The Best Things to Do on Ocracoke in 2025

The Best Things to Do on Ocracoke in 2025

Morning on Ocracoke Island

Grab Coffee at Ocracoke Coffee Co.

No trip is complete without a stop at Ocracoke Coffee Co., the island’s first coffee shop and a beloved gathering spot. The line often stretches out the door, especially in peak season, though it moves quickly — and the wait is worth it. My go-to order is a treat: an iced Milky Way latte and an asiago bagel with garlic herb cream cheese. Check out the MiniBar is the island’s tiniest business and is open in the evenings, Monday-Saturday.

Ocracoke Coffee Co. is at 226 Back Rd, Ocracoke.

Enjoy Breakfast with a View at Deja Brew & Stockroom

For something heartier, head to Deja Brew and Stockroom on the harbor. With outdoor seating along the harbor, it is one of the best spots on the island for breakfast with a view. Their cheddar cheese grits bowl is excellent, and it is a relaxing way to start your day while watching the boats in Silver Lake. Grab a coffee from Deja Brew to round out your breakfast experience.

Deja Brew and Stockroom are at 294 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke.

Stroll the Village & Shop Local

Start your morning by wandering through Ocracoke Village. Pop into Books to Be Red, Bella Fiore, or Over the Moon for unique gifts and local finds. Other favorites include Ride the Wind Surf Shop and Seabreak. It is a great way to ease into the island’s slower pace before heading to the beach or exploring other parts of the attractions on the island.

Learn Local History at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum

Before hitting the beach, take time to explore the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum, located in a historic home built around 1900. The first floor serves as a museum with artifacts and stories about island life, while the second floor houses the research library. In the summer months, staff often host talks on the back porch about Ocracoke’s culture and traditions.

Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum is at 49 Water Plant Rd, Ocracoke.

Pay Respects at the British Cemetery

A short walk from the village brings you to the British Cemetery, a poignant reminder of World War II history at Ocracoke. Four Royal Navy sailors who lost their lives when their ship was torpedoed off the coast in 1942 are buried here. Each May, the U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Navy hold a joint ceremony to honor their memory — and it is worth a quiet visit any time of year.

British Cemetery is at 234 British Cemetery Rd, Ocracoke.

Afternoon on Ocracoke Island

Lunch with a View at SmacNally’s

Set right on Silver Lake Harbor, SmacNally’s Raw Bar & Grill is my favorite lunch spot. It is all outdoor seating with plenty of shade, and the views cannot be beat. Order the fried shrimp burger or crab cake sandwich and do not skip the fries.

SmacNally’s is at 180 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke.

Paddle Silver Lake or Explore Springer’s Point

Rent a paddle board or kayak from Ride the Wind Surf Shop and spend a few hours on the water. Cruise around the harbor or head toward Springer’s Point, a 120-acre nature preserve with trails, sound front beaches, and the historic site of Blackbeard’s last battle.

Rent your paddle board or kayak at Ride the Wind Surf Shop at 486 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke.

Find a Beach to Enjoy

If you are looking for peace, beauty, and soft sand, the beaches on Ocracoke Island are some of the best in the country. As part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, they remain wide, unspoiled, and far less crowded than many other North Carolina beaches.

For swimming and body surfing, head to the Lifeguarded Beach near the Ocracoke Campground, which offers seasonal lifeguards and easy access. If seclusion is more your style, continue down Highway 12 toward South Point or wander the shoreline at Springer’s Point. These stretches of sand have consistently earned Ocracoke a spot on Dr. Beach’s “Best Beaches” list — and once your toes are in the sand, you’ll understand why.

Ocracoke’s Lifeguarded Beach is at the Ocracoke Campground, 4352 Irvin Garrish Hwy., Ocracoke.

Relax with a Beer at 1718 Brewing

Cool off with a local brew at 1718 Brewing. My favorite is the Notorious FIG (if it is on tap). The brewery has live music on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the outdoor patio is perfect for an afternoon hang. Pair your pint with their soft pretzel and pimento cheese — trust me on this one.

1718 Brewing is at 1129 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke.

Evening on Ocracoke Island

Dinner Favorites

Dajio

A screened porch, live music, an oyster happy hour, and the best blackened fish options!

Dajio is at 305 Irvin Garrish Hwy

Flying Melon

Charming eatery serving Creole & Southern dishes, including locally sourced seafood and delicious craft cocktails.

Flying Melon is at 181 Back Rd

Howard’s Pub

A long-standing island classic. I love starting and ending the week here with their Santa Fe egg rolls and fresh blackened tuna sandwich.

Howard’s Pub is at1175 Irvin Garrish Hwy

Happy Hour at Zillie’s Island Pantry

For a more laid-back evening, stop by Zillie’s Island Pantry. Their front porch is one of my favorite places to sip wine after a day at the beach. They also offer craft beers and gourmet snacks, perfect for a DIY charcuterie board. Be sure to check out their wine tastings on Thursdays and Fridays during the spring and summer for a fun way to sample new wines.

Zillie’s Island Pantry is at 538 Back Rd, Ocracoke.

Day Trips & Unique Experiences

Drive on the Beach

Ocracoke’s beaches are some of the best in the country (Dr. Beach ranked Lifeguard Beach #1 in 2022). If you have a 4WD vehicle, get a beach driving permit and head out near the airport ramp for wide, open stretches of sand.

Take a Walking History or Ghost Tour

Join the Village Craftsmen for a history and ghost tour on Tuesday or Friday nights (May–October). The tours last about 90 minutes and are full of fascinating stories about island life, shipwrecks, and spirits.

Village Craftsmen is at 170 Howard St, Ocracoke.

Book a Charter or Sunset Cruise

Fishing charters are available for those who want to experience the island from the water. If you are more like me and prefer a scenic evening sail, book a sunset cruise on the Schooner Windfall. It’s magical. For other boat tours, check out these offerings.

Visit the Ocracoke Ponies

A herd of once-wild Spanish mustangs has lived on Ocracoke for centuries. Today, they are cared for in a special pen with plenty of space along Highway 12. Stop by around feeding time for the best chance to see them.

Ocracoke Pony Pen is off of NC-12.

Where to Stay on Ocracoke Island

The Castle at Silver Lake

A B&B with a pool, sauna, breakfast, and harbor views. It is centrally located and perfect if you want to walk everywhere.

The Castle at Silver Lake is at 155 Silver Lake Dr, Ocracoke.

Crews Inn

A charming inn close to the village shops and restaurants. Relax on the wraparound porch and soak in the island’s old-Ocracoke feel.

Crews Inn is at 503 Back Rd, Ocracoke.

Vacation Rentals

Many visitors rent homes for the week — it is the most popular option if you are traveling with family or a group. Ocracoke Island Realty has the best selection of rental homes and provides exceptional service. We stayed in the historic Simpson House, which was built in 1910 and was close to the lighthouse. I would love to stay in this house again and take advantage of the beautiful screened-in porch, living room with gas fireplace in the off-season, and the stunning kitchen.

View all rental homes available through Ocracoke Island Realty here.

Plan Your 2025 Visit

From its ferry-only access to its small-town charm, Ocracoke Island is one of the most unique destinations on the East Coast. Whether you are sipping coffee on a shaded porch, paddling through the harbor, or ending your day with live music and a sunset cone, Ocracoke’s magic is in the traditions that keep you coming back year after year. Here is an interactive Google Map to help you plan your trip.

Have you been to Ocracoke Island? What are your favorite traditions? Share them in the comments below!

Thank you to Visit Ocracoke for organizing my stay. As always, all opinions are my own.