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Get a Beach Family Portrait

The picture perfect backdrop of Ocracoke's beaches provide the ideal setting for a family portrait. The Atlantic Ocean's jeweled tones against soft, light sand with dune grasses and sea oats waving behind you ... can't you just see it? There are several Ocracoke photographers available to capture that special portrait of family or friends.

Visit the Horses at the Ocracoke Pony Pens

Housed in a 180-acre pasture located just off Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island, the horses that live in the Ocracoke Pony Pens are a popular attraction. Maintained by the National Park Service, the once wild horses are a large part of the island's history. In the past, the herd of wild horses ranged from 200 to 500. Much like the Corolla Wild Horses, it is believed that these horses arrived on Ocracoke by swimming ashore from Spanish shipwrecks off the coast. When you make your trip to Ocracoke Island, don't forget to stop and visit the Ocracoke Pony Pens!

Visit the Historic British Cemetery

Located on Ocracoke, the British Cemetery is a memorial cemetery for the crew of the British vessel HMS Bedfordshire. On May 11, 1942, a German submarine torpedoed and sank this 170-foot British ship that had four officers and 33 enlisted soldiers on board. All men on board the ship perished and eventually four of the bodies were found on shore by locals. An Ocracoke resident gave Britain a 12 by 14 foot section of land next to an island cemetery and buried the soldiers there. Today, the cemetery is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. A ceremony is performed onsite each year on the anniversary of the tragedy.

Become a Part of the Ocracoke Community For a Week, Settle in For a Longer Stay in the Off Season or Call Ocracoke "Home"

Ocracoke is a small coastal community, both is size and population. After a short time on the island, you are likely to recognize familiar faces. You will find yourself in a conversation or share a nod with a local resident. Many visitors long for the small town environment and slower pace. Luckily, many cottage homeowners offer their homes for longer term rentals outside of the peak season. For information on off season rentals call Ocracoke Island Realty at (252) 928-6261.

Enjoy the Ocracoke Community Center

Activities may include anything from fundraisers, dances, musical performances, exercise classes or community meetings. Check local bulletin boards or the sign in front of the center for events. The Community Center can be rented for private parties or receptions.

Visit a Local Bookstore

Ocracoke is a fabulous place to just kick back and read a good book. Whether you are relaxing in a comfy chair on a deck or porch, sitting on the beach, or lying in a hammock, the peace and quiet of the island just begs you to slip away into the pages of an interesting read. Children will enjoy the variety of books available at local shops.

Check Out the Community Bulletin Boards

Looking for the inside "scoop" about what's happening on the island? Check local bulletin boards at the Community Store (on the harbor), The Variety Store, the Post Office, or the gas station all located on Highway 12. You will find notices about everything from dances to yard sales to potluck dinners. Catch up on local birth and birthday announcements!

Try Your Luck at Bingo

Have a night of fun while supporting the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department. Enjoy hotdogs, candy and drinks served by a local fireman. Bingo is held at the Fire Hall on Tuesday evenings throughout the Summer.

Stargaze

Did you know that Ocracoke has no traffic lights, no billboards, minimal traffic and very few public exterior lights (streets can be dark!). With minimal light pollution and very little air pollution, Ocracoke is the ideal place for stargazing. Whether you are on the beach under a clear night sky or on your deck, there will be nothing between you and the heavens. You'll be amazed at what you see. Ocracoke is a great place to bring your telescope or a star chart with you on vacation!

Historic Marker of Fort Ocracoke

This marker is a little hard to find, but it's worth seeking out. It's on a grassy patch behind the National Park Service Visitor Center and next to the boat ramp. Park the car and walk out to the sound and you'll see it. The marker commemorates Fort Ocracoke, the remnants of which lie submerged in Ocracoke Inlet toward Portsmouth Island. The fort was constructed by volunteers beginning in May 1861, on the day North Carolina seceded from the Union to join the Confederacy. One side of the marker lists all the men from Ocracoke and Portsmouth islands who were killed in the Civil War. It is located at Irvin Garrish Highway, behind the National Park Service Visitor Center.