Ocracoke Island

Part of North Carolina's Outer Banks and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Okracoke Island sits at the southernmost tip of this amazing string of barrier islands. Calling itself the Pearl of the Outer Banks for good reason, Okracoke has 16 miles of stunning, undeveloped beaches. Only accessible by ferry, boat or private plane, the island centers on tiny Okracoke Village, a funky fishing village turned tourist attraction and the absolute best place to eat seafood and sip a cold beer. Home to only about 800 full-time residents, the island population swells in summer when the influx of tourists gives the town a festive air. People come for ...

Part of North Carolina's Outer Banks and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Okracoke Island sits at the southernmost tip of this amazing string of barrier islands. Calling itself the Pearl of the Outer Banks for good reason, Okracoke has 16 miles of stunning, undeveloped beaches. Only accessible by ferry, boat or private plane, the island centers on tiny Okracoke Village, a funky fishing village turned tourist attraction and the absolute best place to eat seafood and sip a cold beer. Home to only about 800 full-time residents, the island population swells in summer when the influx of tourists gives the town a festive air. People come for the beaches, water sports, spectacular fishing and boating off the coast. The island's lighthouse, built in 1823, is the oldest one still operating in North Carolina. From Okracoke, it's easy to ferry over to Hatteras Island and the heart of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

About the Expert

Debra Landau has written eight Lonely Planet guidebooks, including books on the USA, Caribbean, and the South.