Many travel to the Outer Banks, the barrier island chain of North Carolina’s east coast, to spend a week or weekend in one of the road access coastal towns. But did you know there are islands that can only be accessed by ferry for you to explore as well? The next time you find yourself on a vacation in the Outer Banks, be sure to plan for a day trip to Ocracoke!
where is Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke is located on the Atlantic coast of North Carolina. The island is less than 30 miles southeast of Swan Quarter, less than 20 miles east of Cedar Island and about five miles west of Hatteras Island.
Getting to Ocracoke
As an island, the most common mode of transportation to Ocracoke is the state-run ferry system. Alternatively, you can arrive by private boat or airplane if they are within your budget.
The most popular ferry to Ocracoke is from Hatteras, where Highway 12 meets Hatteras Inlet. This ferry is free, and the ride takes about an hour to get over to Ocracoke Island’s north point. There are also ferries to and from Swanquarter and Cedar Island, which run from Ocracoke’s south end. These two ferries have an associated cost ($15/car in 2022) and last 2-2.5 hours. You can find a copy of the ferry schedule here.
Be sure to arrive early to catch the ferry if you are only planning to visit for the day. The ferries fill up quickly in peak season so be sure to plan your arrival accordingly. Our last trip was on a weekend in July. We arrived an hour early for the 10am ferry and luckily made the last spot.
Visit the Pony Pens
If you arrive on the north end of the island, via the Hatteras ferry route, the first establishment you’ll come across on Highway 12 is the Pony Pens. The ‘ponies’ you encounter here are named such (and not ‘horses’) due to their physical composition being a few bones shy of a ‘normal’ horse. These ponies are the decedents of Spanish horses that arrived on the island in the 1730s. While the animals on the island today are wild, they are fenced and managed by the National Park Service to preserve and protect them.
When you arrive at the pens, there is a parking lot with room for half a dozen cars, and another across the street to access the beach. There is a wooden overlook on which you can perch yourself to watch the ponies who stand behind a double fence. If you don’t see them right away, take a walk along the trail towards the right which will take you further back into the penned off area for a peek at these beautiful creatures. Interested in supporting the program? You can adopt a pony here.
Sample a Flight at Ocracoke’s Only Brewery
By now (around noon or so), you’re probably thirsty. If you’re the beer drinking type (they also have cider), you’ll want to head straight to 1718 Brewing. Here you’ll find about a dozen or so beers on tap that rotate throughout the year. They offer full pours as well as flights and have a restaurant on site for snacks. You can enjoy your layover from their main, dog friendly patio, or take yourself up to the second level for a drink with a view. And if you find a flavour you really enjoy, which you no doubt will, you can take a can or two to go.
Take a Ride on the Tram
There are a few ways to get around the island once you arrive. If you spent a bit of time enjoying your visit at the brewery and happened to look out to street, you may notice an oversized golf cart driving people around. This is the Ocracoke Village Tram. It offers free transportation around the island on a 30-minute loop. Feel free to park the car (for free!) across the street from the brewery in the stretch of street side parking and hop on! The tram will take you into Ocracoke Village and you can feel free to hop on and off at any of eight stops.
Alternatively, you can drive your car into the village, or bike, or rent a golf cart. There is no shortage of transportation options here!
Visit Ocracoke Island Light Station
Ocracoke Island is home to one of seven lighthouses you’ll find on the Outer Banks. Standing at around 75 feet tall, this one’s stature might take you by surprise if you’ve visited the other lighthouses in northern NC. It’s also the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina.
In the 1500s, Ocracoke Inlet was one of the busiest on the US East Coast. After a couple centuries of struggling navigation, they built this lighthouse in the 1800s. The lighthouse is located just outside Ocracoke Village and is free to visit.
Where to Eat on Ocracoke
There are several restaurants on the west end Ocracoke, each offering a variety of seafood and other epicurious delights. Most of the establishments are located along the tram route and within walking distance of Highway 12.
If you operate like we do, you’ll aim to visit several restaurants so that you can sample a variety of dishes. On our day trip, we made the following stops:
- Dajio – for their Shrimp Happy Hour, daily from 3-5pm (some of the best steamed shrimp we’ve ever had, and we’ve eaten our share)
- Ocracoke Coffee Company – for a grasshopper latte
- Ocracoke Oyster Company – for some [local] oysters (of course!) and a couple oyster shooters
Take in the Local History
As an island in the chain that makes up the Outer Banks of North Carolina, it’s no surprise that Ocracoke Island has a rich history. In fact, there is a historic marker on the island describing the demise of Blackbeard himself. There are informational signs all over the island and you can even take a tour if it interests you. And of course, there are a few souvenir shops around the island to help you in commemorating your day trip to Ocracoke.
Soak Up some Rays on 10 Miles of Beach
Before making your way back to the mainland, why not spend a bit of time with your toes in the sand. There are several miles of beach on Ocracoke Island, both on the sound side and ocean front. As you make your way along Highway 12, you’ll notice about a dozen small parking lots and trails from which you can access these beaches. Whether you decide to start or end your day staring out at the horizon, don’t miss the chance to take in another beautiful Outer Banks beach!
If driving on the beach is something you’re interested in, you can obtain an ORV Permit from the National Park Service. Be aware that you need a vehicle with four-wheel drive-in order to drive on the beach. Read about additional tips for preparing to drive your car on the beach.
If your day trip to Ocracoke is over, you’ll head back to the ferry dock to make your way back to the mainland. Be sure to double check the schedule so you don’t miss the last one out! Looking to extent your stay? Why not spend the weekend! Check out these reasonably priced accommodations on Ocracoke Island.
Have you ever taken a ride on a ferry before?
This place sounds so interesting, I’ve never heard of it before? And a grasshopper latte!?!?! I’ll always try anything once! Haha
It is a bit if a hidden gem Rachel. The grasshopper latte is actually a mint flavoured latte, no grasshoppers are harmed in the process 😉
I live about 3 hours from this lovely place. Everything is beautiful, and the water is so clean. The restaurants are amazing and the brewery is tasty too, hah.
That isn’t far at all Samantha – we’re practically neighbours 🙂 Glad you’ve had a chance to visit and explore what the island has to offer!
This seems like an interesting place to visit! I love adding New destinations to my list 🙂
Great idea Josanne! It’s top of our list for recommendations when we have family and friends visit. A fun day trip from the main Outer Banks areas.
What a cute area! I have never heard of it. We would love to check it out.
It is a truly unique spot if you get a chance to visit Adriane! Hope you get a chance to visit someday.
Wow I had no idea about these islands! We visited Outer Banks last year, wish we knew about these islands then. Making notes for the next trip, thanks for the info 🙂
There’s always next time Richa
There’s always next time Richa! There are several great day trips from the Outer Banks to consider for your next trip. Happy planning!
I have visited Outer Banks NC since aI was a child but I never saw this island. I need to visit. Great post.
You aren’t alone Terri! There are many regular visitors who aren’t familiar with the island which makes for a great “off the beaten path” getaway if that’s your cup of tea 🙂
I heard there is a fishing guide by the name of Jay Thompson. Is it a good time to charter a boat for fishing in Ocracoke?
That is a great question! There are several charters that run throughout the year in the Outer Banks, but high season is certainly spring through fall. I’m not familiar with Jay Thompson, I’ll have to look him up!
I’ve never heard of this place before, but it looks amazing. Thank you for sharing it!
It’s one of the more “off the beaten path” destinations in North Carolina. Hope you get a chance to visit someday Jasmina!
Sounds like a fun day trip to take! Haven’t gotten to the outer banks but would love to some day!
If you get a chance to make it out this way, there are plenty of fun day trips to work into your trip Ashley! The Outer Banks is a beautiful place to explore, beyond the beaches!
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I have never visited North Carolina but have always been interested in visiting, so this guide will definitely be useful should I decide to finally come across the pond in 2023!
We promise you won’t regret it Amy! The state itself has so much to offer, from beach to mountains. It’s sure to make your trip across worth while.
Now this is my kind of trip! Growing up with horses I would have to see the Ocracoke ponies, and then I would totally be up for a brewery. I would love to plan a trip here one day.
Sounds like you’d really enjoy your visit Erin! Safe travels when you make your way 🙂