5.Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island may be harder to reach than other spots in the Outer Banks, but travelers say the beautiful beaches are worth the extra effort. In particular, visitors praise Lifeguard Beach not only for its safety but also for its amenities like restrooms and water fountains. Only accessible by boat or air, Ocracoke is also full of history. Most notably, the island served as the former stomping ground of the pirate known as Blackbeard. There’s also a small British cemetery that houses the remains of some World War II soldiers, and an annual event honors their memories every May.
6.Topsail Island
Pronounced «Tops’l,» this island gets its name from folklore that pirate ships would hide behind the inlet with their topsails showing. Today, this 26-mile-long island is home to three main beach areas: Topsail Beach, North Topsail Beach and Surf City. While here, visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center and check out the southernmost point of the island (known as Serenity Point) for amazing sunset views.
