Ocracoke Beaches Among Best in US and World

  Ocracoke Island 5th in "World's 30 Best Island Beaches"

Ocracoke Island ranked 5th in 2007 by Conde Nast Traveler in their "World's 30 Best Island Beaches" list. In this worldwide competition, Ocracoke Island was ranked 5th for its safe swimming and seldom crowded beaches. For more information or to read the full article, click here.

  Ocracoke Island Named Best Beach in US by Dr. Beach

Ocracoke Island received the coveted title of "Best Beach in the United States" for 2007. The title was given to this special island by international beach expert Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach. Dr. Beach releases an annual list of the Top 10 Beaches in America. This year marks the first year that a beach outside of Florida or Hawaii won the top spot on the list, which has been released each year since 1991. More than 650 beaches throughout the United States are included on the list of possible "top beaches."

Ocracoke Island is situated in the southern Outer Banks of North Carolina and surrounded by the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Accessible only by passenger ferry, private boat or airplane, Ocracoke Island gives visitors a true secluded island getaway for swimming, fishing, surfing, birdwatching, exploring, camping and more! Ocracoke Island has gained both national and worldwide recognition this year as one of the top beaches.

Dr. Beach uses a list of 50 criteria for his selection, which are listed under four primary categories:

• Physical Factors - sand softness, number and size of waves
• Biological Factors - color and condition of the water
• Presence of Wildlife and Pests
• Human Use and Impacts - lifeguard protection, views and traffic

For more information about this special recognition of Ocracoke Island as the "Best Beach in the United States," click here.

To view a video of Dana Dickey of Conde Nast Traveler on the July 6, 2007 Today Show, click here.

To view a video of Dr. Beach on the June 8, 2007 Today Show, click here. (Realplayer required)