McWilliams Landing II (WP24)

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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.