Ocracoke Island, North Carolina - Hidden Treasure on the Outer Banks

Beach at Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks North Carolina



Lighthouse at Ocracoke Island



Harbor at Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

One of the prettiest places I've ever seen (and I have lived overseas) is Ocracoke, North Carolina. It is a barrier island on the Outer Banks of NC. Since it's at the end of the string of islands and can only be visited by taking a ferry, many people miss this little gem in North Carolina.

I first saw Ocracoke when staying at a beach house on Cedar Island (another secret spot - not often found by tourists). The ferry to Ocracoke Island was on the tip of Cedar Island, so my family decided to take a day trip.

Wow! We basically had a beach to ourselves. How amazing.

Don't think Ocracoke is a deserted island. It's not. There's a really wonderful village right at the dock. But, we have a 4 wheel drive and went down the beach and pretty much had an isolated island experience.

I loved the clean sand and the big waves coming in.

After we enjoyed a very private time on the beach with the boys playing football in the sand and in the water, we visited the town and had a great time. We had seafood right on the water at Jolly Rogers and enjoyed local crafts at various shops.

It does take some extra time to get out to Ocracoke. The Cedar Island ferry is a couple of hours. It's not that long coming up the north end from the Outer Banks. But, it's still kind of out of the way. That is what makes it special though. You don't have all the crowds and the typical beach tourist traps.

If you really want to relax on vacation and get away from it all but still have access to some entertainment and people, then Ocracoke just can't be beat.

For more information on Ocracoke, I would suggest that you visit Mary's site. She lives at Ocracoke, and you get great information when you check with a local rather than looking at some of the general travel sites. Those just lack the heart of a place and the details.