The Catbird Seat IR02

• Home
• Amenities
• Photos
• Guest Book
• Things to Do
• Current Weather
• Rates & Availability
• Book Now

Visit Springer's Point on Ocracoke Island

Residents and guests of Ocracoke Island are fortunate to share in the beauty of the Springer's Point Preserve. The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust enriches the coastal communities of North Carolina through the acquisition of open space and natural areas for conservation, education and the promotion of good land stewardship. Springer's Point offers more than 120 acres of maritime forest, tidal red cedar forest, salt marsh, tidal ponds, grasslands and sound front beaches. It has been designated as one of the state's significant natural heritage areas because of its unique maritime forest and importance to coastal birds. Springer's Point is open to the public. Visitor's are invited to enjoy paths through this unique maritime forest which lead you to soundfront beaches and include an area that overlooks the infamous Teach's Hole. Please plan to travel to the preserve by foot or bicycle. Parking is not available.

View Locally Made Decoys

Some local residents continue to carry on Ocracoke culture by carving decoys. While once used for hunting, many of the locally made decoys today are sold as collectables and cherished as works of art. Some carvers display their work from home while others have their work displayed in local shops.

Try Your Luck at Bingo

Have a night of fun while supporting the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department. Enjoy hotdogs, candy and drinks served by a local fireman. Bingo is held at the Fire Hall on Tuesday evenings throughout the Summer.

Discover the Sound Via Robbie's Way

A sandy footpath leading to Pamlico Sound can be found along the western end of Silver Lake Road. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to use Robbie's Way to go clamming, watch the sunset or enjoy a quiet moment on the sound. Please walk or bike since no parking is available.

Watch the Charter Boats Come in with Their "Catch of the Day"

The docks around Silver Lake Harbor will be brimming with the day's catch in the afternoon, when the charter boats arrive. You will see tired, sunburned (and happy) fishermen, whistling mates and captains. View a selection of the tuna, wahoo, mackerel, dolphin and other choice catches of the day. Watch the mates clean the day's catch at the fish cleaning station.

Take Your Four Wheel Drive Vehicle on the Beach

You can drive on the beach in many parts of the Outer Banks in designated off-road beach access areas. You will need to have a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle to prevent getting stuck. Some areas don't allow beach driving and some require permits to drive on the beach in certain seasons, so check with the local area officials to make sure you are following the rules. For more information, contact the National Park Service at (252) 473-2111 or stop by the National Park Service Visitors Center on Ocracoke.

Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour

The Ocracoke Walking Tour can help you discover every nook and cranny of this scenic village. This book is designed to help you discover the joys of this magical island. The first part of this book guides you along the Ocracoke Walking Tour, a specially mapped out and well planned tour throughout this charming village. The second part of the book, the Ocracoke Island Guide, gives you the lowdown on all the great attractions, activities, restaurants, shops and accommodations on the entire island. If you're planning a visit to the island or are already here and preparing for a tour, you're in for a real treat. Have fun exploring the history of Ocracoke!

Have a Beach Campfire

A great way to relax and see the stars is to have a beach campfire. Take your family down to the beach just before sunset and set up your chairs, refreshments and firewood. If you would like, bring a few roasting sticks and some marshmallows. Once the sun goes down and the stars come out, you will be amazed at the view. Enjoy the stars (and the marshmallows!). Be sure to check the National Park Service website or stop by the NPS Visitors Center before planning your beach campfire.

Visit the Ocracoke Island Visitor Center

The majority of land on Ocracoke is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and is publicly owned and administered by the National Park Service. The NPS Visitor Center, located at the southernmost end of Highway 12 near the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferry docks, is a clearinghouse for all types of island and national seashore information. You'll find an information desk, helpful staff, a bookshop, free maps, informational brochures and exhibits about the island. From Memorial Day through Labor Day three or four ranger-led programs are offered daily. The visitor center is open year-round. It is located at 38 Irvin Garrish Highway. For information call (252) 928-4531.

Take a Free Wildlife Education Program

Stop by the National Park Service Ocracoke Island Visitor Center for information on informative programs including subjects such as Barrier Island Nature, Outer Banks History or Graveyard of the Atlantic. For a closer look at life on a sandy beach, attend Explore the Shore, participate in a talk on the Banker Ponies or join in the Morning Bird Walk. By attending programs and completing a workbook, kids ages 5-13 can become a Seashore Ranger. Offerings and schedules vary by season. For further information on Seashore programs, contact the Ocracoke Visitor Center (252) 928-4531 or check the park website at http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/things2do.htm.