The Beaches
For beach time in the Carolina sunshine, there’s no other place like The Northern Outer Banks. With more than 20 miles of pristine white-sand Atlantic Ocean shoreline, this is one of the East Coast’s most beautiful stretches of beach.
If your idea of vacation includes long beach days plus a lovely seaside town to explore, Corolla Beach checks all the boxes. In addition to easy beach access, a range of accommodations, and resort-style amenities, fun things to do in Corolla include shopping, dining, watersports, historic sites like the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and activities for every age group.
If seclusion is more your style, look to remote Carova Beach. With no paved surfaces or commercial businesses, it’s the ultimate destination for nature lovers, solitude seekers, and those looking for an off-the-grid experience. Whether daytripping or overnighting in accommodations from the simple to the sublime, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle and binoculars for spying on your wild horse neighbors.
WHERE TO STAY
From oceanfront vacation rentals to cozy inns and charming hotels, NOBX has the perfect place to stay for every traveler. Wake up to the sound of waves, stay steps from the sand, or find a secluded retreat tucked away in nature — wherever you stay, it feels like home.
BEACH ACTIVITIES
From sunrise shelling to sunset surfing, the beaches of the Northern Outer Banks deliver classic coastal fun. Try paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing from the shore, or simply unwind in the sand. With wide beaches and gentle waves, it’s a go-at-your-own-pace kind of place — perfect for beach lovers of all kinds.
SAFETY & ACCESSIBILITY
Public beach access points are clearly marked and many offer parking, restrooms, and rinse stations. Some areas include ramps or accessible walkways for strollers and wheelchairs. Seasonal lifeguards and posted safety signs help keep everyone informed, so you can focus on having fun with peace of mind.
Inspiration
Whether you’re setting sail for adventure or unwinding with a relaxing day at the beach, Northern Outer Banks offers experiences for every traveler. For more inspiration go to our itineraries page.
Beach Access Locations (South to North):
| Southern Beach Access (north end of Pine Island) | Parking and Restroom/Showers Available Drive over ramp available during off-season |
| Albacore | Drive over ramp available during off-season |
| Dolphin | Whalehead Fire Station at the corner of Dolphin and Whalehead Drive |
| Marlin | Parking Lot Available/Lifeguard Station |
| Sailfish | Parking Lot Available/Lifeguard Station |
| Tuna | Parking Lot Available |
| Shad | Parking Lot Available |
| Corolla Village Road | Fully ADA accessible/Parking lot available/Restroom + Shower Facility/Elevated ramp to the beach/Air Down Stations available/Drive over ramp available during off-season |
Beach Access Locations (South to North):
| Mackeral | A few street parking spaces available west of Lighthouse Drive/Lifeguard Station/Drive over ramp available during off-season |
| Perch | A few street parking spaces available west of Lighthouse Drive/Lifeguard Station/Drive over ramp available during off-season |
| Herring | A few street parking spaces available west of Lighthouse Drive/Lifeguard Station/Drive over ramp available during off-season |
| Barracuda | Parking Lot Available/Lifeguard Station |
| Sturgeon | Parking Lot Available/Lifeguard Station |
| Coral | Parking Lot Available/Lifeguard Station |
| Bonito | Parking Lot Available/Lifeguard Station |
| 4X4 Ramp | No Parking or facilities available at ramp/Drive over ramp available all year/Beach Parking Permit required for 4×4 beach parking during peak season. |
