Review & Frequenly Asked Questions:

One of the largest settlements on the Outer Banks was established on Portsmouth Island in 1753. The last of the Portsmouth Island inhabitants left in the 1970’s, and the remaining buildings are now cared for by the National Park Service. Many of the historic buildings have been restored and are open to the public.

A visit to the church, the school house and the post office offer visitors a glimpse of island life as it was in the early days and many of the houses have been kept exactly as they would have been back then. There is a small Visitor’s Centre with restrooms. You can access the island by private boat or join a guided tour.

Portsmouth Island, Outer Banks, North Carolina

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Springer's Point Preserve Ocracoke Lighthouse British Cemetery Ocracoke Island Visitor Center Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum Eduardo's Taco Stand Zillie's Dajio Howard's Pub Ocracoke Pony Pens Portsmouth Island Outer Banks National Scenic Byway Hammock Hills Nature Trails Ocracoke Coffee Company

Explore more: North Carolina > Things to Do in Ocracoke, North Carolina

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.