Ocracoke vacation rentals

With pristine beaches, fabulous fishing, and real pirate coves, Ocracoke Island is arguably the most intriguing of North Carolina’s Outer Banks islands. Anchoring the barrier islands’ southern tip, the island is a waterfront getaway full of nature and culture, as well as its own distinct dialect, called High Tider. Ocracoke was known as a pirates’ hideaway long before it was settled in the mid-18th century, primarily because its terrain was more amenable to hiding bandits than fostering new construction. Blackbeard the Pirate was one of the island’s regulars, right up until his death there in 1718. Today, Ocracoke is a treasure for visitors thanks to its 16-mile white sandy beach, charming village with a storybook history, and more galleries and antique shops per capita than anywhere else in the region.

Ocracoke experiences a subtropical climate, which translates to hot, humid summers and dry, mild winters. The most popular time to stay in one of the island’s vacation rentals is in summer, when the town is fully operational and visitor-friendly. Temperatures typically climb into the upper 80s Fahrenheit, often accompanied by humid air. The region’s strong winds tend to keep climes comfortable enough to enjoy all of the outdoor recreation Ocracoke has to offer. The island more or less shuts down in the winter, with only a few businesses open year-round. Winter temperatures hover in the 40s and 50s, seldom dropping any lower. Beware of hurricane season, which runs from late summer to late fall in Ocracoke. Pay close attention to local weather reports if you’re planning a visit during this time.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

The Ocracoke Lighthouse, completed in 1823, stands proud over the Pamlico Sound. It’s the oldest operating lighthouse in the state of North Carolina, and the second-oldest in the country. Though it’s not open for climbing, it’s a popular spot for sunset snapshots.

Silver Lake

Called the Creek by locals, Silver Lake is a can’t-miss landmark in Ocracoke: all three ferries pass through it en route to dock. Beyond its transportation duties, Silver Lake is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing, and during the summer months Silver Lake Harbor hosts a maker’s market every Wednesday.

Portsmouth Island

The southernmost barrier island on the Outer Banks is so remote that it’s often overlooked. From Ocracoke, the journey to Portsmouth is less than 45 minutes by passenger ferry, and it’s a sight to see. There are no vacation homes, services, or businesses on this rustic island, and the village has been a literal ghost town for decades. What it lacks in civilization, it makes up for in quiet, remote bliss, especially if you like fishing and camping.