Ocracoke, North Carolina, sits on the southern end of Ocracoke Island, surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound. Vacationers flock to this southern paradise to enjoy beautiful waterfront views, beaches, watersports, fishing, and the overall peaceful atmosphere of an island city. Vacation rentals in this lovely city sit just minutes from the beach, and the Ocracoke State Park Marina allows for quick and easy access to the island’s Silver Lake Harbor. If Ocracoke is the next spot on your vacation bucket list, use this list of the best places to look for an Okracoke vacation rental to help you find a great place to stay.
1. Silver Lake Harbor, Ocracoke
Vacation rentals in Silver Lake Harbor put you in the center of everything, as the harbor and Ocracoke beach surround this entire community. Enjoy views of the Pamlico Sound while you make sand castles on the beach with your family, or take a stroll over to the harbor and admire the local boats. For some tasty local flavor, pay a visit to nearby Ocracoke Oyster Company and sample some signature crab dip as you take in the waterside views.
2. Down Creek, Ocracoke
If fishing is a top vacation priority, choose a vacation rental in Down Creek. The neighborhood is just minutes from Silver Lake and the Ocracoke State Park Marina, so you can easily rent a boat and head out onto the water, or grab your fishing gear and fish off the docks. Down Creek is also located in the center of Ocracoke Village, home to several waterfront restaurants and shopping options.
3. Windmill Point, Ocracoke
Windmill Point is one of Ocracoke Island’s most charming areas, as it sits along Teach’s Hole Channel, offering beautiful views of the water and miles of sandy beaches. A popular point of interest is the Ocracoke Lighthouse, a 75-foot structure built in 1823. Take a tour of the lighthouse to learn about its storied history, then go for a stroll along the shore and soak up the sunshine and fresh air.
4. Wahab Village, Ocracoke
The Wahab Village community offers vacation rentals that sit just a few minutes away from the southern shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean and Ocracoke Community Park, complete with its own “Field of Dreams” baseball diamond. The park was built with the island’s children in mind, which makes it a great place to bring the kids for a picnic or to watch the local Little Leaguers play baseball.
5. North Pond, Ocracoke
North Pond is in close proximity to the marina at the Anchorage Inn, making it a great vacation rental location if you plan on doing some fishing or boating. The community also sits on the banks of Oyster Creek, where you’re sure to spot a blue heron or two splashing around in the water. Visit the marina and rent a fishing boat for the day, then stop by the inn for a tasty seafood dinner with your family.
6. Pamlico Point, Ocracoke
Pamlico Point sits along the southern end of Ocracoke Island, just a few minutes away from Central Drive, which features popular local restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to delicious sweets. After spending the day soaking up the ocean air and swimming in the clear blue waters, swing by Gaffer’s restaurant for some live music and signature shrimp and grits.
7. Oyster Creek, Ocracoke
For easy access to the Silver Lake Marina and gorgeous waterfront views, choose a vacation rental in the Oyster Creek neighborhood. Oyster Creek sits along the eastern shores of the island, ensuring you just step away from the water wherever you stay in the area.
8. Pamlico Point, Ocracoke
Pamlico Point sits along the eastern end of Ocracoke Island, offering easy access to the Pamlico Sound. Rent a sailboat from the marina and explore the sound with your family, or sign up for an Ocracoke Fishing Charter and learn how to reel in some deep sea fish. When you’re ready to break for lunch, head over to Eduardo’s Taco Stand or the Back Porch Lunch Box for a quick bite.
9. Irvin Garrish, Ocracoke
Irvin Garrish sits between Silver Lake Harbor and the southern beaches with the Ocracoke Lighthouse to the north, putting you in the center of all the great things the island has to offer. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day with fellow vacationers on the beach, or take a trip to nearby Sunset Village and peruse the shops on 1st Avenue. For a memorable outing, sign up for a guided harbor boat cruise and take in the scenery.
10. Jackson Dunes, Ocracoke
Vacation rentals in the Jackson Dunes community sit along the southeastern end of the island, with many lodging options just steps from the shoreline. Named after the Jacksons, one of the first families to live on the island, Jackson Dunes is within walking distance of the N.P.S. campgrounds, which offers cozy tent sites and three miles of walking trails. To learn more about the area’s history, stop by Jimmy’s Garage, owned by Jimmy Jackson.
11. Cat Ridge, Ocracoke
The Cat Ridge community surrounds Springer’s Point Preserve, a small parcel of the island filled with beautiful natural landscapes, nature trails, and an abundance of local birds. Grab your binoculars and head to the preserve for a little early morning bird watching, then pop by the Pony Island Restaurant for a hearty breakfast.
12. Sunset Village, Ocracoke
Sunset Village sits between Down Creek and Oyster Creek, offering vacation rentals just a few minutes away from the western shoreline. Take the kids on an early-morning beach combing expedition to find shells along the beautiful shoreline, or stay closer to home and do a little onshore fishing at one of the creeks.