Cedar Island

Cedar Island is the jumping off point for the Outer Banks. Its primary attraction is the state ferry which provides year-round transport across the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke Island. Summertime travelers should reserve a space ahead of time or arrive early to get in line for the next ferry. While you wait, you can comb the beach for shells and other treasures, go horseback riding at the nearby stable and fight off mosquitoes and no-see-ums. If you're into nature, plan your visit and ferry ride around the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge, an excellent place for watching water birds and other wildlife, photography, fishing and hunting. ...

Cedar Island is the jumping off point for the Outer Banks. Its primary attraction is the state ferry which provides year-round transport across the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke Island. Summertime travelers should reserve a space ahead of time or arrive early to get in line for the next ferry. While you wait, you can comb the beach for shells and other treasures, go horseback riding at the nearby stable and fight off mosquitoes and no-see-ums. If you're into nature, plan your visit and ferry ride around the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge, an excellent place for watching water birds and other wildlife, photography, fishing and hunting. Except for the wildlife refuge, ferry station, a small gift shop, post office, convenience store, motel, restaurant and campground, there’s not much else here. According to local legend, Cedar Island may have been the site of Sir Walter Raleigh’s “Lost Colony.”

About the Expert

Carol Timblin has contributed to numerous guidebooks and authored four editions of Houghton Mifflin's Best Places to Stay in the South.