Ocracoke is a classic island getaway

Travel

Accessible only by ferry, North Carolina's Ocracoke Island is a classic island getaway, thanks to the quiet streets, friendly locals, award-winning beaches, one-of-a-kind shopping, varied accommodations and fresh seafood. Any time is a great time to visit Ocracoke, although it can get crowded in midsummer. Spring and fall bring fewer visitors, mild weather and generally lower prices.

ACCESSIBLE ONLY by ferry, North Carolina's Ocracoke Island is a classic island getaway. Once a fairly well-kept secret, Ocracoke landed on the bigger scene in 2007 when the island's Lifeguard Beach was named Best Beach in America by environmental scientist and coastal expert Stephen "Dr. Beach" Leatherman.

OCRACOKE-CEDAR Island Ferry arriving at the dock at Ocracoke Island. Ferries currently run between Ocracoke and three "mainland" locations: Hatteras, Swan Quarter and Cedar Island, the latter being the one most often used by road-trippers from Atlanta.

A VIEW north along Ocracoke Island's sand dune ridge with visitors flying a kite on the beach.

IN 2007 Stephen "Dr. Beach" Leatherman gave Ocracoke's pristine beaches top scores for water and sand quality, facilities and environmental management practices.

A VIEW of the Ocracoke Lighthouse & adjacent to keeper's house.

BUILT IN 1823 and among the oldest continuously operating lighthouses on the Eastern Seaboard, Ocracoke Lighthouse serves as a beacon to village explorers and a few fishermen and pleasure boaters (the squat lighthouse is just 75 feet tall and the light can be seen only 14 miles out at most)

DIRECTIONAL SIGN for island amenities and attractions at Ocracoke. Ocracoke Island has something for everyone. From strolling around the quaint village to lolling on the beach, this island beckons as an old-style coastal destination.

FRESH SEAFOOD and lots of variety flavor the village dining scene at spots like the Back Porch Restaurant, and Back Porch Lunch Box.

THE OCRACOKE village wraps around pretty little Silver Lake Harbor.

THE CASTLE Bed & Breakfast on Silver Lake, Ocracoke Island.

A PONY grazes on Ocracoke Island. One of Ocracoke Island's attractions is the National Park Service Pony Pen on the eastern end of the island. The ponies that call the 160-acre pasture home are widely believed to be descended from Spanish mustangs that once roamed Ocracoke freely.

DAVID O'NEAL, at his Down Point Decoy Shop, comes from a long line of O'cockers and still has traces of the fast-fading local brogue.

PHILLIP HOWARD, owner of the Village Craftsmen store and a descendent of one of Oracoke Island's earliest residents.

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ACCESSIBLE ONLY by ferry, North Carolina's Ocracoke Island is a classic island getaway. Once a fairly well-kept secret, Ocracoke landed on the bigger scene in 2007 when the island's Lifeguard Beach was named Best Beach in America by environmental scientist and coastal expert Stephen "Dr. Beach" Leatherman.

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