Ocracoke Island

Centuries ago, however, Ocracoke was the stomping ground of Edward Teach, the pirate known as Blackbeard. A major treasure cache from 1718 is still rumored to be hidden somewhere on the island. Fort Ocracoke was a short-lived Confederate stronghold that was abandoned in August 1861 and blown up by Union forces a month later.

Although the island remains a destination for people seeking peace and quiet, they can be hard to find during the summer season, when tourists and boaters swamp the place. About 90% of Ocracoke is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore; the island is on the Atlantic Flyway for many migrating land and water birds. A free ferry leaves hourly from Hatteras Island and arrives 40 minutes later; toll ferries connect with the mainland at Swan Quarter (2½ hours) and at Cedar Island (2¼ hours). Reserve well in advance.