’s most outstanding roadways. With its picturesque lighthouses, rolling sand...read more
Throughout the summer season, Ocracoke Preservation Society hosts weekly porch talks on topics of local and historical interest. Stop in at the museum for a...read more
Portsmouth Island, just across the inlet from Ocracoke Island, is an enchanting place to visit. This uninhabited island is rugged and remote, one of the...read more
This outfitter takes passengers to Portsmouth Island for four-hour excursions on a remote, uninhabited island. The boat can take up to 12 passengers and...read more
Brothers Rudy and Donald Austin, both former ferry captains, offer boat tours to historic Portsmouth Island. Departing daily from Silver Lake Harbor at the...read more