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Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, located in Buxton on Hatteras Island, is possibly the most famous lighthouse in the nation. At 208 feet tall, it is the tallest brick lighthouse, and has survived a move of more than 1,600 feet and saving it from the danger of an eroding shoreline. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for climbing from late March to early October each year.

Be a Birdwatcher

Nearly 400 species of birds have been sighted within Cape Hatteras National Seashore and its surrounding waters. This impressive number is due to several factors: a location on the Eastern Flyway, varied habitats and strong winds and storms that often bring exhausted birds to our shores. Birding is always exciting on Ocracoke. Watch for migratory shorebirds at inlet tidal flats. Ocracoke is a wintering ground for tundra swans, Canadian geese and over 25 species of ducks. The National Parks Service Visitor's Center, the Ocracoke library and the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum offer excellent resources for birders.

Teach Your Kids about the Pirate Blackbeard

There are many stories of pirates and buried treasure that are part of the unique history of the Outer Banks. The story of the notorious Pirate Blackbeard ended in Ocracoke in 1718 when he was killed in battle at Ocracoke Inlet. Throughout his "career" as a pirate, Blackbeard captured over 40 ships. Today, many businesses and streets in the area are named after Blackbeard. While you are on Ocracoke, teach your children the history of Blackbeard.

Visit the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation Society

Once the private residence of Coast Guard Captain David Williams, this home was moved to its current location near Ocracoke Island's Silver Lake in 1989 and restored to its original beauty by the Ocracoke Preservation Society. Many furnishings and memorabilia reminiscent of the 19th century have been donated by local families, visitors and friends. Photographs of island natives can be seen throughout the house. The museum also has several exhibits and a research library. Admission is free and the museum is open from Easter through late Fall. For more information, contact the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation Society at (252) 928-7375. Special events include Porch Talks during summer and the Tree Lighting and Wassail Party in December.

Send Ocracoke Postcards To Your Friends and Family

Are you the lucky one among your friends and family who got to take a trip to Ocracoke this year? Take an hour of your precious vacation time and send postcard notes to your loved ones. There are beautiful postcards sold at almost any local gift shop, gallery or grocery store and they are very affordable. Let them know you are thinking about them and that you wish they could be visiting Ocracoke with you. If they can see a postcard of how beautiful it is, maybe you can persuade them to come along with you on your next vacation!

Have a Sweet Treat

Ocracoke has a variety of ice cream and candy shops to satisfy every craving. Local shops offer a variety of sweet delights ranging from individual specialties or a wide range of goodies including ice cream, milkshakes, floats, frozen yogurts, sorbets, candy and fudge. A fun treat for the whole family!

Take a Free Wildlife Education Program

Stop by the National Park Service Ocracoke Island Visitor Center for information on informative programs including subjects such as Barrier Island Nature, Outer Banks History or Graveyard of the Atlantic. For a closer look at life on a sandy beach, attend Explore the Shore, participate in a talk on the Banker Ponies or join in the Morning Bird Walk. By attending programs and completing a workbook, kids ages 5-13 can become a Seashore Ranger. Offerings and schedules vary by season. For further information on Seashore programs, contact the Ocracoke Visitor Center (252) 928-4531 or check the park website at http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/things2do.htm.

Enjoy a Local Seafood Dinner

Throughout Ocracoke, there are many great restaurants that serve the catch of the day and cook it how you like it. You can't go wrong with an authentic seafood dinner on Ocracoke. Catch of the day on Ocracoke often includes flounder, drum, mahi-mahi and bluefish. There are also clams, oysters, crabs and shrimp.

Enjoy an Al Fresco Waterfront Dinner

Ocracoke has a number of waterfront dining options where you can sit outdoors and enjoy a lovely breeze off the sound and maybe some live music, too! What could be better than enjoying a cool beverage and a delicious meal as you watch the boats coming in to the harbor for the evening and the watercolor sky lit up with a brilliant sunset. A walk through the heart of the village reveals several waterfront dining options along the shores of Silver Lake Harbor.

Catch a Local Music Performance at the Deepwater Theater

The Ocrafolk Opry is a colorful cast that delivers a slice of Ocracoke life through island music and stories. The Rumgagger pirate show amuses kids and adults alike with pirate music and humor. Molasses Creek is Ocracoke's own internationally acclaimed, high energy, acoustic folk band. Marcy Brenner and Lou Castro are Coyote. They enchant audiences with their folk, rock, and blues style. Noah Paley has been wowing live and radio audiences internationally since 1999. Performances are seasonal, see www.DeepwaterTheater.com or call 252-928-3411 for more information.