If you really want to get away from it all in the Outer Banks, head to one of its most remote islands. You can only get to Ocracoke Island by ferry, private boat or plane.
+Ocracoke Ferry
Getting there really is half the fun, and it’s entirely free to boot!
The ferry runs every day of the year, the trip is less than an hour, and the scenery is absolutely beautiful.
You can even bring your car on board. Watch for birds and the mystical dead trees in the shallow waters.
+Hammock Hills Nature Trail
Most of the park is a part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore so it is largely wild. An easy ¾ mile loop trail exposes a diverse habitat ranging from pine forest, to shrub thicket, sand dunes, and wetlands.
Be on the look out for camou-frogs.
And watch out for abundant poison ivy. Pause to take in the view at the platform over the salt marsh, flooded by the Pamlico Sound twice daily.
+Ocracoke Beach
A long beach perfect for strolling with powdery sand. It was very windy when I visited in April, but I’m sure the summer season would be perfect for swimming!
+Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
While you can’t walk up the lighthouse, it’s free to drive by and snap a picture of the 75′ structure which is the oldest operating lighthouse in the state.
+Teach’s Hole
Edward Teach, AKA Blackbeard met his demise on the island in 1718. This museum exhibit is dedicated to the history of the legend and is also a pirate specialty shop.
+Eduardo’s Taco Stand
Looking for a casual bite to eat whilst on the island? Right across the street from the museum you can grab some fresh Mexican fare.
Enjoy it at the picnic tables out back!