Ocracoke Island is a small island off the Outer Banks island chain in North Carolina.
It is a world away from the busy OBX summers, blessed with undeveloped beaches and leisurely vibes.
Though difficult to get to, I’ve always found the trip to be worth it, no matter how many times I visit this little slice of paradise!
So, read on for a guide on how to plan the perfect weekend on Ocracoke Island. In this post, we’ll be covering…
- Practical Info for your Weekend on Ocracoke Island
- How to Get to Ocracoke Island
- A Brief History of Ocracoke Island
- The Best Things to do in Two Days on Ocracoke Island
- A Sample 2 Days in Ocracoke Island Itinerary
- Additional Tips for Spending a Weekend on Ocracoke Island
Image by Mary Gasaway from Pixabay
Practical Info for Your Weekend on Ocracoke Island
When to Visit Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke’s biggest tourism boom is during the summer, when temperatures are high and the water is warm. The water stays warm through September, which is a great time to visit to beat the crowds.
Ocracoke is also beautiful during the offseason. You will have a lot more privacy and opportunities to view wildlife.
Though the weather does get chilly, there are plenty of Ocracoke Island activities to keep you occupied during the offseason.
Places to Stay on Ocracoke Island
Camping is a fun and affordable option when looking for places to stay in Ocracoke Island. The National Park service offers a large campsite just a few minutes walk to the beach.
The campground is equipped with bathrooms and showers. Sites tend to fill up quickly during the summer, so be sure to book ahead and expect an unfortunate lack of privacy.
There are also plenty of Ocracoke Island hotels and bed and breakfasts. The Sand Dollar Motel is an affordable and homely option, offering a localized and comfortable experience.
Or, get in touch with Ocracoke’s pirate history and stay at Blackbeard’s Lodge. Ocracoke’s most historic hotel is right outside of the village shops and attractions.
Blackbeard’s Lodge has a number of activities on site such as a pool, porch swing, pool table, and arcade. Also, the lodge makes it easy to rent bikes and golf carts.
Finally, the Anchorage Inn and Marina is one of the most stunning places to stay in Ocracoke, sitting along Silver Lake Harbor. This is a great place to stay for those interested in boating, fishing, or parasailing.
How to Get to Ocracoke Island
You are required to take a ferry to get to Ocracoke Island. There are three places that ferry to Ocracoke Island.
The most popular way to get to Ocracoke is to follow the Outer Banks Island chain to Hatteras Island, where you can ride the free ferry to Ocracoke Island. During the summer, wait times to get on the ferry can be up to 2-3 hours.
During the offseason, the ferry runs on the hour.
The ferry from Hatteras Island takes about 40 minutes. The ferry ride is a fun experience in itself. Keep an eye out for dolphins as you ride!
Visitors are also able to make reservations to catch the ferry from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter, NC. These rides are longer, but they are convenient options if you are coming from the South.
Image by Jenn Dixon from Pixaba
A Brief History of Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island has a fascinating history! During the 1700s, it sat along a bustling trade route.
The Pamlico Sound proved difficult to cross, so many skilled sailors built a settlement on Ocracoke to transport goods to the mainland. Ocracoke Island became very popular amongst pirates who dared to sail the Pamlico Sound.
Many pirates used the island as a campsite until battles erupted at the Ocracoke inlet. This is where the world’s most famous pirate, Blackbeard, died in 1718.
Over time, Ocracoke grew and attracted sailors, pilots, and fishermen.
Ocracoke Village was constructed using building materials salvaged from shipwrecks. Families have continued, despite the odds, to thrive here for generations.
Image by egowkand from Pixabay
The Best Things to Do in Two Days on Ocracoke Island
There are so many things to do on Ocracoke Island, all within a few miles from each other!
Enjoy Miles of Beaches and Ocean
Obviously, one of the best things to do on Ocracoke is enjoy the miles of pristine beaches! There are several lifeguarded beaches as well as secluded beaches.
Even during peak season, you’ll be able to find a spot away from the crowds on Ocracoke Beach.
Head to the Pamlico Sound for calmer waters, perfect for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. There are several access points to the sound, such as Devil Shoals Road, which does not require an ORV permit.
At Ride the Wind, you’ll be able to rent kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards to explore the Sound.
Go on a Nature Walk
There are two beautiful walking trails on Ocracoke Island. The Hammock Hills trail is a ¾-mile loop that traverses through the marshy woodland-line edge of the Pamlico Sound.
The .8-mile Springer’s Point trail cuts through salty marshlands and live oak trees before arriving at an overlook of Teach’s Hole.
This is where Blackbeard lost his battle and was killed. It is also a great spot to watch the sunset!
Check out the Pony Pens
Did you know Ocracoke has ponies? These ponies were once wild and are considered to be among Ocracoke’s oldest “residents.”
They have since been fenced up for their protection.
Don’t worry, these ponies still have acres of sound-side beach and marshlands to roam. You can find them off Highway 12 at the Ocracoke Pony Pens!
Explore the Village
Ocracoke Village is home to so many fun attractions. Check out the Ocracoke Lighthouse, or go shopping at one of the many cute and unique small businesses.
Books to Be Red is my favorite store in the village. It is an adorable bookstore that also sells pottery, candles, and other accessories.
Sea Break is another fun store offering handmade beeswax candles and balms, driftwood art, saltwater lotion, and whimsical jewelry. This is the best place to shop if you want to embrace the island culture!
By the docks, there is the Ocracoke Discovery Center. There are numerous educational exhibits as well as a children’s activity corner.
If you are interested in learning more about the island, ranger-led programs are offered regularly from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Renting a bike is one of the best ways to explore the village. There are numerous Ocracoke Island rental centers, such as the Slushy Stand, Coast and Go, or the Ocracoke Beach Outfitters.
Enjoy Local Seafood and Cuisine
Eat a delicious and fresh seafood dinner at Howard’s Pub or Ocracoke Oyster Co. These restaurants rely on the island’s daily catch of shrimp, blue crab, scallops, clams, and oyster- fresh from Ocracoke Beach!
If you prefer to cook, the Ocracoke Seafood Company has a retail market full of fresh catches depending on the season. They also sell a variety of seasonings, herbs, and condiments to bring your meal to the next level.
Or, try sweet and spicy fig cake at the Fig Tree Bakery. It’s a local delicacy!
Image by Caitlin Greer from Pixabay
A Sample 2 Days on Ocracoke Island Itinerary
There are so many Ocracoke Island activities, it helps to have an itinerary, so here is a two day Ocracoke Island itinerary for you to steal!
Day 1
Start your first morning off right by catching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. The views are phenomenal, and it sets a relaxed tone for the rest of your island vacation.
Next, head to the Slushy Stand. Here, you can kill two birds with one stone.
Not only does the Slushy Stand have great pastries, bagels, and coffee, but they offer bike rentals!
After you get your bike and some breakfast, get ready to explore the village. The village is where you’ll find most of the things to do on Ocracoke Island.
Swing by the lighthouse, which is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.
As you explore, stop by a few of the shops. Many of them offer custom, handmade goods and clothing that would make perfect souvenirs.
You can’t visit the village without trying Fig Tree Bakery’s fig cake! Or, visit the Back Porch Lunch Box for a quick sandwich and smoothie.
After that, hit Ocracoke beach! Enjoy one of the life guarded beaches, or find your hidden slice of paradise along the 16-mile long shoreline.
Check out Ocracoke Beach Gear Rentals for umbrellas, chairs, and more beach accessories that you may have forgotten to pack.
End your day at the Ocracoke Oyster Co. and enjoy the fresh seafood and live music!
Day 2
In the morning, head to Stockroom Street Food for a hearty breakfast to keep you energized for the day.
After that, rent a kayak or paddleboard from Ride the Wind and head to the Pamlico Sound. The Oregon Inlet Launch is one of the easiest places to get started on your kayak.
As you explore, keep an eye out for turtles and skates- the cousin to stingrays!
After a few hours on the water, head back to shore to explore more of the island. One of the strangest Ocracoke Island activities is visiting the Banker Ponies.
Head to the Pony Pens directly off Highway 12 to view them in their enclosure. Despite having a lot of space, the ponies love to hang out at their stables for people to view them!
As the day begins to wind to an end, head to Springer’s Point to watch the sunset. The hike takes less than 20 minutes and the views are stunning.
Finally, head to Howard’s Pub for a late night drink and meal. The fried oyster sandwich and hush puppies are to die for!
Additional Tips for Spending a Weekend on Ocracoke Island
After arriving at your accommodation, ditch the car! The island is so much fun to explore by bike or golf cart.
Try to hit the ferry during slow periods and read the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry schedule. During the summer, wait times can get up to a few hours long!
The best time to get on the ferry is early morning or later at night.
Finally, save money by bringing your own water jugs. There is a free water fill-up station across from the NPS campground, near the Hammock Hills trail.
I hope you enjoyed this guide for spending a weekend on Ocracoke Island!
Let us know in the comments if there are any more Ocracoke Island recommendations we should add to our guide!