Ocracoke Lighthouse

The Ocracoke lighthouse is the primary tourist attraction on Ocracoke Island. The 75-foot tall tower is the shortest and oldest operating lighthouse on the North Carolina coast. The original Ocracoke lighthouse was built on Shell Castle Island in 1798. In 1818 it was destroyed by lightning. By that time, the channel had shifted and become useless, eliminating the need for a lighthouse on Shell Castle Island. A replacement light vessel was constructed in the inlet in 1820, but was once again rendered useless by shifting sands. In 1822, Ocracoke resident Jacob Gaskill sold two acres near Silver Lake Harbor for $50. By 1823, the Ocracoke lighthouse was constructed in its present location for only $11,395.35. Today, the U.S. Coast Guard owns the lighthouse, but the National Park Service maintains the lighthouse, grounds, and keeper's quarters. The 8,000 candlepower lamp shines 14 miles out to see. Admission is free.

The Coastal Land Trust's Springer's Point Preserve

This Ocracoke Island nature preserve encompasses over 120 acres of maritime forest, tidal red cedar forest, salt marsh, wet grasslands, and sound front beach. It is the perfect location for bird watching, hiking, or sitting on the beack overlooking Pamlico Sound. State of North Carolina restrictions prohibit parking at the preserve, so please plan to travel here by foot or bicycle. Admission is free. For more information, please visit The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust website.

Ocracoke Ponies

European ships often carried horses when traveling to the New World in the 16th and 17th centuries. If a ship ran aground, the animals were thrown overboard to lighten the load and allow the ship to float again. The animals were also frequently left behind when the ships returned to Europe. According to legend, the "Banker" horses of Ocracoke Island were left here by Sir Richard Grenville, who unloaded Spanish mustangs when his ship ran aground. The Banker ponies have unique physical characteristics that set them apart from other horses. They have a different number of vertebrae and ribs as well as a unique shape, posture, color, size, and weight. In 1959, the 17 free-roaming horses were permanently penned to protect them from highway traffic. For more information, please visit The National Park Service website.

The Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum

The David Williams House was originally located just north of the Anchorage Inn. The Anchorage Inn bought the land and planned to tear down the house. In 1989, The Ocracoke Preservation Society moved the David Williams House to its present location on land owned by the National Park Service. For museum hours, please visit The Ocracoke Preservation Society's website.

Other Activities

Beach Activities

Whether you enjoy surfing, swimming, boogie boarding, kayaking, or just lying on the beach, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has something to offer. Please visit The National Park Service website. Off-road vehicles are allowed on the beach with certain restrictions. Please click here for information of off-road vechicle use on Ocracoke's beaches.

Biking

Whether you are a serious "cycling enthusiast" or a "casual pedal pusher", biking is an excellent way to tour the village. The village of Ocracoke is located around a small sheltered harbor called Silver Lake, with a second smaller residential area built around a series of man-made canals called Oyster Creek. You can easily reach all there is to "see and do" on Ocracoke Island by bike. Several scenic, slow paced routes are available. As for the "hard core cyclist", the island has 12 miles of ocean side highway that is both picturesque and challenging.

Birdwatching

Ocracoke Island is home to a wide variety of bird species, including Canada geese, tundra swans, ducks, herons, and egrets. Local shops sell bird books to help you identify the various birds of Ocracoke.

Crabbing

The best place to catch crabs is a dock or pier. Simply tie a fish head or raw chicken leg to a piece of string and lower it into the water. When the crabs gather, scoop them into a bucket using a dipnet. To cook, steam crabs until they turn red. Crabbing supplies can be found at local shops.

Kayaking

Paddle to Portsmouth Island (accessible only by boat), explore Ocracoke's creeks, or paddle with the dolphins. Kayak tours are available at several locations around the island. Plus, Zillies has two kayaks available at no extra cost!

Kiting

Kites are available at many local shops. Stunt kite flying lessons are available from Kitty Hawk Kites. Several times a year, kiters from around the world converge on the Outer Banks for kiting contests.

Parasailing

Experience Ocracoke and the Outer Banks from the sky! Several companies offer parasailing adventures, including Ocracoke Parasail and Kitty Hawk Kites.

Sailing & Fishing

Sailing charters are available at several locations along the Outer Banks. Fishing charters are also available, and two local tackle shops offer all the supplies you will need. For more information on Ocracoke's fishing opportunities, please visit OcracokeGuide.com.

Off-Island Activities

Golf

The Outer Banks are full of excellent golf courses for all skill levels. The closest course is the 9-hole Ocean Edge Golf Course in Frisco. 18-hole courses in the Outer Banks include The Currituck Club Golf Course in Corolla and Nags Head Golf Links in Nags Head.

Hang Gliding

Hang Gliding lessons are available from Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey's Ridge State Park. Experienced hang gliders, please visit the Jockey's Ridge State Park website for more information.

Miniature Golf

Several minitaure golf courses line Highway 12 in Avon and Frisco. For the more adventurous guests, Frisco also offers go karts. Be sure the check the ferry schedules before leaving!

Portsmouth Island Tours

Located across the inlet from Ocracoke, Portsmouth was once the largest settlement on the Outer Banks. Visit Portsmouth Village, a 1700's ghost village carefully maintained by the U.S. Park Service and also Blackbeard's Domain. See Teach's Hole, where Captain Maynard beheaded Blackbeard the Pirate. The Civil War and savage storms played a big part in making it the "ghost" village it is today. Partially restored, Porstmouth Island offers the ultimate in solitude as it is accessible only by boat.