Visit the Island of Ocracoke

Are you counting down the days until your spring or summer OBX vacation? Can’t wait to spend several days relaxing in your comfortable Outer Banks rental and exploring all the great locations in the Outer Banks? Most people who are planning on visiting the Outer Banks know about all the “hot spots” already. But what about some of the other, more secret places? Although Ocracoke is a bit of a drive, it is most certainly worth driving down for the day. So, during your stay in an Outer Banks rental, set aside a day to take the scenic drive to the quaint and charming island of Ocracoke. Read on to find out why the beautiful island is called the “Pearl of the Outer Banks.”

The Outer Banks is known for its beaches, but the pristine beaches of Ocracoke Island are certainly some of the best of the best. The 16 miles of undeveloped seashore have earned high rankings in Dr. Beach’s annual top ten lists, even taking first place in years past. Spend the day at the beach with lifeguards or go exploring further down and be the only person on the beach for miles. Scan the beach for some of the most beautiful seashells of the Outer Banks here or try your hand at surf fishing. At the end of the day, watch a glorious sunrise before heading back to your Outer Banks rental. 

If you are an adventurer at heart, don’t fear. Ocracoke is one of the quieter places in the Outer Banks, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t ample opportunities for excitement! If you already have experience, take out a rental and make your own adventure. Are you a beginner? Talk to the island’s water sports professionals for help. Try your hand at kayaking, surfing, parasailing, or jet skiing. Feeling extra daring? Rent out a skiff and have fun navigating through the surf.

If you brought along the kids along to the Outer Banks rental, there are many occasions to sneak some learning into this family vacation! The National Park Service provides interpretive programs, guided walks and ranger problems for those visitors who want to explore the island. Some of the kids programs include Turtle Talks, Seashore Arts and Evening Campfire. Kids won’t even realize they’re learning when they’re having this much fun! Visit the Ocracoke National park Service Visitor Center located along the shore of Silver Lake for more information. 

For those nature lovers, there are plenty of hikes to explore. Follow the Hammock Hills Nature Trail through natural hammocks, pine forest, marsh and thickets. Or, instead, spend the afternoon at Springer’s Point Nature Preserve. Be awed by the maritime forest that is bursting with abundant wildlife, centuries old live oaks, traces of historic structures and the beach where Blackbeard’s crew watched and waited to attack unsuspecting ships sailing on by. 

For all you historians out there, don’t forget to visit the Ocracoke Lighthouse while vacationing at our Outer Banks rental. The beacon was built in 1823 and is one of the oldest lighthouses still in active service in the United States. It serves as a beautiful symbol of the beloved island of Ocracoke. Also worth mentioning is the Ocracoke Preservation Museum. Listed on the National register of Historic Places, the museum features island antiques and exhibits on decoys, fishing, the Civil War and the Island Brogue. Visit www.ocracokepreservation.org for more information.

While staying at your Outer Banks rental, take a day trip out to the island of Ocracoke for a change of pace. A day spent on this quaint, charming island is a day well spent. With its pristine beaches, historic sites, recreational activities and abundances of local wildlife, this island’s nickname, the “Pearl of Outer Banks,” is well-deserved. Come visit the island and see why yourself.