Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Corolla is one of the only places on the Outer Banks where you can drive on the beach without a permit. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can keep driving at the end of the road and go all the way up to the Virginia border. As a result, finding an area with fewer people is easier here than on other Outer Banks beaches. Wide and clean with soft, fine sand, Corolla Beach is a great place to sunbathe, surf and enjoy the ocean.

It's a good idea to deflate your tires to below 20 psi before heading on the beach to avoid getting stuck. When driving, stay on the upper part of the beach until you find a place you want to stop. Park perpendicular to the ocean and out of the way of passing cars. The speed limit on the beach is 35 miles per hour, but err on the side of caution as there are often many people walking about.

Corolla is also home to a herd of wild horses! If you want to see the wild horses of Corolla, you can book a tour or search for them yourself. Please abide the law and don't feed or go within 50 feet of the horses.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall
Spring

Congestion

Moderate

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

No permit needed to drive on beach. Easy to find seclusion.

Cons

Cars drive by regularly. Four-wheel drive required.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

Fishing
Surfing
Family friendly

Location

Nearby Adventures

Tidewater + Outer Banks, North Carolina
Tidewater + Outer Banks, North Carolina

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