Ocracoke, NC is a quaint little village on Ocracoke Island off the coast of North Carolina. The island is home to one of the most remote towns in the state since the only way to get there is by ferry or private plane. Since it is situated in such a unique location, Ocracoke has developed a personality, and even a dialect, all of its own! This post highlights all of our favorite Ocracoke spots that will have you wanting to visit again and again!
Gentle waves crashing on the beach in Ocracoke.
Ocracoke’s history is immense, including being a part of the colonial trade route, a pirate hideaway, and a port in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Today, Ocracoke Village is a little 4 square mile picturesque fishing village with so many unique places to explore and dine! Here are some of our favorite Ocracoke places to explore and dine from our trip that have us looking forward to our next opportunity to go back!
The Boardwalk walking towards the Ocracoke Lighthouse.
Getting There
One of my favorite parts of Ocracoke is how secluded it is. While you could fly by private plane, the most common way to get to Ocracoke is via ferry from Hatteras Inlet, Cedar Island or Swan Quarter. The ferry ride itself is part of the Ocracoke experience. We traveled by car since we were bringing our dogs, but there are also passenger ferries to get to the island. During the ferry crossing you’re free to walk around the deck and take pictures, although dogs must remain in the car. It’s the perfect opportunity for a card game and some sightseeing.
Loading our car onto the Hatteras Ocracoke Ferry.
Since we were coming from the Outer Banks, we arrived via the Hatteras ferry. The crossing only takes an hour and is free! However, it is on a first come first serve basis. Although we got in line early, we still waited about an hour to get on the ferry. We had budgeted the time to wait, so we brought lunch with us, but I’ve heard the wait times can be longer especially in the summer. There are a few small shops near the ferry terminal while you wait.
The Cedar Island ferry leads to the Southern Outer Banks and is the ferry we used to get home. It is about a two hour crossing and does have a $15 fee per car. Make sure to reserve online in advance and arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. There’s not much at the Cedar Island ferry entrance, so there’s no reason to arrive any earlier than 30 minutes.
The view of Silver Lake Harbor on the departing ferry from Ocracoke to Cedar Island.
Ocracoke Lighthouse
Probably the most iconic feature of Ocracoke is the Ocracoke Lighthouse. I mean, if you go to Ocracoke without seeing the lighthouse did you even visit? The lighthouse stands at just 75 feet tall and is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the United States!
It is just a quick stroll from Ocracoke Village and is the perfect spot for pictures. While you can’t climb the lighthouse, it is occasionally open to look inside, and it remains a beautiful landmark. To the right of the lighthouse is the lighthouse keepers cottage. The lighthouse boardwalks are free to enter, but there is a very limited amount of parking at the lighthouse itself. I highly recommend biking there so you can spend some time taking pictures and enjoying the peaceful scenery.
Our dogs posing for pictures on the Boardwalk with the Ocracoke Lighthouse.
Walk Springer’s Point to Teach’s Hole
The Springer Point Nature Preserve is just a few blocks away from the lighthouse and is one of the most secluded areas in the Village of Ocracoke. It is a hidden gem of gigantic Live Oak trees, lots of native birds, and salt marshes leading to Teach’s Hole, the famous water where Blackbeard the Pirate was hunted down and beheaded.
The trail reminds me a lot of one of our favorite trails from home, which you can read all about here! The Springer’s Point Preserve encompasses over 120 acres of protected land, however, the trail to Teach’s Hole is a short 0.8 mile out and back trail leading to an isolated beach.
The view looking toward’s Teach’s Hole in the Springer’s Point Preserve.
To get to Springer’s Point walk or bike through the neighborhood along Loop Road. When you arrive, you’ll see a small sign welcoming you to Springer’s Point. There is no parking at the entrance to the preserve, which helps protect it’s charm. However, the Assembly of God Church, a short distance away, does have paid parking. Dog’s are welcome on the trail, just be sure to keep them leashed and clean up after them. In the summer months I can also imagine some bug spray would come in handy while walking through the wooded areas!
Live Oak Tree’s along the Springer’s Point Nature Preserve Trail.
After strolling through the Salt Marsh and Live Oaks you’ll end at Teach’s Hole. Since it sits off of Pamlico Sound it has relatively calm water and is a great place to watch the Kayakers and boats navigating the waters. It is a favorite Ocracoke place for an afternoon picnic or to sit and watch the sunset.
Teach’s Hole at Springer’s Point Nature Preserve Trail.
Take in the History
Ocracoke is overflowing with history with everything from wars, to early settlers, to pirates. Almost all of the buildings and homes in Ocracoke have been there for centuries and the inhabitants of the island have been around for so long they developed their own dialect. The history of the town and architecture of the homes makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another world. It reminds me so much of one of our favorite towns nearby, Beaufort, NC, (Read all the reasons you’ll love Beaufort in my post here!) except on a grander scale.
Early in Ocracoke’s History, a spanish ship wrecked off the coast and left a herd of Spanish Mustangs stranded, similar to the Shackleford Horses of the Crystal Coast. The ponies adapted to island living and become their own species known as Banker Ponies, which have a unique build unlike any other horses. While they used to roam the island, they were corralled in the late 1950’s and now have their own home known as the Pony Pen in the middle of the island. There isn’t a ton to explore at the pen, but it makes for a quick roadside stop to see some of the first inhabitants of the island. There is also a great beach access point just across the street from the pen.
The Pony Pen on the northern end of Ocracoke Island.
Another quick historical stop on the island is the British Cemetery. It’s a small patch of land on a permanent lease to the British Commonwealth because of the British soldiers who are buried there. During WWII, the area off of the Ocracoke coast was part of Torpedo Junction, and was being patrolled by British naval ships to protect the US Coastline. The HMT Bedfordshire was on patrol and was struck by the U-558.
The ship sunk off the coast of Cape Lookout and all 37 people on board the ship died. Four of the men washed onto shore on Ocracoke Island. Those four men are buried in the British Cemetery which permanently flies the British Flag. The cemetery is small, but includes a few plaques where you can read about the wreckage and the men who perished.
The British Cemetery in Ocracoke, NC.
Visit the Beach
You’d be doing yourself a disservice to come to Ocracoke and not visit the beach. While we live at the beach, the shore here is beautifully undeveloped. The beach here consistently ranks in the top beaches of the United States because of its pristine protected shores. The island is approximately 10 square miles with over half protected by the Cape Lookout National Seashore.
An unoccupied Ocracoke Beach in March.
The shoreline is perfect for a beach day in the summer or walking and looking for shells year round! Because of the way the island is situated, and the shallow water offshore, the beach here is protected from large swell, making it a great beach for swimming. Our dogs enjoyed the empty beach when we were there in March! If you have a 4×4 vehicle you can also purchase a pass from the National Park Service to drive on the beach.
Our dogs excited to be enjoying the beach, their home away from home.
Where to Eat
You wouldn’t think such a tiny island would have such great food, but Ocracoke does not disappoint for the foodie at heart! There are so many favorite Ocracoke restaurants to check out! Depending on the time of year your traveling be sure to check and make sure the restaurants you’re interested in are open since many businesses are open seasonally.
For breakfast make a stop by Ocracoke Coffee Company at least once! They have delicious baked goods, with fresh baked bagels daily, as well as amazing smoothies! In the summer they have baked goods with Ocracoke’s famous figs! If they haven’t sold out of cinnamon buns yet, be sure to get one! They had a long line while we were there but it was worth the wait, but I would recommend arriving early so they aren’t sold out! There is indoor seating with cozy fireplaces as well a great outdoor space that is very dog friendly!
Tacos, Fresh Chips and a Jarritos at Eduardo’s Tacos.
If I could only choose one place to eat on Ocracoke it would hands down be Eduardo’s! In fact, I’ve joked about catching the ferry just to eat there. Eduardo’s is a taco truck near Lighthouse road. They serve traditional tacos as well as some speciality tacos and their homemade chips are delicious! They have a handful of picnic tables to eat at and welcome dogs. Trust me when I say Eduardo’s will become a favorite Ocracoke eatery!
Another delicious spot for lunch is SmacNally’s. It sits right on the marina in front of the Anchorage Inn. This outdoor restaurant has beautiful views of the water. We liked their burgers, curly fries, and enjoyed their beer specials. Our dogs were welcomed with open arms and got some extra love from the staff. This would be a perfect spot to go while you’re waiting for the ferry since you can sit and watch the boats come and go.
A burger and curly fries with waterfront views at SmacNally’s.
We had two fantastic dinners while we were on Ocracoke. Dajio was a delicious restaurant with southern and seafood cuisine. The chargrilled oysters are amazing! They have a small restaurant inside with a huge outdoor patio and bar outside. The patio bar is open late and allows well behaved dogs.
The best dinner of our outer banks trip was at Flying Melon. This creole and southern style restaurant has a incredible dinner specials and amazing drinks. The fresh fish was so so good and we also really loved their dessert selection. Of course I had to order a Sazerac after traveling to New Orleans over Christmas. I highly recommend giving Flying melon a try, you won’t be disappointed, it is certainly one of the best Ocracoke restaurants!
Fresh fish and Steak with Mushrooms at Flying Melon.
Unique Drinks
One of my favorite Ocracoke characteristics was that it was so laid back and an overall slower pace of living. The perfect speed to sit back and grab a pint with your favorite people! Ocracoke has a few great places to grab a drink. There is of course the well known Howard’s Pub, where you’ll find an island sports bar atmosphere with lots of different food options and 100’s of beers on tap. However, if you’re like us, your favorite Ocracoke drinks will be a little more low key.
While you’re in Ocracoke make a stop at 1718 Brewery. It’s is Ocracoke’s only craft brewery and has fantastic beers. They have a good sized taproom with many different seating areas including the bar, an upstairs area, and a great outdoor space. They have a kitchen on site called Plum Pointe which has a variety of ‘high class’ bar food including sliders, tacos, salads and seafood. We had their Jumbo pretzel which was huge and very tasty! The outdoor area is very dog friendly and has heaters in the cooler months.
A delicious pretzel with beer cheese from Plum Pointe and beers from 1718 Brewery.
Another great Ocracoke drinking spot is Zillie’s. It is one of the few places in Ocracoke that is open year round! They have a huge wine and craft beer selection, as well as food pairings local to the area. While they have limited indoor seating there is a huge covered deck with large fire pits in the winter that is dog friendly. They also offer wine tastings twice a week in the summer.
The porch at Zillie’s with firepit roaring.
Getting Around
While Ocracoke cars are allowed on Ocracoke, you’ll see most people getting around by golf cart or bike. We walked most places this trip, but will certainly be bringing our bikes next time. There a few places that rent bikes on the island including The Slushy Stand and most hotels. Bike rentals run about $15 a day and golf carts about $75 for the day; many places also offer multi day discounts.
The parking lot at Zillie’s full of bikes and golf carts.
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Our family loves coastal towns. We’ve visited the Outerbanks, but were much further north. Ocracoke looks like such a lovely town. I love the photos of your pups.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the Outerbanks- if you ever make it back be sure to make it to Ocracoke- you won’t regret it 🙂
We keep wanting to plan a road trip in the eastern US and North Carolina is on the plan. So it was good to read more about the quaint little village of Ocracoke. The ferry trip would be part of the fun. Looks like a great spot for some relaxing beach time and great seafood.