How to Spend the Perfect Weekend on Ocracoke Island
If you’ve been to Ocracoke, you know there’s something so magical about it. Maybe it’s the way you can only get there by ferry, or how the pace instantly slows the moment you step onto the island. Either way, this little slice of the Outer Banks makes for the perfect weekend getaway. We just went in early September and have THE BEST long weekendIf you’re dreaming of a trip filled with beach time, fresh seafood, local charm, and just enough adventure, here’s a weekend itinerary to help you make the most of your stay!
Where to Stay:
First things first, we gotta cover where you’re sleeping! Right in the middle of the town, Ocracoke Harbor Inn is walkable to the island’s shops, restaurants, and waterfront views. It’s the perfect place to wake up and sip your morning coffee on the balcony before heading out for the day. Plus, it’s easy walking distance to the Ocracoke Lighthouse and Springer’s Nature Preserve! We thought it was a perfect, budget-friendly option!
left image from Thriving in Raleigh | other images from Ocracoke Harbor Inn Website
The Perfect Weekend Itinerary:
Day 1
Take the Ferry – Start your trip with a morning ferry ride so you can arrive on the island around lunchtime. (Pro tip: don’t be like me and wait until you get to Ocracoke to eat lunch… BRING SNACKS!!)
Lunch on the Water – As soon as you arrive, head straight to SmacNally’s Waterfront Bar & Grill for a casual, open-air lunch with a view. Their fresh seafood baskets and laid-back vibe are the perfect welcome to island life.
Check In & Grab a Golf Cart – After lunch, check in to Ocracoke Harbor Inn and rent a golf cart (a must-do on the island). Spend the afternoon cruising around, stopping into local boutiques, visiting the British Cemetery, and snapping a photo at the iconic Ocracoke Lighthouse. While you’re not able to climb the lighthouse, you can step inside and learn all about its history.
Happy Hour – Freshen up, then head to Zillie’s or 1718 Brewing Ocracoke for a drink before dinner. Both are great spots to unwind and mingle with locals.
Dinner – Treat yourself to a cozy dinner at Dajio, where the menu highlights local seafood and southern comfort food.
Dessert – End the night with a sweet stop at Ocracoke Fudge & Ice Cream, because no beach trip is complete without ice cream!
images from Thriving in Raleigh
Day 2
Morning Walk – Start your day with a peaceful walk at Springer’s Nature Preserve (Springer’s Point). It’s a beautiful trail that leads to the water and is definitely a hidden gem of NC.
Breakfast & Coffee – Swing by Deja Brew for your caffeine fix, then grab breakfast next door at Stockroom Street Food or tacos from Eduardo’s Tacos (they have breakfast burritos and plenty of tacos to choose from!).
Beach Time – Before hitting the sand, stop by to see the wild Ocracoke Ponies, descended from 16th-century shipwrecked horses. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon soaking up the sun and swimming in the ocean.
Afternoon Snack – Refuel with a smoothie from Hang 10 Smoothies. I swear, this was the best smoothie I’ve ever had and it’s the perfect post-beach refresher.
Happy Hour & Dinner – For your final night, you have to head to Howard’s Pub, a fun, casual spot with great drinks, seafood, and rooftop views (It’s basically a right of passage to go here when visiting Ocracoke, I don’t make the rules.).
images from Thriving in Raleigh
Day 3
On your last morning, grab breakfast at Pony Island Inn Restaurant, a classic island spot, and don’t forget to swing by Ocracoke Coffee Co before catching the ferry back. Trust me… you’ll want one more cup for the road.
Quick List: Ocracoke Weekend Highlights
Eat & Drink:
Ocracoke Coffee
Deja Brew
Stockroom Street Food
Pony Island Inn Restaurant
Eduardo’s Tacos
SmacNally’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
Dajio
Howard’s Pub
Zillie’s
Ocracoke Fudge & Ice Cream
Hang 10 Smoothies
Things to Do:
Shop local boutiques
Visit Ocracoke Lighthouse
Walk Springer’s Nature Preserve (Springer’s Point)
See the Ocracoke Ponies
Explore the British Cemetery
Spend the day at the beach
Paddle boarding with Ride The Wind Surf Shop
right two photos from the River Forest Manor website
Travel Tips for Ocracoke
Getting There: Ocracoke is only accessible by ferry, small plane, or private boat. Most visitors take the ferry from Hatteras, Cedar Island, or Swan Quarter. The ferry ride is part of the charm, but it does take 2.5-3 hours if you are going from Swan Quarter, so plan it into your itinerary!
Getting Around: Once you’re on the island, golf carts and bikes are the easiest way to explore. Parking is limited in the village, so renting a golf cart is the best option (plus it’s more fun!).
When to Visit: Summer is the most popular time, but early fall (September and October) is a hidden gem. The weather is still warm enough for the beach, but the crowds are thinner, and the island feels even more peaceful.
What to Pack: Ocracoke is super casual! No need to pack any fancy outfits for dinners, but a cute sundress is perfect!
Ocracoke may be small, but it’s packed with charm, history, and some of the most beautiful beaches in North Carolina. We had the best time on this trip and so I hope this little itinerary inspires you on your trip! There’s so much to do on this island so whether you’re walking through Springer’s Point, enjoying happy hour by the harbor, or just cruising around in a golf cart, I promise you’ll leave feeling like you discovered your own little island escape!