Go Scuba Diving To View Underwater Shipwrecks and Sea LifeThe Outer Banks is otherwise known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" because of the more than 100 shipwrecks that have remains on the ocean floor between Corolla and Ocracoke. Wreckage from these ships is located at various depths in the ocean, and a great way to see them is by going scuba diving. Make a Friend, Talk To a LocalStrike up a conversation with a local, especially an older one, and you might be surprised how much you can learn about the island. Also known as Ocockers, the native islanders are a tight knit bunch. There is a real sense of community on Ocracoke. You're sure to notice the Ocracoke "brogue," the famous local dialect that has evolved over the past 250 years. Sit for a spell and let a real Ococker tell you about some of the historical and cultural lore of Ocracoke. Go Hiking on the Hammock Hills Nature TrailLocated north of Ocracoke Village, the 3/4 mile Hammock Hills Nature Trail will take you on a 30-minute walk through various environments found on the island, including sand dunes, maritime forest and a salt marsh. Signs along the trail teach about the Ocracoke weather, nature elements and various plant life. You will want to remember your camera and insect repellent. The trailhead is located just across Highway 12 from the Ocracoke National Park Service Campground. Watch the Full Moon Rise and Look For Ghost Crabs at the BeachGo to the beach on a balmy, summer night and wait for the full moon to come up over the ocean. On a clear night, the full moon rising up over the horizon sometimes has an orange or red tint which is the light from the setting sun filtering through particles in the Earth's atmosphere and reflecting off the moon. It's absolutely beautiful hanging in the sky above the dark ocean waves. When the moonlight floods the beach and reflects brightly off the white sea foam, you will see dozens of ghost crabs skittering about. If the clouds are over the moon, bring a flashlight and see how many ghost crabs you can find! Spend a Relaxing Afternoon of Kayaking or CanoeingPeople of any age and skill level can enjoy a relaxing afternoon of kayaking or canoeing in the calm waters of Silver Lake Harbor or the Pamlico Sound. Silently paddle among the sailboats that are anchored in the harbor. Schools of baitfish ripple across the surface as a family of ducks swim up to join you. Ocracoke's flora and fauna will delight you, as seagulls reel overhead and a pelican dives into the water after a snack. In a kayak, you are right there at eye level with nature. View Locally Made DecoysSome local residents continue to carry on Ocracoke culture by carving decoys. While once used for hunting, many of the locally made decoys today are sold as collectables and cherished as works of art. Some carvers display their work from home while others have their work displayed in local shops. Buy Local Art, Music, or LiteratureOcracoke's natural beauty lures many artists, musicians, and writers to make their home on the island. As a result, there is a huge variety of creative originals to be found in the many shops and art galleries. Find a piece of art, a book or a music CD and take a piece of Ocracoke home with you! Attend a Free Workout!Toning Circuit, Anaerobic Circuit, Step Aerobics, Cardio Kick Boxing and more at the Ocracoke Community Center every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 AM (times may vary in the off season). All equipment is supplied for you. Located at 1009 Irvin Garrish Highway on Ocracoke. 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 Art Galleries and Shops To View Local TalentBecause of the natural beauty of the ocean and its surroundings on Ocracoke Island, many artists live in the area and express their love for Ocracoke in their artwork. There are several art galleries located on Ocracoke and art shows and events are held throughout the year. If you are interested in art, you will love spending a day touring galleries on Ocracoke. If the timing is right, you might also get to see an art show or attend an event! | Ocracoke RestaurantsSunset Sweets272 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jason's Restaurant 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Cafe Atlantic 1129 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant 1175 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Back Porch Restaurant & Wine Bar 110 Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Smacnally's 180 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Creekside Cafe 475 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Fig Tree Bakery & Delicatessen 1015 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Back Porch Lunchbox 747 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Thai Moon 589 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ShoppingThe Flower Boutique29 Elizabeth Lane Ocracoke, NC 27960 Teach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Woodworks 158 Ocean View Rd Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Variety Store & Hardware 950 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Downpoint Decoys 324 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Captain's Cargo Gift Shop 324 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Blackbeard's Ice Chest 45 Trent Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Island Natural Health Store 170 Back Road Sunflower Center Ocracoke, NC 27960 Books to be Red 34 School Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 North Carolina ABC Store Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Restoration 585 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 O'Neal's Dockside II Tackle Shop 800 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke AttractionsJolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Anchorage Inn & Marina 205 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Teach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Preservation Society 49 Water Plant Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Island Lighthouse 1 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke ActivitiesRide the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop486 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Pamlico Sound Waterfowl Hunting PO Box 674 Ocracoke, NC 27960 Coastal Helicopters, LLC 158 Ocean View Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions 396 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 The Glass Bead 585 Irvin Garrish Highway Spencer's Market Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo Back Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 Kitty Hawk Kites Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Youth Center 1037 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke, NC 27960 Ocracoke Ghost & History Walk 170 Howard Street Ocracoke, NC 27960 Schooner Windfall Pirate Cruise 278 Irvin Garrish Highway Community Square Docks Ocracoke, NC 27960 Austin Boat Tours: Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Cruises 138 Loop Road Ocracoke, NC 27960 |