We hope you enjoy your visit to our beautiful island, the last island of the Outer Banks, N.C.
Ocracoke, in Hyde County, is very different from almost any other East Coast shore point. Here are some tips about our unique island:
The easiest mode of transportation around the village is by foot, bicycle or golf cart.
–The speed limit is 20 mph village-wide. Please drive slowly at all times.
The village streets are narrow and shared with cats, dogs, ducks, chickens, pedestrians, bicycles, skateboarders and golf carts, all of which might suddenly lurch into the streets.
–-Walk facing traffic. That is, “walk left; bike right.” Carry a light at night.
––Never, ever pass anyone or anything on the right. This is an offense with a $250 fine.
–-Learn and follow the traffic laws for golf carts–Golf carts are not allowed beyond Howard’s Pub. Children must be 16 to drive golf carts. Children under 16 cannot sit on a parent’s lap and hold the wheel. See story here.
–If you are staying at a cottage, know your street name and house number should you need emergency assistance.
–Hyde County has an animal feces removal ordinance. Please pick up after your dog. Hyde County has an ordinance against “vicious” dogs.
–Ocracoke cares about how the island looks and we recycle. Please do not toss your trash out of car window. Glass and metal recyclables (separated) can be taken to the dump.
–Driving on the beach requires a permit that can be purchased at the NPS Visitor Center on the southern end of the island across from the ferry docks.
–Public restrooms can be found at the NPS visitor center and the lifeguard beach. Community Square typically has porta-potties and there is one at the Island Inn.
—Please remember to tip your servers. Our restaurant workers have about eight months to earn a living and rely on receiving tips of at least 20 percent.
—Fireworks of any kind are prohibited on Ocracoke.
—Like Texas, the stars at night here are big and bright. Want to see even more of the Milky Way? Please turn off outside lights at night.
—Shops and restaurants have limited parking spaces. The public may park for the day in the NPS lot near the southern-end ferry terminal.
For more information about the village visit www.visitocracokeNC.com.
