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Ocracoke Nightlife

For fun and nightlife, there are many great places to eat that also offer live music in the evenings. Some offer music during dinner and others have bands "after hours." In the summer, you can even find karaoke and dancing. All of the establishments offering nighttime entertainment are located on Highway 12, which runs through the center of the village.

Watch Wildlife

On Ocracoke, the wildlife is plentiful. You can see turtles, dolphins, otters, along with many different species of birds, including the American Oystercatcher and the ever popular Brown Pelican. Not to miss while visiting Ocracoke are the famous ponies. The ponies are thought to be descendents of horses from sailing vessels shipwrecked on the shoals. Once left to roam on their own, they are now cared for by the National Park Service where you can view them at "the pony pasture" located 7 miles north of the village.

Take a Scenic Flight Tour

If you think the Outer Banks are beautiful from the ground, wait until you see them from the sky! This stretch of islands and water will amaze you. Depending on where you fly, you will see things from the air such as ocean inlets, lighthouses, a deserted island, shipwrecks, even sharks swimming! Bring your camera, for these adventures provide great photo opportunities of both sea and sound shores and otherwise inaccessible wetlands.

Take a Bike Ride

One of the best ways to get around on Ocracoke Island is on a bicycle. You can reach every neighborhood and business on a bike. Take a scenic bike ride around Silver Lake Harbor or explore throughout the village. Most of the rental bikes have a basket, so you can even do a little shopping on your bike.

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.

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.

Go Scuba Diving To View Underwater Shipwrecks and Sea Life

The Outer Banks is otherwise known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" because of the more than 100 shipwrecks that have remains on the ocean floor between Corolla and Ocracoke. Wreckage from these ships is located at various depths in the ocean, and a great way to see them is by going scuba diving.

Go Surf Fishing on the Beach

Visitors and locals to the Outer Banks share the popular sport of surf fishing. You will need to purchase a fishing license to go saltwater fishing in North Carolina. In addition, some species are regulated for size and limit. For more information about licenses and tag and release programs, contact the Division of Marine Fisheries at (252) 473-5734. Fish species that are common are dogfish, bluefish, pompano, striped bass, spanish mackerel, croaker, flounder, spot, trout and drum.

Join the Ocrafolk School

The Ocrafolk School is a week of island heritage workshops and fun. They offer courses such photography, pottery, painting and basket weaving. Offered annually and only in October, this is a week you'll never forget! Visit the website, www.OcrafolkFestival.org or call (252) 928-0217 for more details.

Visit Ocracoke's Traditional Quilters Club

The Ocracoke Needle and Thread Club carries on the tradition of Ocracoke quilting. They meet twice a week at Deepwater Theater. The group donates many of their finished works to aid in fundraising for island non-profits. Annually, a quilt raffle is held at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. The club also takes custom orders! Visitors and new participants are welcome. No experience necessary. Check the Deepwater Theater calendar for schedule information at www.DeepwaterTheater.com.