Fly a KiteThe Outer Banks are well-known by windsurfers and kiteboarders around the world for awesome wind. Why not take advantage of that same wind and spend an afternoon flying a kite? On most days, finding enough wind to get the kite in the air isn't a problem! The beach is a great place to fly your kite, because it is unobstructed by power lines and trees. Visit a Local BookstoreOcracoke is a fabulous place to just kick back and read a good book. Whether you are relaxing in a comfy chair on a deck or porch, sitting on the beach, or lying in a hammock, the peace and quiet of the island just begs you to slip away into the pages of an interesting read. Children will enjoy the variety of books available at local shops. Watch WildlifeOn Ocracoke, the wildlife is plentiful. You can see turtles, dolphins, otters, along with many different species of birds, including the American Oystercatcher and the ever popular Brown Pelican. Not to miss while visiting Ocracoke are the famous ponies. The ponies are thought to be descendents of horses from sailing vessels shipwrecked on the shoals. Once left to roam on their own, they are now cared for by the National Park Service where you can view them at "the pony pasture" located 7 miles north of the village. Become a Part of the Ocracoke Community For a Week, Settle in For a Longer Stay in the Off Season or Call Ocracoke "Home"Ocracoke is a small coastal community, both is size and population. After a short time on the island, you are likely to recognize familiar faces. You will find yourself in a conversation or share a nod with a local resident. Many visitors long for the small town environment and slower pace. Luckily, many cottage homeowners offer their homes for longer term rentals outside of the peak season. For information on off season rentals call Ocracoke Island Realty at (252) 928-6261. Take a Bike RideOne of the best ways to get around on Ocracoke Island is on a bicycle. You can reach every neighborhood and business on a bike. Take a scenic bike ride around Silver Lake Harbor or explore throughout the village. Most of the rental bikes have a basket, so you can even do a little shopping on your bike. Visit the Ocracoke LibraryShared with the local school, library hours vary according to school activities and are posted on the front door. Internet is available for public use. The library's onsite collection includes Civil War, WWII, Ocracoke family history and pirate resources. Collection information is available online at http://www.bhmlib.org/bhm/Ocracoke.htm. Contact the library at (252) 928-4436. Tour the Graveyard of the Atlantic MuseumThe Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located in Hatteras Village, was created to preserve the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks throughout history. The museum has a unique design with an entrance modeled after the timbers of the many shipwrecks that have happened along the treacherous Hatteras coast. For more information, contact the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum at (252) 986-2995. Conveniently located next to the Hatteras Ferry Terminal, a museum visit can be combined with other Hatteras Island attractions for a day off the island. Ocracoke NightlifeFor fun and nightlife, there are many great places to eat that also offer live music in the evenings. Some offer music during dinner and others have bands "after hours." In the summer, you can even find karaoke and dancing. All of the establishments offering nighttime entertainment are located on Highway 12, which runs through the center of the village. Go Swimming in the OceanA favorite pastime of Ocracoke visitors is going swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Ocracoke has one Lifeguarded Beach. It is the most popular of Ocracoke's beaches. The Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach was named the Number One Beach on Dr. Beach's annual America's Best Beaches list of 2007. This beach offers public restrooms and showers, ample parking and a wooden boardwalk leading over the dunes and onto the beach. Even experienced swimmers should check with the lifeguards for information on water conditions. Educate yourself about dangerous rip currents at www.EenaProject.com. Get an Island MassageWhether your trip to Ocracoke includes non stop activity or complete relaxation, why not include the ultimate island indulgence. Ocracoke has several wonderful massage therapists and each offers a unique touch and a variety of treatments and massages. | Ocracoke RestaurantsJason's Restaurant1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Coffee Co. and Island Smoothie 226 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pony Island Restaurant 51 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Creekside Cafe 475 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Dajio 305 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Station 990 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Smacnally's 180 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Fig Tree Bakery & Delicatessen 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Back Porch Restaurant & Wine Bar 110 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Flying Melon Cafe 804 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ShoppingAlbert Styron Store300 Lighthouse Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Firefly Gifts & Garden 68 Sunset Drive Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Hammock Co. 201 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Woodworks 158 Ocean View Rd Ocracoke, NC 27960 Lighthouse Art Gallery Lighthouse Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Fig Tree Bakery & Delicatessen 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Hemp Shop - Natural Selections of Ocracoke Island 35 School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Bella Fiore Pottery 80 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Secret Garden Gallery 80 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Candyland 201 British Cemetery Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Harborside Motel & Gift Shop 229 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 Ocracoke Preservation Society 49 Water Plant Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke 396 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 ActivitiesSchooner Windfall Pirate Cruise278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Glass Bead 585 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Austin Boat Tours: Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Cruises 138 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Coastal Helicopters, LLC 158 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Ghost & History Walk 170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Youth Center 1037 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Morning Starr Beach Rides 1070 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ride the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop 486 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pamlico Sound Waterfowl Hunting PO Box 674 Ocracoke, NC 27960 |