Pirates Quay - 3 South (WP3S)

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Visit Art Galleries and Shops To View Local Talent

Because of the natural beauty of the ocean and its surroundings on Ocracoke Island, many artists live in the area and express their love for Ocracoke in their artwork. There are several art galleries located on Ocracoke and art shows and events are held throughout the year. If you are interested in art, you will love spending a day touring galleries on Ocracoke. If the timing is right, you might also get to see an art show or attend an event!

Take a Flightseeing Tour with Coastal Helicopters

Coastal Helicopters offers flightseeing tours, photography and videography flights over the beautiful Outer Banks. You will enjoy panoramic views from the sky with an FAA Certified Commercial Helicopter Pilot when you take your air tour with Coastal Helicopters. The helicopter is a Robinson R-44 Raven II and offers a safe, smooth ride to accompany the unparalleled views. A few attractions that can be seen from the air include Wright Brothers National Monument, Jockey's Ridge State Park, Wild Banker Ponies, Oregon Inlet, Cape Hatteras National Sewashore, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and more! Call Coastal Helicopters today at 252-928-8074 for more information.

Watch the Full Moon Rise and Look For Ghost Crabs at the Beach

Go to the beach on a balmy, summer night and wait for the full moon to come up over the ocean. On a clear night, the full moon rising up over the horizon sometimes has an orange or red tint which is the light from the setting sun filtering through particles in the Earth's atmosphere and reflecting off the moon. It's absolutely beautiful hanging in the sky above the dark ocean waves. When the moonlight floods the beach and reflects brightly off the white sea foam, you will see dozens of ghost crabs skittering about. If the clouds are over the moon, bring a flashlight and see how many ghost crabs you can find!

Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, located in Buxton on Hatteras Island, is possibly the most famous lighthouse in the nation. At 208 feet tall, it is the tallest brick lighthouse, and has survived a move of more than 1,600 feet and saving it from the danger of an eroding shoreline. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for climbing from late March to early October each year.

Take a Guided Ghost and Historic Walking Tour

Delight in Ocracoke folklore and local legend, as you are led through the winding roads past reportedly haunted houses and into the graveyards of Ocracoke's founding families. Shipwrecks, hurricanes, the Civil and World Wars have all left their share of ghosts on Ocracoke Island.

Fly a Kite

The Outer Banks are well-known by windsurfers and kiteboarders around the world for awesome wind. Why not take advantage of that same wind and spend an afternoon flying a kite? On most days, finding enough wind to get the kite in the air isn't a problem! The beach is a great place to fly your kite, because it is unobstructed by power lines and trees.

Go Boating in the Atlantic Ocean or One of the Local Sounds

There are several docks located throughout Ocracoke to accommodate a range of boat sizes, from small skiffs to large pleasure boats. Many rental properties are equipped with a dock or a bulkhead for your boat. You can also rent a small boat to use during your Ocracoke vacation or consider chartering a boat with an experienced captain to show you the area.

Enjoy a Local Seafood Dinner

Throughout Ocracoke, there are many great restaurants that serve the catch of the day and cook it how you like it. You can't go wrong with an authentic seafood dinner on Ocracoke. Catch of the day on Ocracoke often includes flounder, drum, mahi-mahi and bluefish. There are also clams, oysters, crabs and shrimp.

Check Out the Community Bulletin Boards

Looking for the inside "scoop" about what's happening on the island? Check local bulletin boards at the Community Store (on the harbor), The Variety Store, the Post Office, or the gas station all located on Highway 12. You will find notices about everything from dances to yard sales to potluck dinners. Catch up on local birth and birthday announcements!

Visit the Deserted Portsmouth Island

Portsmouth Island is a small, deserted island just south of Ocracoke Island. Though once inhabited, now Portsmouth Island has no residents and is accessible only by boat. There is a 2-mile trail that leads from the village to the beach. Wilderness camping is allowed, but don't forget your insect repellent! For more information on the Island, contact Cape Lookout National Seashore at (252) 728-2250.