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Visit Springer's Point on Ocracoke Island

Residents and guests of Ocracoke Island are fortunate to share in the beauty of the Springer's Point Preserve. The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust enriches the coastal communities of North Carolina through the acquisition of open space and natural areas for conservation, education and the promotion of good land stewardship. Springer's Point offers more than 120 acres of maritime forest, tidal red cedar forest, salt marsh, tidal ponds, grasslands and sound front beaches. It has been designated as one of the state's significant natural heritage areas because of its unique maritime forest and importance to coastal birds. Springer's Point is open to the public. Visitor's are invited to enjoy paths through this unique maritime forest which lead you to soundfront beaches and include an area that overlooks the infamous Teach's Hole. Please plan to travel to the preserve by foot or bicycle. Parking is not available.

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!

View Locally Made Decoys

Some 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.

View the Ocracoke Lighthouse

Located in the southwest corner of Ocracoke Village, many visitors view the Ocracoke Lighthouse each year. Built in 1823, the lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse in the nation and is 77.5 feet tall. Though the lighthouse is not open for tours or climbing, visitors can walk down a wooden boardwalk adjacent to the lighthouse to view and photograph the structure.

Catch a Wave Surfing in the Outer Banks Ocean Waters

Because the Outer Banks are set farther into the ocean with deeper waters than most other coastal regions, the surf of the Outer Banks is said to have the best breaks on the East Coast. The various shipwrecks and sandbars also create unusual wave patterns for the thousands of surfers who come to the area each year to ride the waves. As with any activity in the ocean, always go with a friend and be aware of water, weather and beach conditions. Educate yourself about rip currents by visiting www.EenaProject.com.

Drive Real, Real Slow Down Howard Street

Or better yet, bike or walk down Ocracoke's historic Howard Street. Howard Street is an oyster shell strewn lane bordered by picket fences, quaint island homes, and small family cemeteries. You will feel like you have stepped back in time to an era, not so long ago, when life moved at a slower pace. Don't forget to bring your camera. This quaint street inspires many an artist.

Have a Beach Campfire

A great way to relax and see the stars is to have a beach campfire. Take your family down to the beach just before sunset and set up your chairs, refreshments and firewood. If you would like, bring a few roasting sticks and some marshmallows. Once the sun goes down and the stars come out, you will be amazed at the view. Enjoy the stars (and the marshmallows!). Be sure to check the National Park Service website or stop by the NPS Visitors Center before planning your beach campfire.

Have a Sweet Treat

Ocracoke has a variety of ice cream and candy shops to satisfy every craving. Local shops offer a variety of sweet delights ranging from individual specialties or a wide range of goodies including ice cream, milkshakes, floats, frozen yogurts, sorbets, candy and fudge. A fun treat for the whole family!

Take Your Four Wheel Drive Vehicle on the Beach

You can drive on the beach in many parts of the Outer Banks in designated off-road beach access areas. You will need to have a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle to prevent getting stuck. Some areas don't allow beach driving and some require permits to drive on the beach in certain seasons, so check with the local area officials to make sure you are following the rules. For more information, contact the National Park Service at (252) 473-2111 or stop by the National Park Service Visitors Center on Ocracoke.

Discover Ocracoke's Rich Fishing History

Ocracoke Island has a rich fishing history. This history was about to come to an end with the closure of Ocracoke's last remaining fish house. A group of local fishermen joined together to form the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association. The group operates under the nonprofit Ocracoke Foundation, incorporated in August 2006. In addition to operating as a commercial fish house, Ocracoke Seafood Company has a retail storefront market that sells fresh fish to the public. The fishermen also see the fish house as a place for educating people about commercial fishing and for showing them, hands-on, the skills of their livelihood. The Ocracoke's Watermen's Association and Fish House is located at 416 Irvin Garrish Highway on Ocracoke. For hours and information, call (252) 928-5601.