There’s something magical about the beaches of Corolla and Carova — wide, natural, and beautifully untamed. Spending countless mornings and evenings strolling along these Northern Outer Banks sands, I can say with certainty: this isn’t just a beach. It’s a sanctuary for the soul.

Whether you’re sipping coffee at sunrise or walking barefoot at sunset, the beaches here invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with nature. And one of the most joyful ways to do that? Beachcombing.

Beachcombing is more than just a walk on the beach — it’s a little adventure each and every time. The salty breeze, the sound of the waves, and the hunt for tiny treasures left behind by the ocean make it one of the most relaxing yet exciting activities you can enjoy here. For me, beachcombing feels like meditation with a hint of mystery — you never know what the tide might reveal.

From tiny, delicate shells to smooth pieces of sea glass glinting in the sun, the shores of Corolla and Carova are a beachcomber’s dream. And because these beaches are more secluded and less crowded than others, it often feels like you’re the only one discovering nature’s gifts.

What You Might Find

On any given day, you might spot:

• Whelk shells: Spiraled and often large, these are a signature find on OBX beaches.

• Scotch bonnets: North Carolina’s state shell — a real prize!

• Coral fragments: Sometimes soft pink or cream, weathered by the waves.

• Sea glass: Smooth, frosted pieces of glass in greens, blues, and even rare reds.

• Driftwood: Beautifully shaped and perfect for decor or photography.

• Shark teeth: Sleek and dark, they’re a thrilling discovery.

Every find feels like a little miracle.

What to Keep (and What Not To)

While it’s tempting to gather everything in sight, keeping the beaches of the Northern Outer Banks pristine is so important. Here are a few simple guidelines:

✔️ Keep small, uninhabited shells, sea glass, and driftwood — these have already been abandoned by their previous ocean-dwellers.

🚫 Leave behind anything alive — if a shell still has a creature inside, put it gently back where you found it. The same goes for sand dollars that are still brown and fuzzy — they’re alive too.

✔️ Collect trash you see — sadly, not everything washed ashore is natural. Picking up bits of plastic or fishing line is a great way to give back.

When in doubt, follow the golden rule: take only what the ocean has finished with and leave the rest.

The Best Times to Go

While beachcombing is a joy year-round, certain times of year and day offer the best chances for special finds.

Fall and Winter: Cooler months mean fewer crowds and more treasures. Storms and strong tides often bring more shells and sea glass to the shore.

Early Morning: The beach is quiet, the light is soft, and the high tide has just receded — perfect conditions.

After a Storm: The ocean churns up all kinds of wonders during storms. Once it’s safe to go out, you’ll often find the beach freshly decorated.

What Can You Find in the Sand?

One of the joys of a beach walk is stumbling across treasures in the sand. Keep your eyes peeled for:

• Sea glass – Bits of broken bottles that have been tumbled smooth by waves and sand.
• Shells – On The Northern Outer Banks you’ll find scallops, whelks, baby’s ears, coquina clams, cockles, moon snails and more. Low tide is best for shelling and look close to the tide line.
• Live Critters – You might discover mole crabs (aka sand fleas) burrowing into the sand in retreating waves or sand-colored ghost crabs dashing to holes in the dry sand. You might jellyfish washed up on the beach. In winter look for mermaid’s purses (skate egg cases) and whelk egg cases.
• Driftwood – Weathered wood that’s taken a long ocean journey.
• Fulgurites – When lightning hits sand, it quickly solidifies sand into a tube or crust of glass. Fulgurites are a typically a little darker than the sand around them and similar to a rock but softer. These can be found in any area of the beach on and on the medano dunes.

Why We Love It

For me, beachcombing is a way to connect — with the ocean, with myself, and even with memories of my parents who taught me to spot a perfectly intact sand dollar from yards away. Each walk reminds me to appreciate the beauty around me and to respect nature so others can enjoy it too.

The beaches of Corolla and Carova are some of the most serene and inspiring places on earth. With their Corolla Wild Horses in the distance and the endless stretch of sand before you, there’s no better place to slow down, open your eyes, and let the waves surprise you.

So next time you find yourself on the Northern Outer Banks, slip off your sandals, grab a little bucket, and see what the tide has left for you. The ocean has plenty of stories to tell — if you know where to look.