1 Day in Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
Spend a day on Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina for an experience you’ll never forget!
Accessible only by ferry, this island is one of the southernmost in the Outer Banks, and it makes for an excellent day trip from Cedar Island or Cape Hatteras.
While the island is small—less than 16 miles long!—there’s plenty to do here. Or, if you’d prefer to relax the day away, you’ll find several beaches where you can situate your beach chair.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to maximize your time on the island so that you see and do as much as possible in your limited visit.
We’re sharing tips for the ferry, favorite shops for local souvenirs, where to eat, and how to get around.
The Ocracoke Island Light Station
Taking the Ferry to Ocracoke Island
There are 3 ferries that you can take to get to Ocracroke Island: one comes from Cedar Island, another from Swan Quarter, and the third from Hatteras.
Of these 3, the one from Hatteras is the shortest, and, therefore, is the one that I recommend as the best choice for a day trip to Ocracoke.
However, it’s possible—with planning and an early start—to do Ocracoke Island from any one of these 3 points.
The fearsome Camping Kiddos at the Hatteras ferry port
Cedar Island to Ocracoke Ferry
Cedar Island is located southwest of Ocracoke Island, not far from Morehead City.
The ferry from Cedar Island to Ocracoke is just over 2 hours each way, and it runs between 2 and 4 times a day, depending on the season.
NOTE: If you’re looking to visit Cape Hatteras, Kitty Hawk, or any of the other main Outer Banks Islands from Cedar Island, you can either take the ferry to Ocracoke (and then another from Ocracoke to Hatteras), or drive nearly 5 hours around the long way via Jamesville and Manteo.
Swan Quarter to Ocracoke Ferry
The Swan Quarter to Ocracoke ferry is the longest of the 3 options here at nearly 3 hours each way. If you’re planning to do Ocracoke as a day trip from Swanquarter, North Carolina, I highly recommend being ready to take the 7 AM ferry.
This itinerary will have you on Ocracoke before 10 AM, and then you can return on the 4:30 PM ferry back to Swanquarter, which will have you at the return point a little before 7:30 PM.
Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry
The shortest of the 3 ferries to the Outer Banks is the Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry, but it’s also one of the most popular.
Because of this route’s heavier use, you can choose from either a passenger ferry option OR a vehicle ferry option.
This ferry takes about an hour, making it the most accessible for an easy day trip to Ocracoke Island.
Passenger Ferry vs. Vehicle Ferry
For all of these routes, you’ll always have the option of the vehicle ferry.
The vehicle ferries will let you bring a bike, motorcycle, golf cart, or camper for a small fee.
If you plan to ride the vehicle ferries, these are incredible affordable at only $1 per person each way, and kids under 5 ride for free. There are fees that range from $2-44 per vehicle depending on the size and type you’re riding in across the bay.
The Ocracoke Express from Hatteras is a passenger only ferry that, while more expensive than the vehicle ferries, is still quite affordable. The Ocracoke Express is $7.50 per person each way and is free for kids 3 and under. You can bring a bike on the passenger ferry for just a dollar more.
The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry is the only one that is exclusive to pedestrians. While you don’t have to have a car to enjoy Ocracoke (more on that below), many visitors enjoy the freedom that comes with having one on the island.
Both types of ferries run on essentially the same schedule and depart from the same ferry port in Hatteras, so it boils down to the types of activities you plan to do at your destination.
Tips for the Ocracoke Ferry
Regardless of which ferry you take (and which place you start your journey), there are a few other things you should know before boarding.
Bring your own food.
Other than a few snacks from the onboard vending machines, the ferries don’t offer food.
The Camping Kiddos stay busy on the ferry to Ocracoke.
Since the ferries aren’t a quick hop to Ocracoke, you’ll need some snacks (especially if you’re traveling with kids). Feel free to pack a cooler of drinks, too, if you’d like. The ferry service will allow small bags, coolers, and other carry-on items for the passenger ferry.
You’ve got a lot more leeway if you’re taking the vehicle ferries, which allow you to bring whatever you can haul on your bike, motorcycle, golf cart, car, or camper.
Arrive early.
Per Geoffrey Chaucer, “Time and tide wait for no man,” and the NC Ferry Service follows that saying to the second.
The ferry keeps to a strict time schedule daily, and they won’t wait for you, even if you’ve bought tickets ahead of time and you’re standing at the end of the pier, waving and yelling.
Plan to arrive to the ferry port at least half an hour before your ferry is set to depart. This will allow you time to check-in if you’ve pre-purchased tickets or buy tickets if you still need them.
You can also use the restrooms onsite if needed (and they’re much nicer than the ones on the ferry, so I suggest a quick pit stop).
Follow the signs.
The ferry ports are well marked as you approach them, and there is additional signage once you’re on the property to direct you to parking areas for pedestrian riders and to the waiting lanes for vehicle ferries.
Reserve your spot if possible.
During the winter months, you can likely just show up to the ferry port and get a spot on any ferry.
However, the peak summer months can be packed as vacationers go over to the island for a day trip or settle in for a longer stay.
The morning ferries going to Ocracoke and the afternoon ferries leaving Ocracoke can have legendarily long lines—sometimes, there’s a standby wait line of 3 or more hours to get on a ferry!
Avoid that hassle by having your day planned out ahead of time with pre-purchased tickets.
These will allow you to ensure you’ll be on a specific ferry.
The only exception here is the Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry, which (for some reason) does not accept reservations.
If you plan to do a day trip with your vehicle to Ocracoke from Hatteras, be at the ferry terminal for the early morning crossings (5 AM, 6 AM, 7 AM, or 8 AM) at least 30 minutes ahead of time.
Not only are you pretty much guaranteed to get onto a ferry, but this will give you longer on Ocracoke for your day trip.
1 Day Itinerary on Ocracoke Island
NOTE: This itinerary includes ideas for visitors both with and without a car, though much of it is accessible via bike or on foot. Items requiring a car have been clearly marked, so you can choose if you’d like to add those to your day.
Morning
In order to get the most of your day at Ocracoke Island, you’ll want to make an early start.
Not only will you have a much higher chance to getting onto a ferry without waiting, but you’ll have more time on Ocracoke to explore.
I’d suggest leaving your starting ferry point no later than 8 AM, so that you’re arriving on the island somewhere between 9:30 AM and 11 AM, depending on the length of the ferry you’re taking.
Let the adventures on Ocracoke begin!
[If you’re leaving from Swanquarter, I’d recommend an even earlier ferry if possible to give you adequate time on the island before you have to turn around and come home.]
Time on the Morning Ferry
Be sure to pack some sort of simple breakfast—a muffin, fruit, breakfast biscuit, or the like—and drinks as there will not be any other options until you get onto Ocracoke.
You’ll also want to bring something to do on the ferry as the only 2 options are to look out at the water or read the information on the onboard ferry televisions.
You can move around on the ferry as long as you’re careful, so I’d suggest taking your kids to different areas of the ship if they get antsy.
Portsmouth Island
As you arrive at the Ocracoke Island ferry port, you’ll be able to see Portsmouth Island to the far right.
If you’d like an off-the-beaten-path adventure while you’re in this area, you can join a guided boat tour to this abandoned island, which still showcases dozens of preserved homes and buildings from the early 1900s in the main historic district.
However, if this is your first trip to Ocracoke, I’d suggest exploring it first and saving your tour of Portsmouth until you have more time.
Breakfast Options Near the Ferry Port
You’ll be let out at the ferry port on the southwestern tip of the island, which puts you in easy walking distance of the little town of Ocracoke. The Ocracoke Island Discover Center will be right across the street, but it’s only worth visiting if you need a pamphlet, a water bottle refill, or a quick restroom stop.
[For more information on getting around, see the informational section at the bottom of this post.]
If you need a coffee, head about 400 feet to the right from the ferry port to Deja Brew Coffee Shack, a cute little spot right on the water with walk-up service.
Stockroom Street Food offers up a sit-down option for breakfast—and it serves up Deja Brew Coffee from next door if you’d like to sample that. Get the cheddar cheese grits and try to nab a table by the water.
Shopping in the Village
Next, make your way along Irvin Garrish Highway deeper into the village of Ocracoke.
There are so many adorable, locally owned stores along this way that you could easily make a day out of stopping at whichever ones catch your eye.
However, we have a few favorites along this stretch!
Mermaid’s Folly at 259 Irvin Garrish Highway has a super cute kids’ section filled with unique t-shirts and toys. There’s also a section for women’s clothing with a laidback, beachy feel. This shop is very close to the ferry port, so if you don’t want to haul around your souvenirs all day, stop here on the way back.
The Camping Kiddos with their purchases from Books to be Red
Further into the village and tucked away on the cutest side street, Books to Be Red is the independent bookstore you’ve been waiting to discover. We easily spent an hour in here, looking through the curated collection of kids’ books, bestsellers, and local interest books.
Here, my daughter found a new favorite, The Dare Sisters by Jess Rinker, which follows a group of siblings who live on Ocracoke Island as they try to find the long lost treasure of Blackbeard.
There’s also a great selection of locally sourced bookmarks, notebooks, and book-related trinkets.
Mid-day
You’re probably getting hungry after you’ve shopped your way through the village.
Have lunch with the locals at Jason’s at 1110 Irvin Garrish Highway. This restaurant is a bit off the beaten path in that it’s one of the last restaurants in the village before Irvin Garrish Highway makes a turn to the north.
It’s a small place with sit down service for 30 or so people, and the walls are lined with paintings and photography by local artists.
You’ll find some great salads, burgers, pizza, and fish sandwiches here. The menu is diverse, but everything we’ve had from here has been delicious.
After you’ve eaten your fill, it’s time to head to the Ocracoke lighthouse, which is a must-do for anyone visiting the island.
This lighthouse is one of just a handful still left standing in the Outer Banks, and it was once the only way for captains to ensure their boat’s safety as they sailed around the island.
The Ocracoke Island lighthouse is open to the public, and it is a couple of blocks off of Irvin Garrish Highway headed back towards the ferry port from Jason’s. Turn onto Lighthouse Road by the community park and look for the small public parking on your right about 800 feet down Lighthouse Road.
There is a larger gravel parking lot closer to Irvin Garrish Highway, which serves as overflow on busy days.
You’ll need to access the lighthouse at the second, smaller parking lot. Look for the white fence and concrete foot bridge leading to the lighthouse. There’s also a large wooden sign that says “Ocracoke Island Light Station” at the parking lot.
Here, you can take a ranger tour that covers the history of the lighthouse and its impact on the village during its heyday.
Kids (and kids at heart) can complete the Junior Ranger program for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore here, as the lighthouse is run by the NPS.
NOTE: The NPS also runs the other remaining OBX lighthouses, including Bodie Island and Hatteras, and you can pick up and/or complete the National Seashore program at any of these.
The lighthouse is free to access, and that includes the ranger programs and a peek into the base of the lighthouse. The Ocracoke Light Station doesn’t allow climbs to the top of the lighthouse at this time, but you can climb the Bodie Island and Hatteras lighthouses. (The Hatteras lighthouse will be closed for restoration through at least the end of 2024.)
Afternoon
Watch the time as you don’t want to miss your return ferry time!
Once that last ferry leaves, your only option is to find a hotel room for the night, which might throw a wrench in your overall vacation budget.
With that in mind, spend your last few hours doing 1 of 2 recommended activities.
Ocracoke Beach
If you’d like to see how the beaches on Ocracoke compare to those elsewhere in the Outer Banks, head onto Irvin Garrish Highway towards Lifeguard Beach.
The lifeguarded section of Ocracoke Beach is the closest beach to the ferry port and the village of Ocracoke, and it’s our pick if you need a couple hours of beachfront relaxation during your day. (Plus, as a former lifeguard myself, I am always appreciative of extra eyes helping me watch my kids at the ocean. The currents in the Outer Banks can be especially strong, making the lifeguards here even more crucial.)
Self-guided History Tour of the Island
If you’d rather skip the beach and dive into the history of the island more, I recommend the self-guided tours of Ocracoke by Ocracoke Navigator.
These tours are web-based and completely free, and they link to relevant historical photos and audio guides for each of the stops.
There are 2 different tours available, and both are in different areas of the village, putting them within easy walking distance of the ferry port.
That will bring your day trip to Ocracoke to an end (sadly), but, hopefully, your time here as given you a great taste as to what the island is like!
You’ll want to return to the ferry port about 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time from Ocracoke village. If you get there early—as you should—you can wait under the covered pavilion across from the ferry port.
The captain or crew members will open the gang plank when they are ready for you to board. Then, it’s back to where you started the day.
Explore more of the Outer Banks!
Where should you base your OBX stay? Check out our picks for the best Outer Banks towns for families.
Camp out next to the beach! Read my complete review of Cape Hatteras Outer Banks KOA in Rodanthe, North Carolina.
Getting around Ocracoke
You can always bring your car if you’re planning to take the vehicle ferry, but Ocracoke is great for walking, too.
Most of what you’d want to see if within a mile of the ferry port, which is in easy walking distance for most people.
There are sidewalks everywhere in the village, so bring a stroller or wagon if you have little ones who can’t walk that far.
If you’d prefer not to bring your car but need options beyond walking, we’ve got some ideas for you!
The free tram around Ocracoke Village
Free Ocracoke Shuttle
During the summer season, a free shuttle runs from the ferry port to nine stops in town and around Irvin Garrish Highway, the main thoroughfare on the island.
These shuttles are run by the island’s tourism bureau and are hop-on, hop-off. You don’t need a ticket or reservations, just a little patience and a map to figure out where the stops are.
The shuttles are 6-8 seater golf carts, which zip up and down Irvin Garrish Highway, Back Road, and others in the village to make access easier for visitors.
The drivers are locals and very friendly, so ask any questions while you’re on your way to the next stop.
There is a stop directly outside of the ferry port near the covered pavilion.
When the ferry lets off, the trams tend to be swamped with interest, so I’d suggest skipping the tram for now and catching others as you get hot and tired later in the day. (They’re also much easier to catch then when you’re headed back to the ferry!)
Bike Rentals
If you’d like to see the island more quickly—and have the ability to get to the beach areas, which are a hike if you’re on foot—you’ll want to rent a bike.
[You can also bring your own on the ferry for a small fee.]
The closest bike rental to the Ocracoke ferry port is the Ride the Wind Surf Shop at 486 Irvin Garrish Highway, about a quarter mile from where you’ll depart the ferry. You can do a 2-hour, full day or weekly bike rental.
If you choose to rent a bike, the island is very bike-friendly. There are bike racks everywhere and very little crime, so you don’t have to worry too much about locking the bikes up.
In the village, there are dedicated bike lanes on Irvin Garrish Highway, and there’s a bike path leading out of town towards the closest public beach. See Ocracoke’s bicycle map here.
