By Peter Vankevich
AARP has named Ocracoke beach one of the 12 best beaches in the world for 2015. Some of the beaches also named are Siesta Key Beach, Florida; Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii; Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janiero, Brazil; Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy; Boulders Beach, Cape Town, South Africa; Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Australia; Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi Leh, Thailand and Trunk Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
The accompanying text is:
“A ferry ride deposits you on this picturesque island that boasts a 16-mile stretch of pristine beach. Head to the calm, clear waters to swim (in the section with lifeguards), fish or paddle board. Rent a bike to hunt for wildlife or explore the island’s charming village.”
This is not the island’s first beach award.
Ocracoke beach gained national attention when in 2007 it was named best beach in America by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, aka “Dr. Beach,” America’s foremost expert on beaches.
At that time, Ocracoke was the first beach outside of Florida and Hawaii to receive the top spot since the designation began in 1991.
You can read more about this award from the archives of the Ocracoke Observer by clicking here.
International visitors can read why visit Ocracoke in German, French and Spanish. More translations are forthcoming.
