Ocracoke Island is the southernmost of a string of barrier islands, known as the Outer Banks, which lie just off the coast of North Carolina. The Outer Banks islands are renowned for providing tranquil and isolated escapes from the noise and hectic schedules of everyday life. Many of these islands can only be reached by plane or ship or one of three commercial ferries operating in the area. Except for the village of Ocracoke and a few campground areas, this island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. A single two-lane road runs the length of the island, from the ferry dock at the northern end to the Village at the southern end, and is sprinkled with residences and Ocracoke motels. The island is populated by a treasure trove of indigenous wildlife. Outer Banks islands are also popular destinations for marine sport fishing and shipwreck scuba diving.
The majority of lodgings in Ocracoke are privately owned renal properties which are leased out on a weekly basis. However, there are plenty of commercial lodgings to choose from. The top rated Ocracoke motels are the Anchorage Inn, the Captain’s Landing, the Castle on Silver Lake, Edwards of Ocracoke and the Thurston House Inn.
The Anchorage Inn is a four story structure with fantastic balcony views overlooking Silver Lake harbor. Although the view is fantastic, the balconies are shared by all of the rooms of the floor, so privacy may be an issue for some guests. The Captain’s Landing Sea provides similar views of spectacular sunsets, except that the decks are private. The Castle on Silver Lake is a three story, eleven room bed & breakfast. The rooms are comfortable, non-smoking, decorated with antiques, and unlike most bed and breakfast lodgings they each have their own private bathroom. Edwards of Ocracoke offers modern, exceptionally clean and very reasonably priced accommodations. Thurston House Inn is on the Registry of Historic Places in North Carolina and features guestrooms with private baths. There are many other Ocracoke motels to choose from, and all offer special views or features that may make them appropriate choices for different vacationers.