Ocracoke Island is a just over nine square mile island off the coast of North Carolina with a lot of character. There is no other place quite like it. If you're dreaming of the beach, it's definitely a go-to place to visit. Why, you may ask? Well...

1. Everything is within walking or biking distance.

Want to go to dinner? Take a trip into town for some shopping? You do not need a car at all. If you want something that does not make you break a sweat, rent a golf cart.

2. There is amazing beach combing

Sand dollars and scotch bonnets can be found on the shores of Ocracoke in addition to the usual whelks and scallops.

3. The family run motels are very homey.

If you like slightly retro, I highly recommend Edwards of Ocracoke.

4. You can visit a now abandoned island.

Right below Ocracoke and only a 20-minute boat ride away is Portsmouth Island. The last inhabitants left Portsmouth in the 1950s and the town has been preserved by the National Park Service. The island is also home to great shelling and miles of unoccupied beach.

5. There are a large number of fun food places to try out.

Even though the island may seem small to a mainlander, there are so many options from specialty pizza to smoothies at Hang Ten to fish tacos at Jolly Rogers.

6. You can relax and be on "island time."

Ever just want to lose track of time and spend the day without planning anything? You can do that on Ocracoke.

7. There are plenty of interesting shops to browse.

While the island may be small, there are plenty of small businesses and boutique like shops to check out.

8. You can hear stories of Blackbeard.

Blackbeard is fabled to have loved the Ocracoke Inlet as well as spent a lot of time around the island. People say he had parties at what is now Springer's Point. Blackbeard was also famously killed off the coast of the island.

9. The views and sunsets are amazing.

Dinner or ice cream on the harbor means watching incredible sunsets in the summer time.

10. The stargazing is awesome.

Since the island is a decent distance from major towns on the Outer Banks, there is very little light pollution at night. The best thing to do is go to the beach with a blanket and just lay out.

11. The ferry is an experience.

You can't beat the crazy blue water and views of Hatteras or Ocracoke from the boat. I highly recommend packing a picnic to eat on the ride.

12. There is fantastic fishing.

Charter boat trips are great for groups, and places on the island will freezer pack your catches for you.

13. There are plenty of museums and historical sites.

The Ocracoke lighthouse is still in service to this day. You can also visit the Teach's Hole Museum (about Blackbeard) and the David Williams' House, which is run by the Ocracoke Preservation Society.

No matter what your interests, there is something for you on Ocracoke. I highly recommend spending a week on "island time" and discovering it for yourself.