GETTING AROUND
Golf carts are primarily the way everyone gets around town. They’re fun, easy, and zip around. Less cumbersome and more experiential than a car. Must be 16 to drive.
There are two spots to get your carts - We get our carts from Rex at Wheelie Fun. (252) 921-0216
If you’re staying at the Anchorage Inn, we recommend getting your cart from Island Golf Carts. (252) 928-0090
Give them a call in April 2026 to reserve your golf cart for the weekend - they offer 4 or 6 seaters, and they’re really chill.
Bikes are also available for rental from pretty much everywhere on the island. We like to rent ours from Ride the Wind, the local surf shop.
WHAT TO DO
Ocracoke isn’t like the rest of the Outer Banks - there are no waterslides, go karts, or other activities. What makes us love this island so much is how chill and simple it is.
THE BEACH
Ocracoke’s beaches are primarily off-road beaches, though there is a public beach called the Lifeguard Beach that has parking, bathrooms, and you guessed it, lifeguards.
The rest of the beaches on the island require you to drive off road, which makes for a really cool experience as the beaches are so quiet, and people are super spaced out (if on your beach area at all). You will need an offroad permit for your car, as well as 4 wheel drive.
But it’s totally worth it for the vibes.
FOOD , DRINK, and ACTIVITIES
When we’re here, despite how simple it all is, we find that we have a tendency to still pack our days with activities.
We like to grab breakfast from the Pony Island (more traditional) or StockRoom Street Food - more hipster and great views. The youth love the people watching at Ocracoke Coffee Co.
Sometimes we’ll rent paddle boards or kayaks from Ride the Wind and take a turn around Silver Lake. There are also shelling tours on Portsmouth Island or fishing charters.
SmacNally’s is the lunch spot for seeing boats locals, and eating delicious foods, often freshley caught. Ocracoke Oyster Company is the island’s equivalent to a sports bar. Zillie’s is our favorite happy hour spot for a beer and a glass of wine. Dajio is where we love to go for “shrimp happy hour” for a basket of shrimp or to check out the late night scene (please note: the late night scene starts at 10pm).
Smoothies, ice cream, shaved ice. There’s so much good food on the island.
There are a lot of fun shops to explore on the island, too. We love all of the different galleries and our favorite book store is Books to be Red.
Basically you just hop in your golf cart and cruise around and explore.
