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| SPOTLIGHT | | Wild
and naughty beaches and jungle, Wildlife,natural heritage and sun-kissed islands.
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OCRACOKE ISLAND NORTH CAROLINA
Ocracoke
Island, accessible only by water or air, is part of Hyde County. It is one of
the barrier islands of the Outer Banks of North Carolina where the pirate Blackbeard
is known to have once roamed. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore, with the Pamlico
Sound on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, its 16 miles of sun-swept
wilderness beaches offer something for everyone. Whether you'd like to swim, fish,
surf, or just improve your tan, this is the place to visit. Camping facilities
are available with two local campgrounds as well as the National Park Service.
Dozens of boats are also available for charter fishing.
The quaint village of Ocracoke, on the island's southern soundside, was listed
on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 and includes the 1823 Ocracoke
Lighthouse as well as several historic commercial building and over 100 homes.
The British Cemetery, the Banker Ponies and dozens of unique shops provide the
visitor with an interesting pastime.
On the eastern flyway of many migrating
water and land birds, its environs are a birdwatcher's paradise. Hunting is permitted
in season and guide service is available.
The island, inlet and village
which bear the name "Ocracoke" all were known as "Wokokon"
(at various times spelled Woccon, Woccocon, Wococon or Woccocock) at the time
early English explorers came this way enroute north to Roanoke Island. At least
one, possibly more, of Sir Walter Raleigh's expeditions first made landfall on
Ocracoke.
Many years later in the 1700s, a young man from a fine English
family began his nefarious career along the coast of Carolina and Virginia. Edward
Teach (with variations in spelling) was said to have been the most dreaded of
all pirates. Known as the infamous "Blackbeard", he was said to have
a residence on the island. Lt. Robert Maynard of the British Navy was sent to
capture Blackbeard in an effort to end his evil activities. Legend has it that
during the long night preceding his capture, Blackbeard, impatient for the dawn
cried out "O Crow Cock, O Crow Cock" and that from that came the name
Ocracoke. In the ensuing battle he was beheaded and his head attached to Maynard's
vessel as a trophy. As the legend goes the headless body swam 'round and 'round
the ship seven times.
The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and World
War II as well as great hurricanes have all played a part in Ocracoke's history.
More than a thousands shipwrecks lay off its coast, with untold stories of glory,
fame and human interest.
Along with the change in the island's economy
from maritime to tourist related ventures brought on after ferry service began
in the 1940s, there are other changes evident. The distinctive brogue, spoken
by the island's natives, is an endangered dialect. Old timer "O'cockers"
as they refer to themselves, have lived through the many changing facets of this
unique community off Hyde County's mainland.
Boquilla
Beaches
Bocachicha
Beaches | |
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Top Beaches |  |
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 Bahia
Honda State Park, Florida | | IIn out
list of the Best Beaches in America First on the list is Bahia Honda Beach in
Florida. Bahia Honda has several white sandy beaches for you to enjoy. Calusa
is the smallest beach here; it is located on the northwest side of the island.
There are several small pavilions in this area and a bathhouse with outdoor, fresh
water showers. Loggerhead is the shallowest beach and is located on the south
side of the island. It is known for the large shallow sand bar just a few feet
offshore. It shares the same bathhouse with the Calusa beach. Sandspur is the
largest beach; it is located on the southeast end of the island. There are three
large pavilions in the Sandspur area and a bathhouse with outdoor, fresh water
showers. | | |
| Hapuna
Beach, Hawaii | | Next on our list of
best beaches in America is Hapuna Beach in Hawaii. This is another wonderful sandy
beach, 1/2 mile long and almost 200 feet wide during the summer months. Swimming
conditions here are usually excellent. There is easy access to the water, full
facilities, crystal clear water and beautiful scenery. Snorkeling is great at
the south end of the beach where the fish are varied and there is a coral reef. |
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| Fort
Desoto Park, Florida | | Fort Desoto Park
in Florida is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to
Tampa Bay. The entire island is now Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas county park
which offers fine beaches, fishing, nature trails, camping, boating, and much
more. | | |
| Hulopo'e
Beach, Lanai, Hawaii | | Hulopoe Beach
in Hawaii is one of the most protected beach and the safest place on the Hawaii
island to swim. It's beautiful white sand beach and underwater coral formations
makes it the central recrational area on Lanai. The Manele Bay Hotel sits on the
bluff overlooking this perfect site. The beach is located in a protected Marine
Life Conservation Area so there are numerous and colorful fish as well as unique
coral formations found here. To the left of the beach is Pu'u Pehe Rock, also
known as Sweetheart Rock. | | |
| St
Joseph Peninsula State Park, FL | | Joseph
Peninsula in florida has miles of white sand beaches, striking dune formations,
a heavily-forested interior and a favorable climate for year-round outdoor recreation
characterize this peninsular state park. The 2,516-acre park is bounded on three
sides by the waters of St. Joe Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. | |
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Ocracoke
Island, North Carolina  |
| Ocracoke Island is accessible only by water or air,
and is part of Hyde County. It is one of the barrier islands of the Outer Banks
of North Carolina where the pirate Blackbeard is known to have once roamed. The
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, with the Pamlico Sound on one side and the Atlantic
Ocean on the other, its 16 miles of sun-swept wilderness beaches offer something
for everyone. | | |
| Kailua
Beach , Hawaii | | Kailua Beach often
rated as the "Best Beach in the World," is a generally wonderful place
to enjoy swimming and beach recreational activities. It has a very nice, fine
sandy beach. There are generally no significantly hazardous ocean or beach conditions.Kailua
Beach is a world-class wind surfing destination for pros and amateurs alike. There
are several shops in Kailua town which offer rental gear and that can arrange
for lessons. | | |
| Caladesi
Island State Park, Florida | | This Florida
state park has 3 miles of nature trail and 108-slip marina. Caladesi Island has
something for everyone. Picnic pavilions, bathhouses, and a park concession all
make the visit more comfortable. Fishing, shelling, and nature studies are all
ways to enjoy a visits. | | |
| Hamoa
Beach, Hawaii |
| Located just outside of Hana, this beautiful public
beach shares some facilities with the Hotel Hana Maui. Sea cliffs surround the
bay and the vegetation is lush. This beach has been voted one of Hawaii's favorite
beaches. Offshore is the little coconut-topped island of Alau. | |
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| Cumberland
Island, Georgia | | Our final top ten
beach is Cumberland Island. This island is 17.5 miles long and totals 36,415 acres
of which 16,850 are marsh, mud flats, and tidal creeks. It is well known for its
sea turtles, wild turkeys, wild horses, armadillos, abundant shore birds, dune
fields, maritime forests, salt marshes, and historic structures. Visit Cumberland
Island National Seashore for a natural experience: sun and sand, beautiful vistas
and relaxing atmosphere. | | |
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