About the Area

Located in Hyde County, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Ocracoke is accessible only by water or air. In many ways, this only lends to its charm. The relative isolation has spared the island the gaudy development that plagues so many beach towns. The result is an old-fashioned village, where if you like, you can park your car for the week and walk, bicycle or paddle everywhere you need to go.

The pace here is a little slower, a little more thoughtful and very relaxing. The speed limit in the village is 20-25 mph and in some areas you will have to slow down even more. Pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles all share the road, so be considerate. Bicycles are vehicles too, and are expected to ride on the right. In the summer, there can be congestion on Highway 12, but have patience. Ocracoke traffic jams do not last long.

Part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the National Park Service owns all of the island except for the 1000 acres that comprise the original village. For 13 continuous miles, the island’s dunes and marshlands are untouched and the pristine beaches earned the distinction of #1 on the 2007 list of top beaches (compiled by Stephen Leatherman, a Florida International University coastal geologist who rates beaches nationwide, www.drbeach.org/drbeach/). This beautiful landscape is home to deer, birds, muskrats, rabbits and even wild ponies.

The island is also home to about 800 year-round residents. The Ocracoke community, established in the early 1700s by people of British descent, has remained relatively isolated from the mainland. Over time, Ocracokers have developed a unique dialect of American English often referred to as "the brogue." One of the brogue's most prominent features is the retention of Old English words that vanished from most mainland dialects long ago.

For more information on the Island and links to restaurants, shopping and more, visit the Ocracoke Island section of our site.

Island Facts
History
Helpful Links
Things To Do