Review:

Ocracoke Beach is one of the Outer Banks' top hidden gems, located on its namesake island, which is only accessible via passenger ferry services from mainland North Carolina and via the public-use Ocracoke Island Airport. The hidden-away island offers 15 miles of splendid undeveloped beaches that are part of the expansive 70-mile Cape Hatteras National Seashore, overseen by the National Park Service.

Visitors of all ages can fish, swim, surf, and beachcomb for seashells along the island's beachfront or catch glimpses of the island's historic wild pony population, descendants of majestic mustangs kept by Spanish explorers that ran wild after a shipwreck.

Charming shops and restaurants are located within the National Register of Historic Places-listed Ocracoke Village, the island's only populated area. The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse stands 75 feet above the island, dating back to 1823, making it the state's oldest still-operating lighthouse. Ocracoke Beach Map

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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