Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
293 reviews
Excellent
230
Very good
55
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Alaina A
7 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Not overcrowded, clean with good facilities. There were lifeguards on duty with gear. Be aware that it’s windy, and the surf is rough. We loved it! Our son is 8 and we brought a vest for flotation for him. If you have 4x4 bring it to the island, there are lots of places to go.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara D
11 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Lovely beach with no shells so the sand is smooth and easy to walk on. Waves are nice for surf or wakeboarding.
Lots of white little fish (could not figure out what they are called), Piper fish, butterflies, etc.
There’s showers and good bathroom facilities. There’s horseflies by the showers though so be careful.
Lots of white little fish (could not figure out what they are called), Piper fish, butterflies, etc.
There’s showers and good bathroom facilities. There’s horseflies by the showers though so be careful.
Written 29 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina's Sister
Arizona180 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Lovely, spacious beach. We spent HOURS here and would gladly go back any time. It’s a great beach with soft sand and seashells galore.
Bathrooms and rinse facilities available too so you can truly have an entire day here.
We saw two rays in the ocean!
The water was a bit rough so not really swimming quality but it’s shallow and you can wade out.
Bathrooms and rinse facilities available too so you can truly have an entire day here.
We saw two rays in the ocean!
The water was a bit rough so not really swimming quality but it’s shallow and you can wade out.
Written 5 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blakesley
Madison, VA23 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
There is no place better to relax and enjoy a vacation, I have been going to this piece of Heaven since 1979, I would choose no other place to stay, long beach with plenty of room and sea to look at, no worries or frustration, JUST PARADISE, if you are one of those who likes to walk a board walk and go shopping, well this beach is not for you, just peace and enjoyment, no hustle, no bustle, be prepared to want to LIVE on Ocracoke. A must to do if you enjoy PEACE AND QUIET
Written 23 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ebbtide123
Washington DC, DC953 contributions
Jul 2012 • Friends
From Nova Scotia to Florida, this is the best beach for relaxation and non-party beach experience. Warm water. Lots of shells. Beautiful dunes. It's summer yet no crowds, no rowdy partying college kids, no fashion shows and attention seekers on the beach.
Written 16 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela M
Randleman, North Carolina30 contributions
All of the beach in Ocracoke is nice. I prefer the beach access across from the Pony Pens, which is further north but less people. However, Lifeguard Beach has more/slightly better bathrooms. Much better than that nasty ol' overrated Myrtle Beach.
Written 23 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PATravelnut
Lancaster, PA63 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
The Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach is a very wonderful place along the Atlantic seaboard. I have been to most every significant beach from Maine to Florida and this beach is uniquely beautiful. Since it is on a barrier island about 20 miles from the mainland accessible only by ferry, boat, or air, it feels wild and remote. The sand is white and soft which is different than most other OBX beaches. The grass covered dunes are very beautiful.
The most recent time we were in Okracoke this August the beach was relatively crowded and there was what appeared to be a diversified mix of young and old folks on the beach. The previous time we were there a few years ago was in early September the week after Labor Day and the beach was almost empty (but no lifeguards so we did not swim). I consider the beaches of the outer banks in general to be some of the most treacherous beaches on the east coast due to shifting sands underwater and rip currents. So do not swim without lifeguards present.
The most recent time we were in Okracoke this August the beach was relatively crowded and there was what appeared to be a diversified mix of young and old folks on the beach. The previous time we were there a few years ago was in early September the week after Labor Day and the beach was almost empty (but no lifeguards so we did not swim). I consider the beaches of the outer banks in general to be some of the most treacherous beaches on the east coast due to shifting sands underwater and rip currents. So do not swim without lifeguards present.
Written 13 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveling-A-Plenty
Greensboro, NC76 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
This beach is large. To access it you will cross a long boardwalk which is nice. When we visits there was ALOT of people on the beach but everyone had room. It was a nice people and dog watching beach ( yup my FAVORITE thing to do-giggling-) Pack a snack and stay for HOURS. There is a bathroom at the entrance. Parking was adequate. When you are done go about 10 minutes up the road to the town. You can get a beer, seafood pretty much anything. Hope this reviews helps.
Written 27 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cassidy Y
Upper Marlboro, MD111 contributions
Sept 2014 • Friends
We went to Ocracoke for the day. I had never been there before, after walking around the marina and shops, we went to the beach and watched the sun set, because we had no agenda. Since Ocracoke is a small island, there is not much light pollution. This made it PERFECT for stargazing.
We could see the Milky Way beautifully and clearly, and even a novice stargazer could identify it, no problem. If you are a photographer, it's a great place to practice shooting the stars, if you aren't--the ocean and the stars is a stunning site. It is tranquil and serene. Bring your telescopes, binoculars, DSLRs, beach chairs, pillows and blankets as you will want to snuggle with your family under the stars. I can't wait to go back to see this again.
We could see the Milky Way beautifully and clearly, and even a novice stargazer could identify it, no problem. If you are a photographer, it's a great place to practice shooting the stars, if you aren't--the ocean and the stars is a stunning site. It is tranquil and serene. Bring your telescopes, binoculars, DSLRs, beach chairs, pillows and blankets as you will want to snuggle with your family under the stars. I can't wait to go back to see this again.
Written 28 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason K
San Leandro, CA272 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Great beach to walk down, catch some waves, and look for shells. the water is usually warm due to the Gulf Stream, warmer than on Hatteras Island. The sand here is nice and soft also.
Written 20 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
do they have beach chairs and umbrella rental?
Written 16 July 2024
What is the best time to go star gazing in ocracoke? We stay in Raleigh so any weekend is suitable for us.
Written 16 May 2019
The best time view the stars is during a clear sky on any new moon. The full moon is on this Saturday, but the next new moon (or no visible moon) is on June 3rd. Before you come, just check the weather forecast for clear skys. Go to the Lifeguard Beach and walk to the left away from any beach fires. The Milky Way will be visible after your eyes adjust, covering a wide swath from NW-->SE, this time of year. Enjoy Barry
Written 17 May 2019
I’ve never found any sea glass, but Ocracoke and Portsmouth can’t be beat with the seashells you can find.
Written 19 August 2018
Can you put up those 8 or 10 ft. canopies at Lifeguard Beach. a lot of places don't let you anymore. but if you want to stay all day, it is nice to put one up at the back of the beach to have a place to sit in the shade and watch the waves.
Written 3 June 2017
CJ8_Jeep
Ocracoke, North Carolina
Yes. Pop up canopies are allowed. Great spot for families.
Written 8 June 2017
greaterglimpse2
Johnston, Iowa
Where is a reasonably priced place to stay on this island?
Written 22 August 2016
I stayed at Ocracoke Harbor Inn. The prices were decent. They have golf carts and bicycles for rent. The ladies that work the desk there are BEYOND fantastic!
Written 24 August 2016
Asking about cell reception...we have Verizon service with Galaxy phones? Is there reception? Not so much for the beach but for the entire area?
Thanks...Wayne
Written 15 March 2015
Yes, Verizon has great service throughout all of the outer-
banks even Ocracoke Island.
Written 20 September 2016
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