McWilliams Landing II (WP24)

Two Bedroom Waterfront Duplex, Located on Ocracoke

Visit the Horses at the Ocracoke Pony Pens

Housed in a 180-acre pasture located just off Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island, the horses that live in the Ocracoke Pony Pens are a popular attraction. Maintained by the National Park Service, the once wild horses are a large part of the island's history. In the past, the herd of wild horses ranged from 200 to 500. Much like the Corolla Wild Horses, it is believed that these horses arrived on Ocracoke by swimming ashore from Spanish shipwrecks off the coast. When you make your trip to Ocracoke Island, don't forget to stop and visit the Ocracoke Pony Pens!

Take Your Four Wheel Drive Vehicle on the Beach

You can drive on the beach in many parts of the Outer Banks in designated off-road beach access areas. You will need to have a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle to prevent getting stuck. Some areas don't allow beach driving and some require permits to drive on the beach in certain seasons, so check with the local area officials to make sure you are following the rules. For more information, contact the National Park Service at (252) 473-2111 or stop by the National Park Service Visitors Center on Ocracoke.

Go Beachcombing For Shells

Beachcombing for shells, also called shelling, on the beaches of Ocracoke is an activity enjoyed by all. The best times to look for shells are after a high tide, after a storm, in the morning and during the winter months. When picking up shells from the sand, make sure you check first to make sure nothing is still alive inside the shell. If the shell you choose is still home to a live sea creature, set it back in the sand and keep searching.

Visit the Ocracoke Island Visitor Center

The majority of land on Ocracoke is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and is publicly owned and administered by the National Park Service. The NPS Visitor Center, located at the southernmost end of Highway 12 near the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferry docks, is a clearinghouse for all types of island and national seashore information. You'll find an information desk, helpful staff, a bookshop, free maps, informational brochures and exhibits about the island. From Memorial Day through Labor Day three or four ranger-led programs are offered daily. The visitor center is open year-round. It is located at 38 Irvin Garrish Highway. For information call (252) 928-4531.

Get an Island Massage

Whether your trip to Ocracoke includes non stop activity or complete relaxation, why not include the ultimate island indulgence. Ocracoke has several wonderful massage therapists and each offers a unique touch and a variety of treatments and massages.

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.

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.

Visit the Historic British Cemetery

Located on Ocracoke, the British Cemetery is a memorial cemetery for the crew of the British vessel HMS Bedfordshire. On May 11, 1942, a German submarine torpedoed and sank this 170-foot British ship that had four officers and 33 enlisted soldiers on board. All men on board the ship perished and eventually four of the bodies were found on shore by locals. An Ocracoke resident gave Britain a 12 by 14 foot section of land next to an island cemetery and buried the soldiers there. Today, the cemetery is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. A ceremony is performed onsite each year on the anniversary of the tragedy.

Attend a Free Workout!

Toning Circuit, Anaerobic Circuit, Step Aerobics, Cardio Kick Boxing and more at the Ocracoke Community Center every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 AM (times may vary in the off season). All equipment is supplied for you. Located at 1009 Irvin Garrish Highway on Ocracoke.

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.

 

Ocracoke Restaurants

Smacnally's
180 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Flying Melon Cafe
804 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Flying Melon Cafe
804 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

The Slushy Stand & Bicycle Rentals
73 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Howard's Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant
1175 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Dajio
305 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Jason's Restaurant
1110 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Cafe Atlantic
1129 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Creekside Cafe
475 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Sunset Sweets
272 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Coffee Co. and Island Smoothie
226 Back Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Station
990 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Shopping

The Ocracoke Millwork Shop
74 Cedar Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Fig Tree Bakery & Delicatessen
1015 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Pamlico Gift Shop
Lighthouse Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Captain's Cargo Gift Shop
324 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Deepwater Pottery
62 School Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Restoration
585 Irvin Garrish Highway
Spencer's Market
Ocracoke, NC 27960

The Hemp Shop - Natural Selections of Ocracoke Island
35 School Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Village Peddler
285 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Albert Styron Store
300 Lighthouse Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Island Hammock Co.
201 British Cemetery Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Island Artworks
89 British Cemetery Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Station
990 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Attractions

Jolly Roger Restaurant, Pub & Marina of Ocracoke
396 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
1 Loop Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Anchorage Inn & Marina
205 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Teach's Hole Pirate Shop & Blackbeard Exhibit
Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Preservation Society
49 Water Plant Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Activities

Ride the Wind Surf & Kayak Shop
486 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Coastal Helicopters, LLC
158 Ocean View Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Austin Boat Tours: Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Cruises
138 Loop Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Pamlico Sound Waterfowl Hunting
PO Box 674
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Kitty Hawk Kites
Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Morning Starr Beach Rides
1070 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions
396 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Fire Department Bingo
Back Road
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Schooner Windfall Pirate Cruise
278 Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square Docks
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Ghost & History Walk
170 Howard Street
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Portsmouth Island Boat Tours
278 Irvin Garrish Highway
Community Square Docks
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Ocracoke Youth Center
1037 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960