I should clarify that would we want to see Cape Hatteras while there ,which I know would be a ferry ride and back.

Ocracoke is a charming small place, with unspoiled beaches (and therefore no accommodations on the beach) - but it is something of a hike to or from there relative to the rest of the OB.

It's about 85 miles from Manteo/Nags Head to Ocracoke and about 3 hrs. slow drive (but pretty, up the spine of the islands) not including waiting time for the little ferry between Hatteras Island and Ocracoke. The Hatteras light is about an hour and a half from Ocracoke, again not including waiting time.

I'd consider spending 2 nights there and then maybe another further up the OBX, but you may have trouble finding short-term accommodations to do that.

Thanks for all the good advice. I have no doubt we will enjoy our stay.

I would stay at a new resort in Nags Head called Croatan Surf Club. It's near the main highway into the Outer Banks so that will save you a LOT of time in traffic. It has a pool and is on the beach, so it's a great, family-friendly place to stay. I think they have some short-term options, too.

We just returned Monday 7/20, from a 4 day stay out on the OBX. Ocracoke is an amazing laid-back little island community, reminding me much of the FL Keys. Of all the OBX areas to stay, I think I prefer Ocracoke. There are accessible beaches on the island, boats to rent or charter fishing boats, bicycling, etc. Actually cost wise, Ocracoke is a little cheaper than on Hatteras & other areas. Ocracoke is accessible only by boat or ferry. The ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke is free & takes around 45 min. The ferry from Ocracoke to the mainland (Cedar Island) takes around 2 1/2 hrs & for cars runs $15. Like other businesses in the US, they've cut some ferry schedules, so reservations are good, but not required. We were not aware of the cuts & when we arrived at Ocracoke ferry the 2PM ferry was full, so we had to wait for the 5P, which was no big deal as everything pretty much is in walking distance. Here's the website for it: http://www.swansboroncrealestate.com...-schedule.html . Here's a nice site of the Ocracoke Village: http://www.ocracokevillage.com/