The Castle Inn at Silver Lake
Our Favorite Spots on Ocracoke Island
We’re so glad you’re here! Ocracoke is a truly special place - laid-back, scenic, and full of coastal charm. Below are some of our personal favorite places to eat, explore, and shop during your stay.
Restaurants
Ocracoke Coffee Company
Locally roasted coffee and fresh pastries daily. Tip: Be sure to try the homemade muffins.
El Mariachi’s Food Truck
Fresh tacos, quick and casual with big flavors.
Tip: Perfect takeout for the beach or to bring back and enjoy on our front porch.
Hang 10 Smoothie Company
Fresh-made smoothies that never disappoint.
Tip: Our favorite is the Monkey Business Smoothie. A great afternoon sweet treat.
Dajio
Upscale coastal cuisine featuring fresh, local seafood.
Tip: Favorites include the cauliflower appetizer, scallop appetizer, and pork roulade entrée.
SmacNally’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
Casual dining right by the water with a fun, relaxed outdoor atmosphere. Tip: Great spot to unwind and enjoy harbor views.
1718 Brewing (& Marauder’s Kitchen)
Local craft brewery with great beer and casual food. Outdoor seating and live music. Tip: Try the sliders, shrimp tacos, and homemade large pretzels.
Things to Do
Ocracoke Beach
Wide, natural shoreline often ranked among the best in the U.S.
Tip: There are a number of beach entrances but we recommend Lifeguard Beach.
Springer’s Point Preserve
Peaceful trails that open to a lagoon. Great small beach with sound-side views. A hidden gem.
Tip: Look for hermit crabs with kids. Don’t forget to say hi to Sam Jones (Castle Inn Founder) and his horse Ikey D!
Ocracoke Lighthouse
One of the oldest operating lighthouses in the U.S. Tip: Best photo spot from surrounding grounds.
Rent a Golf Cart and Live Like a Local
Travel by golf cart during your stay. It makes exploring the island an adventure in itself.
Tip: Wheelie Fun is a great company to rent from.
Shops & Local Finds
Village Craftsmen
A wide variety of handmade goods from local artists.
Island Rag Picker
Eclectic boutique with unique finds.
Bella Fiore
A chic boutique including beautiful jewelry and pottery, as well as unique bags, and so much more. The perfect mother-daughter stop.
Over the Moon
Fun and unique gifts. You will always find something you love.
Pirate’s Chest
Beachwear and kid-friendly items. No Ocracoke trip is complete without hitting the Pirate Chest. The perfect stop for the whole family. Open year round.
Ocracoke Variety Store
Groceries and all the essentials you may have forgotten.
Local Tips
Best sunset: Silver Lake Harbor by the boat ramp
Best beach access: Lifeguard Beach
Best rainy-day places:
1718 Brewing or Zillie’s for drinks and snacks on the porch
Find a book at a great local bookstore called Books To Be Red on School House Rd
Best playground for kids: Located behind the local school (summer months or weekends only)
Best recreational activity: Bring your tennis or pickleball racquets and hit the courts located at the front entrance of the baseball field