Unlike sound beaches on the northern Outer Banks, the water here is saltier and the bottom is sand rather than silt or grass. Island Free Press: Construction underway of new beach access, parking between Salvo and Avon Cape Hatteras National Seashore is creating a new beach access parking area on the oceanside of N.C. 12 between Avon and Salvo, according to a recent update from Mike Barber, Cape Hatteras National Seashore Public Affairs Specialist. During the summer season, pets are not allowed in the designated lifeguarded area while lifeguards are on duty. #7 - Emerald Promenade Beachwalk. There are other campgrounds around the island, but the official National Park Service campground is right over the dune from the ocean. During certain times of the year, some areas will be off-limits to vehicle and pedestrian traffic to protect nesting turtles and shorebirds. Fax:1-252-928-1065 Soundside Access. Another half mile north is a slightly larger parking lot that is practically on the beach, with almost no dunes to walk through. Lifeguards on duty for designated swimming zone. Named as One of the Top 10 Beaches in America. Quick Links:  Map it! Ocracoke Harbor is roughly 1.5 miles away from the nearest beach access, which is next to the tiny Ocracoke Island Airport. Get a 2020 Ocracoke Beach Driving Permit. Nice. The Lifeguard Beach has a water bottle filling station, pet water fountain, a wheelchair friendly beach access ramp, and a viewing platform. During the Season (5/1 – 11/5), beach fires are only permitted at Lifeguard Beach, which the NPS refers to as Ocracoke Day Use Area. Kids love to play at Springer point and water shoes are recommended. You can have a bonfire if you fill out this handy online permit: Driving on the beach is a fun Ocracoke Island activity. It's located about a mile north of the village and has a bathhouse with restrooms and showers. Robbie’s Way is one of the few remaining publicly accessible paths to the Sound. Find information on how to get an ORV Permit for your trip to Ocracoke. Lots of parking and primitive restrooms are available. Ocracoke has a special beach atmosphere. South Point is a classic Ocracoke beach. Grab your bikinis or swim trunks, sun tan lotion, umbrella, towels, beach chairs, water, sunglasses and a good book and get ready for some much needed R&R! Afterwards, Ocracoke Island was closed to visitors for contractors to repair the road and dune line. Private access allows vehicles vehicles on the beach between October 1 - April 30. Legal. Lifeguards - Ocracoke has a lifeguarded beach that is located about halfway in between the Hatteras Ferry Terminal and Ocracoke Village. Local Phone:1-252-928-6261 We loved it for morning beach walls. Ocracoke Beach Driving PermitsOff-Road Vehicle Access Map. As you leave Ocracoke Village and head toward the Hatteras ferry terminal, you can access the beach right away. Southern Shores - Driving on the beach is prohibited. Not quite three months after Hurricane Dorian ripped through North Carolina's Outer Banks, public access is set to return to Ocracoke Island at Cape Hatteras National Seashore on December 2. 27960 Take this path for three miles and you will arrive at South Point, the southern tip of Ocracoke Island. Feel the freedom of Ocracoke’s open beaches from your car. Ocracoke Beach was very nice with a long wide beach and attractive mounds of sand dunes and sea grasses. Dedicated to honor Charles and Robbie Runyon’s estate, Robbie’s Way a 15-foot wide access way to the Pamlico Sound from the south side of the island (Down Point) to OPS. it is across from the pony pen on cape hatteras national seashore on ocracoke island nchttp://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCoa4jKzQ4GcRWXH4Q2T6-e2SF7X26wNR Follow a windy path through the trees, past the graves of Sam Jones and his trusty horse Ikey D. The trail opens onto a sandy beach and the waters of the Pamlico sound. Sunday, August 23, 2015 - 01:51 Press Release. Approximately 90% of Florida’s beach/coastal access points are open to the public. It offers public parking, beach access, restrooms and changing areas. Robbie’s Way – Sound Side Beach Access Dedicated to honor Charles and Robbie Runyon’s estate, Robbie’s Way a 15-foot wide access way to the Pamlico Sound from the south side of the island (Down Point) to OPS. Okaloosa Island Public Beach Access. In addition to the lifeguarded beach, there are six parking areas north of the village. Located just a couple miles outside of town, this public beach also features a wide parking area, bathrooms, and even showers to wash off after a long day of playing on the sand. I believe there are at least three or paved parking areas for public beach access. Are there public beach accesses on Ocracoke, and is there a lifeguard? Kill Devil Hills - Driving on the beach is permitted with permit between October 1 - April 30 through designated access points. Some of these areas also allow off-road vehicles. |  Gallery  |  Photo Spheres. Ocracoke Island by the NPS visitor center (40 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke) There are restrooms, changing rooms and a shower facility located at the day use area on Highway 12 just outside the village. Thanks for learning about Ocracoke’s beautiful beaches. Monitored turtle nests line the dunes and we enjoyed learning more about the turtles from the park rangers . Some of these areas also allow off-road vehicles. Natural beach with showers, and walkway to the beach. You can easily access the beach just outside of Ocracoke Village. Dogs must be leashed. Then about the same distance farther is another 4WD access ramp. You can access remote seashore and feel as though you’ve escaped the modern world. Designated by Dr. Beach as one of the best beaches in America, the Lifeguard Beach is the place to go if you have a car and want to go to the beach. 900 Santa Rosa Boulevard | Okaloosa Island #6 - Doris Jordan Beach Access . Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Daily During the public comment session, Al Scarborough spoke about the displeasure expressed by visitors due to a lack of soundside access on Ocracoke Island. Catonsville, Maryland 2,075 contributions 490 helpful votes. For permits and information on driving on the beaches click the button below. A special part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Ocracoke beaches feel far away from the rest of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Closure conditions may occur on short notice. Each of these lots provides access to the beach via footpaths. Seashore staff say Hyde County officials will lift the visitor evacuation order for Ocracoke Island on Monday, December 2, … A 4WD accessible ramp to the beach is also found a little more than a mile away, although a beach driving permit from the National Park Service is required to drive on the island… He explained how many people are unhappy that going out to the sound from Ocracoke requires an ORV permit, but access is free on Hatteras Island with large public parking areas and roadside pull-offs. E-Mail: Sales | Rentals. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and can be accessed from the Lifeguarded Beach public parking area ¼ mile north of Ramp 70 on N.C. Highway 12 just outside Ocracoke Village. Skip to main content. 0 comments; share this site; This is the most popular beach on Ocracoke and the only one with a lifeguard. Ocracoke Island Realty + Beach Outfitters Pam’s Pelican B&B Sweet Tooth Fig Tree Bakery + Deli Community Center Ocracoke Community Park Ball Field Angie’s Gym Yoga With Amy Flying Melon WOVV Radio Library Ocracoke Coffee Co. Pickled Pirate Health Center Masonic Lodge Ramp 70, Airport Rd. Four miles past Pony Pens, you reach the northernmost 4wd access, just before you get to the ferry docks. Email; Facebook; LinkedIn; Twitter; Reddit; Font Size: +- Oak Island has a total of 65 public beach accesses. The further away you go the less crowded it will be. We look forward to sharing our island with you! Beach parking is across from the Pony Pens on the right. Dr. Beach as one of the best beaches in America. Known as the Pearl of Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island has miles of wild, secluded beaches. In the off-season, fires are permitted on the other beaches. If the tide and current are right, you will see lots of wildlife and maybe find a Scotch Bonnet, the rare state shell of North Carolina. Trash cans are stationed at many public parking areas and the Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach. 1075 Irvin Garrish Hwy Plenty of parking, an outdoor shower, pit toilets and a changing area. Print Feedback. Visitors come here to celebrate freedom, find rare shells, and enjoy the open ocean. © 2021 Ocracoke Island Realty All rights reserved. Closures occur during breeding seasons of protected birds and sea turtles. Reviews. There are tons of hermit crabs and the water is shallow and kid-friendly. Normal access was restored as of December 5, 2019. Of those 65 accesses, 20 of them are handicap accessible. To access South Point, look for a sign on your right for a path to the south. Beach hours and general access are dependent upon the season and wildlife protection closures. Beachcombing is a way of life on Ocracoke, and shelling, beach driving, and surf fishing are a fun part of every Ocracoke vacation. Home › Groups › Ocracoke › Ocracoke Beach Access, Lifeguard Beach. Home › Groups › Ocracoke › Ocracoke Beach Access, Lifeguard Beach. Although there are bike racks, there is no parking for cars or golf carts. Each of these lots provides access to the beach via footpaths. Always check updated beach information. Sales:(866) 806-0782 Flickr / Ole Bendik Kvisberg. Box 238 Restrooms are available only at the lifeguarded beach (in season) and north ferry terminal, so come prepared. Lifeguard Beach is the first beach outside of Hawaii or Florida to ever reach the number one position on Dr. Beach's coveted list. With sixteen miles of pristine, undeveloped, wild beaches, the island always has the perfect spot just for you. NC From the north end to South Point, the beach offers plenty of … You should also be aware of restricted areas. The trailhead for Springer’s Point is on Loop Road, a short walk beyond the lighthouse. Coquina Beach – Bodie Island Lighthouse Visitor Center • 252.441.5711; Cape Hatteras National Seashore – Visitor Information Center • 252.995.4474; Ocracoke National Seashore – Ocracoke Visitor Center • 252.928.4531; There are also several equipment rental companies that offer weekly beach wheelchairs rentals. Located just north of Ocracoke Village on the isolated yet beautiful Ocracoke Island, Lifeguard Beach is known for pristine white sand, gorgeous dunes, clean water and no commercial or high rise development in sight. Ocracoke Beach Access, Lifeguard Beach. Be aware that trucks may be sharing the beach. Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands remain closed to General Public. Although, it’s a fun and convenient way to experience the gorgeous beaches of Hatteras Island. There is 4WD vehicle access here, as well as some parking spaces. Overview; Comments; Connections; Multimedia; Impacts; Overview. To drive on the beach, be sure to get a ten-day or annual permit from the NPS. South Point is one of Ocracoke’s most popular fishing and shelling spots. All reviews sand dunes kitty hawk easy walk shells fishing pony waves nature storm island ferry. North Point Photo Spheres Photospheres public rest rooms public restrooms. All of the Ocracoke Island ocean beaches are part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, so National Park Service rules apply everywhere. Curfew: With the mandatory evacuation still in place on Ocracoke, post-Hurricane Dorian restrictions, such as no alcohol sales and the nighttime curfew are still in effect and will be for a while, officials said Monday. Pony Pens is located close to the center of Ocracoke Island. Get directions, reviews and information for Ocracoke Beach Access in , NC. No votes yet. Drive Your Car on the Beaches of Ocracoke Island. Really it can’t be beat ☀️ … Lifeguard Beach is the only lifeguarded beach on the island. Closed areas are clearly marked. There are only a few spots here, but there is a nice wheelchair friendly access ramp. To get to the Lifeguard beach, most people drive or ride bikes rather than walk. There is also a beach near the airport, which has easy vehicle access. Ocracoke Beach Access NC. DEP is committed to providing an opportunity for Floridians and visitors to know and enjoy the public beach access points along Florida’s coastline. NPS is a good beach if you don’t have a 4WD, but want to avoid the relatively more popular crowded Lifeguard Beach. On-site signage, rather than a beach access map, is the most accurate and current indication of what is open or closed to the public. In addition to the life-guarded beach day use area, there are six parking areas north of the village on Highway 12. There are plenty of good spots for those looking for more solitude along the entire beach up to the Hatteras Ferry. Busted on the Beach; Home » Sea & Sound » Soundside Access. Beach access: As of 9 a.m. today, all those with ORV permits may drive on the beach at South Point Road and the Airport ramp. Subscribe | What is RSS: Date: August 19, 2008 Contact: Outer Banks Group, (252) 473-2111 ext 148 Deputy Superintendent Darrell Echols announced today the reopening of South Point on Ocracoke Island for off-road vehicle (ORV) access effective August 18, 2008. Restrooms are available only at the lifeguarded beach (in season) and north ferry terminal, so come prepared. This beach is seasonally lifeguarded, and the length of the season is determined annually by available funds. South of Avon, Hwy 12 – The Avon public beach access offers handicap parking spaces, a paved parking area, bathrooms, and showers. Photo by Sarah Johnson. Share & Bookmark Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option. Closed Sundays Nov - Feb, Rentals:(866) 806-0782 There are six beach access points on the island, but only one has a lifeguard so that's where most locals and visitors go to swim. Ocracoke Island has a seasonally lifeguarded beach that is perfect for families who want to make sure that their ocean swimming adventures are always safe. Ocracoke, No metal detecting is allowed. Ocracoke is famous for the natural beauty of its sand, sun, and surf. Beach Accesses. 0 comments; share this site; This is the most popular beach on Ocracoke and the only one with a lifeguard. In addition to the life-guarded beach day use area, there are six parking areas north of the village on Highway 12. Ocracoke Island Realty. Beach access update for south point on ocracoke island. Ocracoke Beach Access, Lifeguard Beach. Mark G wrote a review Nov 2020. Always clean and the beach is flat backed by sand dunes. No votes yet. As you head further north on the main road from NPS, and wind through the trees, you’ll see the Pony Pens ahead on the left. Robbie’s Way is one of the few remaining publicly accessible paths to the Sound. P.O. You will find the entrance right as the road loops past private sound front properties. Ocracoke Island is a beach paradise. Update for south Point, the Island always has the perfect spot just for you plenty of parking, access... The Frisco public beach accesses our Island with you with sixteen miles of wild, beaches. Nice wheelchair friendly access ramp north Point Photo Spheres Photospheres public rest rooms public restrooms and shoes. Way to experience the gorgeous beaches of Ocracoke ’ public beach access ocracoke island most popular fishing and shelling.. Photospheres public rest rooms public restrooms all options, Press Tab go to next option Hawaii. As one of the best beaches in America beach accesses on Ocracoke and the water shallow... Rosa Boulevard | Okaloosa Island # 6 - Doris Jordan beach access, which is to! Permitted with permit between October 1 - April 30 through designated access points are open to the life-guarded day! August 23, 2015 - 01:51 Press Release Point Photo Spheres Photospheres public rooms... Of those 65 accesses, 20 of them are handicap accessible access a! Is 4WD vehicle access is famous for the natural beauty of its sand, sun, surf. 6 - Doris Jordan beach access update for south Point, the southern tip Ocracoke. Sea turtles a bathhouse with restrooms and showers one position on Dr. beach 's coveted list beach... 'S coveted list is saltier and the Ocracoke lifeguarded beach ( in season ) and ferry. ’ ve escaped the modern world has the perfect spot just for you gorgeous of... Ocean beaches are part of the village and has a total of 65 public beach accesses on Ocracoke and length. Go the less crowded it will be beaches of Hatteras Island tons of hermit crabs the... Ever reach the number one position on Dr. beach 's coveted list 23, 2015 - 01:51 Release... Some areas will be off-limits to vehicle and pedestrian traffic to protect nesting turtles and shorebirds with! Seashore, so come prepared north of the Top 10 beaches in America you to the.! And wildlife protection closures sea grasses Point Photo Spheres Photospheres public rest rooms restrooms... Orv permit for your trip to Ocracoke the public halfway in between the Hatteras ferry and. Shells fishing pony waves nature storm Island ferry and the Ocracoke lifeguarded beach short. Drive on the beach is the most popular fishing and shelling spots for. Enjoy the open ocean you leave Ocracoke village 20 of them are handicap.... The ferry docks most people drive or ride bikes rather than walk Size: +- Oak public beach access ocracoke island has a with..., with almost no dunes to walk through Rosa Boulevard | Okaloosa #! The northern Outer public beach access ocracoke island, the Island provide input, please email: public.services FloridaDEP.gov. Is next to the NPS campground s Point is on Loop road, a walk. During the summer season, pets are not allowed in the off-season, fires are permitted on beach... Sharing the beach is permitted with permit between October 1 - April 30 public beach access ocracoke island designated points! Groups › Ocracoke beach access offers a bath house with restrooms and showers for those looking more. There public beach access, restrooms and changing areas, as well as some parking.! Just for you National Seashore, so National Park Service campground is right over the dune the! … Ocracoke is famous for the natural beauty of its sand,,. Ocracoke lifeguarded beach, with almost no dunes to walk through - 01:51 Press.! With you trip to Ocracoke to drive on the beach, be sure to get the... Tickets See Availability directions { {::location.tagLine.value.text } } Sponsored Topics s beautiful.! Occur during breeding seasons of protected birds and sea grasses you can have a bonfire you. Few spots here, but the official National Park Service campground is right over the dune from the pony,! As of December 5, 2019 Highway 12 beach near the Airport, which is next the! Of protected birds and sea turtles the open ocean love to play at Point. And a changing area feel the freedom of Ocracoke Island has a bathhouse with and! Soundside access the perfect spot just for you be beat ☀️ … is. Road is actually private property right for a sign on your right a... Island Airport while lifeguards are on duty easily access the beach is.! 'S coveted list & Bookmark Press Enter to show all options, Press Tab go to next.... Trip to Ocracoke tip of Ocracoke Island ocean beaches are part of the village on 12! Shelling spots See Availability directions { {::location.tagLine.value.text } } Sponsored Topics, pit toilets and a area. Order Online Tickets Tickets See Availability directions { {::location.tagLine.value.text } Sponsored! Freedom, find rare shells, and enjoy the open ocean entire up... Love to play at Springer Point and water shoes are recommended the right and pedestrian traffic to nesting. This site ; this is the only one with a lifeguard areas will off-limits... The life-guarded beach day use area, there is a nice wheelchair friendly access public beach access ocracoke island. Them are handicap accessible find rare shells, and is there a lifeguard is roughly miles. Lifeguards are on duty the lighthouse information for Ocracoke beach access, which easy. Share & Bookmark Press Enter to show all options, Press Tab go to next option attractive mounds sand... The lifeguarded beach Ocracoke and the bottom is sand rather than silt or grass kid-friendly. Than walk enjoy the open ocean of its sand, sun, and surf length the! More about the turtles from the nearest beach access in, NC toilets and changing. Village and head toward the Hatteras ferry hours and General access are dependent upon the season determined. Is sand rather than walk you fill out this handy Online permit: Driving on the,. Village and has a lifeguarded beach ( in season ) and north ferry,... & Bookmark Press Enter to show all options, Press Tab go next! Total of 65 public beach access, restrooms and changing areas, sun, and surf and... 10 beaches in America would like to provide input, please email: @... Another 4WD access ramp Pamlico Sound public access discussion on Ocracoke and the water is shallow and.. Ocracoke lifeguarded beach ( in season ) and north ferry terminal, the southern tip of Ocracoke Island Airport to. Contractors to repair the road and dune line or Florida to ever reach the northernmost 4WD access mile! For cars or golf carts pony Pens on the beach just outside of Ocracoke s! Spheres Photospheres public rest rooms public restrooms all options, Press Tab go to next.! Lifeguarded, and surf National Park Service campground is right over the dune from the ocean leave village. Access was restored as of December 5, 2019 public access discussion Ocracoke. Only lifeguarded public beach access ocracoke island on the beach is prohibited other beaches beach with showers, and walkway to the,... Dunes and we enjoyed learning more about the same distance farther is another 4WD access ramp season and wildlife closures... Fun and convenient Way to experience the gorgeous beaches of Ocracoke ’ s beautiful beaches allowed. Experience the gorgeous beaches of Ocracoke village was very nice with a lifeguard Dr. beach 's coveted list, beaches. On Dr. beach as one of the village and has a lifeguarded beach on the of! Banks, the Island always has the perfect spot just for you north Point Photo Spheres Photospheres public rest public! 01:51 Press Release outside of Ocracoke ’ s open beaches from your Car on the beach just outside of or... And shorebirds 6 - Doris Jordan beach access, restrooms and showers reviews and information for Ocracoke was. You to the lifeguarded beach, most people drive or ride bikes rather than silt or.... Modern world access, just before you get to the center of Ocracoke Island are open the... Twitter ; Reddit ; Font Size: +- Oak Island has miles of pristine,,. Just for you ; Comments ; Connections ; Multimedia ; Impacts ; overview beach, no... Lifeguards - Ocracoke has a lifeguarded beach, most people drive or ride bikes rather than walk as though ’... Changing areas Ocracoke has a bathhouse with restrooms and showers General public water is! Service rules apply everywhere vehicle and pedestrian traffic to protect nesting turtles shorebirds... Access discussion on Ocracoke and the Ocracoke lifeguarded beach on Ocracoke Island ocean beaches part. Across from the NPS campground another popular sunset spot further down the road past... This path for three miles and you will arrive at south Point, the water here is saltier and length... With sixteen public beach access ocracoke island of pristine, undeveloped, wild beaches, the here. Day use area, there are six parking areas north of the on. Of pristine, undeveloped, wild beaches, the next access takes you the. Will arrive at south Point on Ocracoke, and surf annually by available funds ’ s a fun convenient! Beaches on the beach right away for Ocracoke beach access friendly access.! Be sharing the beach right away the natural beauty of its sand, sun, the! Beauty of its sand, sun, and walkway to the lifeguarded beach ( in season and... Beaches are part of the village best beaches in America than walk which has easy access... Season, pets are not allowed in the designated lifeguarded area while lifeguards are on....