Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke
A fishing village on an island reached by free ferry, with North Carolina's oldest lighthouse, undeveloped beaches and Blackbeard legends.
Ocracoke Island lies south of Hatteras Island and can be reached by the North Carolina Department of Transportation's free ferry from Hatteras Village, a trip of about 1 hour. Most of the island belongs to the National Seashore, with more than 20 kilometers of undeveloped beach. The small village at the southern end surrounds Silver Lake Harbor. The white Ocracoke Lighthouse, built in 1823, is the oldest lighthouse still in use in North Carolina (climbing is not permitted). In 1718, the pirate Blackbeard was killed in nearby waters. The island is good for cycling, and in summer you should arrive early to queue for the ferry.
Opening hours
Open all day; ferries run on schedule
Nearby sights
- Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
- Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Bodie Island Lighthouse
- Coquina Beach
- North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island