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Visit the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation Society

Once the private residence of Coast Guard Captain David Williams, this home was moved to its current location near Ocracoke Island's Silver Lake in 1989 and restored to its original beauty by the Ocracoke Preservation Society. Many furnishings and memorabilia reminiscent of the 19th century have been donated by local families, visitors and friends. Photographs of island natives can be seen throughout the house. The museum also has several exhibits and a research library. Admission is free and the museum is open from Easter through late Fall. For more information, contact the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation Society at (252) 928-7375. Special events include Porch Talks during summer and the Tree Lighting and Wassail Party in December.

Fly a Kite

The Outer Banks are well-known by windsurfers and kiteboarders around the world for awesome wind. Why not take advantage of that same wind and spend an afternoon flying a kite? On most days, finding enough wind to get the kite in the air isn't a problem! The beach is a great place to fly your kite, because it is unobstructed by power lines and trees.

Catch a Local Music Performance at the Deepwater Theater

The Ocrafolk Opry is a colorful cast that delivers a slice of Ocracoke life through island music and stories. The Rumgagger pirate show amuses kids and adults alike with pirate music and humor. Molasses Creek is Ocracoke's own internationally acclaimed, high energy, acoustic folk band. Marcy Brenner and Lou Castro are Coyote. They enchant audiences with their folk, rock, and blues style. Noah Paley has been wowing live and radio audiences internationally since 1999. Performances are seasonal, see www.DeepwaterTheater.com or call 252-928-3411 for more information.

Go Boating in the Atlantic Ocean or One of the Local Sounds

There are several docks located throughout Ocracoke to accommodate a range of boat sizes, from small skiffs to large pleasure boats. Many rental properties are equipped with a dock or a bulkhead for your boat. You can also rent a small boat to use during your Ocracoke vacation or consider chartering a boat with an experienced captain to show you the area.

Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour

The Ocracoke Walking Tour can help you discover every nook and cranny of this scenic village. This book is designed to help you discover the joys of this magical island. The first part of this book guides you along the Ocracoke Walking Tour, a specially mapped out and well planned tour throughout this charming village. The second part of the book, the Ocracoke Island Guide, gives you the lowdown on all the great attractions, activities, restaurants, shops and accommodations on the entire island. If you're planning a visit to the island or are already here and preparing for a tour, you're in for a real treat. Have fun exploring the history of Ocracoke!

Enjoy an Al Fresco Waterfront Dinner

Ocracoke has a number of waterfront dining options where you can sit outdoors and enjoy a lovely breeze off the sound and maybe some live music, too! What could be better than enjoying a cool beverage and a delicious meal as you watch the boats coming in to the harbor for the evening and the watercolor sky lit up with a brilliant sunset. A walk through the heart of the village reveals several waterfront dining options along the shores of Silver Lake Harbor.

Be a Birdwatcher

Nearly 400 species of birds have been sighted within Cape Hatteras National Seashore and its surrounding waters. This impressive number is due to several factors: a location on the Eastern Flyway, varied habitats and strong winds and storms that often bring exhausted birds to our shores. Birding is always exciting on Ocracoke. Watch for migratory shorebirds at inlet tidal flats. Ocracoke is a wintering ground for tundra swans, Canadian geese and over 25 species of ducks. The National Parks Service Visitor's Center, the Ocracoke library and the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum offer excellent resources for birders.

Build a Sandcastle

Plan an afternoon to go to the beach and build a sandcastle. You could have your own family sandcastle contest. No matter how the sandcastles turn out, you are sure to have fun! If you are staying on Ocracoke on July 4th, join the Sand Castle Contest or stop by for some inspiration.

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.

Visit the Deserted Portsmouth Island

Portsmouth Island is a small, deserted island just south of Ocracoke Island. Though once inhabited, now Portsmouth Island has no residents and is accessible only by boat. There is a 2-mile trail that leads from the village to the beach. Wilderness camping is allowed, but don't forget your insect repellent! For more information on the Island, contact Cape Lookout National Seashore at (252) 728-2250.