The Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach on Ocracoke Island was named the number one beach
on Dr. Beach’s annual America’s Best Beaches list of 2007. The island, embraced
by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is known
for its clean water, sand and unspoiled natural beauty. At 16 miles long and a
half-mile wide, Ocracoke is a sun-swept wilderness, once a favorite haunt of
Blackbeard the Pirate and the place where he met his demise.
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Caladesi Island State Park
Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
Coopers Beach
Southampton, New York
Hanalei Beach
Kauai, Hawaii
Coast Guard Beach Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Hamoa Beach
Maui, Hawaii
Main Beach
East Hampton, New York
Coronado Beach
San Diego, California
Lighthouse Point
Park
Daytona Beach, Florida
Siesta Beach
Sarasota, Florida
Discover Ocracoke Island – “Best Beach in the US”
For the very first time, a beach outside of Florida or Hawaii was named
the top beach on Dr. Beach’s celebrated annual top ten list.
The island is surrounded by the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, making it
accessible only by water or air. Ocracoke Island’s remote location
invites visitors looking to truly get away to a pristine place to swim, fish,
surf and explore.
International beach expert Stephen Leatherman made the designation. Known
as "Dr. Beach," he is identified as the nation’s foremost authority
on beach quality and ratings. He has gained international renown for his
annual
list of Top 10 Beaches in America, which he has released since 1991.
More than 650 beaches throughout the United States are judged on a list of
50 criteria under four main areas: physical factors such as sand softness,
and number and size of waves; biological factors such as color and condition
of the water; presence of wildlife and pests; and human use and impacts such
as lifeguard protection, far-reaching views and traffic.
The natural, untouched beauty of Ocracoke Island’s soft sand, unpolluted
sunshine, good waves and clean water caught the attention of Dr. Beach years
ago. Visitors come for the same reasons.
There’s much to see and explore around the island, including charter
fishing, outstanding birdwatching, camping, stories of Civil War and World
War II ocean battles and more. Getting to Ocracoke is now easier; a new summer
ferry schedule began May 22 and will last through Labor Day weekend. There
will be four departures from both Swan Quarter on mainland Hyde County and
Ocracoke Island versus the two departures that are in effect the remainder
of the year. Ferry service is
also available from Cedar Island and Hatteras.
The Island is about 16 miles long (with almost 15 miles of beach) and ½ mile
wide. The Ocracoke Village, containing a residential and commercial area
is less than 1,000 acres and about 1 ½ miles in circumference.
Ocracoke Village was recognized as a town in 1753; at the time, 20 to 30
families lived there. Today, some 700 individuals live year-round on the
island.
The island is 26 miles from the mainland and is accessible only by
ferry, private boat or airplane.
Ocracoke Inlet was the most important and stable
access into coastal interior North Carolina, so it was of great concern and
importance to colonial shipping, pirates, the Revolutionary War, Civil War,
World War I and World War II.
Graveyard of the Atlantic
Ship off Ocracoke
The tricky waters of the Outer Banks are home to more than 1,000 known
shipwrecks. Ocracoke’s waters are
the final resting place for many ships of the most famous and significant
wrecks.
In 1565, Sir Richard Grenville’s ship Tigerran
aground on Ocracoke Island. Legend says Sir Richard Grenville may have left
behind Spanish mustangs now known as the famous Banker pony herd. The ponies
have been documented on Ocracoke since the first European settlers came in
the 1730s.
The wreck of the steamboat Home in October, 1837 resulted in laws
that protect Americans today. Due to a hurricane, Home was taking
on water, and the captain intentionally grounded the craft on Ocracoke. On
board were 130 men, women and children and only 3 frail lifeboats and 2 life
preservers; only 40 passengers survived. After this catastrophic loss, Congress
passed the law requiring all seagoing vessels to have one life preserver
per passenger.
The wreck of the schooner Anna R. Heidritter in October, 1942
marked the last time a Beach Apparatus of Breeches Buoy was used. A popular
life-saving practice employed by the U.S. Life Saving Service, the technique
involved shooting a line from a small cannon to a wreck to establish the
link by which a flotation device could be sent to transport wreck victims
to safety ashore. The Heidritter was carrying a cargo of logwood;
some of that logwood can be seen today in the old fence posts around the
village.
The Name
Ocracoke Harbor
Ocracoke’s name seems originally to have been Wococon, which first
appeared on the 1585 map by John White, an artist involved in Sir Walter
Raleigh’s colonization efforts. The Indian word was waxkahikani,
meaning enclosed place; it’s believed a fortified Indian village once
existed on this site, but there was a tribe called the Woccon who lived along
the Neuse River and summered on Ocracoke. By 1676, the name Okok was
used; by 1709, it had evolved into Occacock, and now Ocracoke.
During the 1730s, the main occupation of Ocracoke islanders was piloting
incoming vessels through the inlet. For a period, Ocracoke was known as “Pilot
Town.”
According to folklore, the pirate
Blackbeard
influenced the name: In 1718
before Blackbeard’s fatal battle with Lt. Maynard, Blackbeard was anxious
for morning and the battle’s start. He bellowed, “O Cock Crow!
O Cock Crow!”
Most of Ocracoke Island is part
of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a haven for recreation and reflection.
The first ever national seashore, CHNS spans from South Nags Head to Ocracoke
and covers 30,000 acres across 72 miles. Hike through maritime forests,
go crabbing and clamming in protected waters west of Hatteras Island. Take
advantage of great birding during fall and spring migrations. Camp, swim, fish
and hike along the seashore. photo
Oldest continuously operating lighthouse on
the eastern seaboard. At 75 feet, it is the shortest lighthouse on the North
Carolina coast and is only seen for 14 miles; yet, it still serves fishing
and pleasure boats navigating its shoal-ridden inlet. photo
Final resting place for four British sailors
from the H.M.S.Bedfordshire, which was torpedoed on May
11, 1942 by a German submarine. The Coast Guard maintains the burial sites
and flies a British flag over the graves. photo
Formerly the home of David Williams, the
first Chief of the U.S. Coast Guard station on Ocracoke. It now houses The
Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum and is part of the Ocracoke Historic
District. Admission is free. Visit our website for
a schedule of Museum Porch Talks. photo
An ancient 120-acre maritime tidal red cedar
forest, salt marsh, wet grasslands and sound-front beach is now protected
by the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust. In addition to providing a home
for diverse plant and animal species, the site is historically known as “Teach’s
Plantation,” the reputed haunt of Blackbeard. Teach’s Hole, where
the pirate met his end in 1718, is just off Springer’s Point. Thirty-one
acres of preserve are open to the public, complete with trails and sound
front beach. Plan to travel by foot or bicycle. Parking not allowed.
Just across from the National Park Service’s
Ocracoke Campground, the Hammock Hills Nature Trail is a 3/4-mile trail through
the island’s maritime forest and salt marsh. Learn how area plants
adapt themselves to the unusual elements and harsh barrier island weather.
The hike takes about 30 minutes. photo
These ponies have been documented since European
settlers came to stay in the 1730s. In the late 1950s, Ocracoke Boy Scouts
(the only mounted troop in the nation) cared for the ponies. By law, the
free-roaming animals were penned in 1959 to prevent over-grazing and to safeguard
them from traffic after Highway 12 was built in 1957. They are cared for
today by the National Park Service. photo
During the Civil War, Ocracoke
Inlet played a major role in moving materials to and from the state and the
Confederacy. Stand at the granite Civil War marker on the Pamlico Sound and
imagine the massive walls of Fort Ocracoke rising in the distance. Built
on tiny Beacon Island, this stone, sand and sod fort was destroyed in the
face of advancing Union troops in September 1861. Scattered remnants of the
fort now lie submerged. Pottery and glass shards retrieved from the site
and other displays may be seen at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. photo
This trail highlights Ocracoke
Island’s historical, natural and cultural attractions. Tour village
points by car, bicycle or on foot where you’re sure to enjoy the scenery
of the harbor, streets, sunrises, sunsets, and beach. Pick up a brochure where
local tourism information is available or at the Hyde County Chamber of Commerce.
National Register of Historic Places
The village of Ocracoke is
on the National Register of Historic Places with more than 150 homes and
buildings listed. Many threads of history have been woven together in the
fabric of this small barrier island community. photo
Howard Street
Named for one of the island’s original
residents - William Howard - and for the eight generations of islanders who
have carried his name since the 1750s, Howard Street offers a glimpse of
what life on Ocracoke was like in earlier times. The shady, sandy lane, bordered
by picket fences, small family cemeteries and historic island homes, is typical
of Ocracoke roads long ago. photo
Tour Historic Portsmouth Island via a guided
ATV riding tour. Part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, the Historical
Village was once a thriving port town with more than 685 residents in 1860;
it’s now deserted. Some of the buildings are open to the public including
the U. S. Life Saving Station, Methodist Church, U.S. Post Office, General
Store and Village Visitor Center. photo
Enjoy the ultimate waterfront and sunset views from the heart of Ocracoke Village.
The Marina is on Silver Lake Harbor and is home to several charter boats with experienced
Captains and Mates. Boat rentals, pool, continental breakfast and pet-friendly rooms
are available.
208 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960
Inn: (252) 928-1101
Marina: (252) 928-6661 www.theanchorageinn.com
Built in 1918, the Beach House has provided hospitality to island visitors
offering four rooms with private bath, TV, refrigerator, and a full breakfast.
1111 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-1411 www.ocracokebeachhouse.com
Ocracoke's oldest continually operated hotel, located in the center of the village with easy access
to restaurants, shops and points of interest. Blackbeard’s Lodge offers
a free shuttle to the Ocracoke airport and Silver Lake Harbor. Blackbeard’s
Lodge also has bikes for rent, a game room with pool table, video games,
foosball and board games. They specializing in family vacations.
111 Back Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
Info: (252) 928-3421
Reservations: (800) 892-5314 www.blackbeardslodge.com
Bluff Shoal Motel is located in the center of the village of Ocracoke, on the
waterfront of Silver Lake Harbor.
306 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-4301 www.ocracokeisland.com/bluff_shoal_motel.htm
Waterfront suites and a penthouse overlook scenic Silver Lake providing panoramic
views of the Ocracoke Lighthouse, village and harbor life. Sea air and soft
breezes enhance your stay, along with spectacular sunsets viewed from your
own private deck along with cable, CD, DVD and VCR capabilities. Boats slips
with shore power/water hook-ups available.
324 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-1999 www.thecaptainslanding.com
The Castle B&B is an 11-room B&B that serves a full country breakfast
each morning to its guests. Guests also enjoy complimentary bicycles, an outdoor
heated pool, a pool house with sauna and steam showers and dockage.
155 Silver Lake Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-3505 www.thecastlebb.com
Ocracoke's newest accommodations offer a view of the Pamlico Sound, historic
Portsmouth Island or the Ocracoke Lighthouse from every room. The large screened
porch is a great place to watch the sunset on the Sound.
21 Loop Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-4192 www.thecovebb.com
Located in the center of Ocracoke Village, the inn is a short walk to the harbor,
shops, restaurants and historical sites. The Crew’s Inn B&B features
an oyster shell driveway and is surrounded by red cedars, live oaks and other
island vegetation you can enjoy from a wraparound screened porch with swings
and rockers.
503 Back Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-7011 www.ocracokers.com
Relax Ocracoke-style in a family-owned and operated motel with 8 rooms, 3 efficiencies,
6 cottage apartments and 2 private cottages. Located on a quiet street in
the "heart" of Ocracoke village, Edwards of Ocracoke is convenient
to shops, restaurants, the harbor and Ocracoke Lighthouse.
226 Old Beach Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(800) 254-1359 www.edwardsofocracoke.com
Harborside Motel
Situated on Silver Lake Harbor, the Harborside Motel offers a view of the
water activities from the heart of the village.
229 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252)928-3111
The Island Inn, Ocracoke's oldest and finest inn and dining establishment,
offers traditional rooms with the ambience of a country inn with panoramic
views of the harbor and heated pool. The dining room offers a full southern
breakfast and family atmosphere at an affordable price.
25 Lighthouse Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(877) 456-3466 www.ocracokeislandinn.com
The Island Villas offer penthouse condos, spacious one and two bedroom units
professionally decorated with views of the lighthouse and Silver Lake.
25 Lighthouse Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(877) 456-3466 www.ocracokeislandinn.com
This guesthouse-like bed and breakfast is located off Ocracoke Harbor
in the old village near the Ocracoke Lighthouse. Regular rentals are available
(from one night, a week, or more) for singles, couples, and families with
children over the age of four.
61 Creek Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-1821 www.lightkeepersguesthouse.com
The Ocracoke Harbor Inn overlooks picturesque Silver Lake Harbor where you
can enjoy the scenery from your own private deck or relax at the waters edge
in the 16 rooms and 7 suites available.
144 Silver Lake Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(888) 456-1998 www.ocracokeharborinn.com
Ocracoke Island Realty represents over 350 vacation rentals from charming
one bedroom condos to large elaborate oceanfront homes. Pets are accepted
in some units.
1055 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252)928-6261 www.ocracokeislandrealty.com
Oscar's House Bed & Breakfast
Comfortable bed and breakfast that includes a full breakfast and free usage
of bikes to tour historic the island on your own.
660 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-1311
Pelican Lodge has four bright and cheerful guest rooms all furnished in Ocracoke’s
laid-back and comfortable style. All rooms have a queen bed, private bath,
air conditioning, heat, cable TV, wet bar and a small refrigerator. A healthy
breakfast is included.
1021 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-1661 www.bbonline.com/nc/pelican
The Pony Island Motel was opened in 1958 and has a total of 54 units and pool; five
suites with whirlpool tubs, four efficiencies, 41 rooms and four cottages.
785 Irvin Garrish Highway
PO Box 309
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-4411 www.ponyislandmotel.com
Sand Dollar Motel
The Sand Dollar Motel offers 12 rooms, one suite and a cottage in a quiet village
setting with a pool, sundeck, AC and cable.
70 Sanddollar Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(888) 928-5571
Professional and dependable boarding kennel that offers an array of daycare
services for your pet, as well as grooming services.
136 W. End Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-3093 www.ocracokeisland.com/sandy_paws.htm
Fantastic sunset harbor views and located in the heart of Ocracoke Village, overlooking
Silver Lake.
395 Irvin Garrish Highway (Rt. 12)
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-5721 www.silverlakemotelandinn.com
Thurston House B&B is one of Ocracoke's most charming old Island homes
constructed in the early 1920s. It offers a private setting for singles or
couples and is locally owned and operated.
685 Irvin Garrish Highway 12
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-6037 www.thurstonhouseinn.com
