Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island in North Carolina is considered to be the most remote of all of the barrier islands. A 16 mile long piece of land, the island features numerous beaches and little else. In addition, the coastline, which is owned by the National Park Service, is mostly undeveloped and will likely remain that way for a very long time. For those looking for a beach in all of its untouched splendor, Ocracoke Island is the ideal beach vacation destination.
In addition to its natural and unspoiled beauty, Ocracoke Island is also filled with mystery and allure because of its pirate history. Blackbeard is known to have anchored his ship on the Outer Banks island, an area that still remains untouched by commercialism.
Even the areas of civilization within Ocracoke Island are charming and unspoiled. The nearest village to the wild beaches is filled with plenty of oak trees and features charming eateries and tiny streets. The solitude of the village fits well within the overall theme of Ocracoke Island - its people and is land is as disconnected from the mainland as possible.
Ocracoke Island is the perfect beach vacation retreat for those looking for a place to relax and unwind. Slowing down is a way of live for Ocracoke Island. The unspoiled wonder has been made possible largely by the fact that the National Park Service has owned all but 1000 acres of the island since the 1940s. The 1000 acres that are not owned by the National Park Service are those that made the original village of the island. Since the entire island is protected by the National Park Service, the entire area remains old fashioned and charming.
Ocracoke Island can be easily reached by ferry, airplane, or private boat. Once on the island, vehicles may be parked in the large parking area located on the southern end of highway 12. After parking, visitors can enjoy a visit to the Ocracoke Preservation Museum before heading out to the beach.
Driving is not necessarily the ideal mode of transportation on Ocracoke Island. Many visitors prefer to walk or bike. When driving, it is important to obey the speed limits. The majority of the island has a 20-25 mph limit, though some areas have lower limits. Regardless of the form of transportation utilized, all visitors must share the same road and be respectful of each other.
Ocracoke Island in North Carolina depends entirely on tourism. Several thousand tourists live on the island during the spring, summer, and fall. With many privately owned businesses - no chains or franchises can be found on the island - and natural beauty that is untouched by mankind's harsh hand, Ocracoke Island provides a peaceful and extraordinary beach vacation.
