For postcard-perfect long weekends, or full week stays that have exceptional access to indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, and amenities, there's nothing quite like the convenience of a stay at a local hotel or motel. A number of area hotels have been welcoming guests for decades, and as a result, vacationers have come back year after year for the fantastic service and the million-dollar views.
Tucked into the northeastern corner of North Carolina, Currituck County is one of the state's most unique and scenic destinations. Known as the gateway to the Outer Banks, Currituck stretches from the fertile farmlands of the mainland to the windswept shores of the Atlantic Ocean. For first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike, Currituck offers a rare combination of rural charm, coastal beauty, rich history, and unforgettable adventure. Nowhere is this blend more evident than in Corolla and Carova-two northern Outer Banks communities that showcase the wild, untamed, and tranquil side of coastal North Carolina.
Whether you're approaching from the North through Southeast Virginia or driving in from points west via U.S. Highway 158, the journey into Currituck County sets the tone for the coastal experience to come. As the road stretches across the mainland, it winds through quiet farming communities like Barco, Coinjock, and Grandy. These are more than just pass-through towns-they are filled with opportunities to experience the county's roots in agriculture, watermen culture, and local entrepreneurship.
Before reaching the barrier islands of Corolla and Carova, visitors first cross the Currituck mainland, an area dotted with fields, sounds, canals, and charming roadside attractions. This stretch is worth savoring. Begin your drive by exploring one of the many fresh produce stands or local farms that line the highway, such as Morris Farm Market or Grandy Greenhouse and Farm Market, where visitors can pick up sweet corn, peaches, tomatoes, and homemade baked goods. Many of these farms offer pick-your-own opportunities, seasonal hayrides, or corn mazes depending on the time of year.
Next, water lovers may want to pause along the Intracoastal Waterway in Coinjock, home to the famed Coinjock Marina. This is a popular stop for boaters traveling the Eastern Seaboard, and it's also a great place to grab fresh seafood or a waterfront meal with views of yachts docked along the canal. Just down the road is the Currituck Maritime Museum in Historic Corolla Park (a great stop for later), but if you're still on the mainland, consider stopping at the Currituck County Welcome Center for maps, brochures, and local tips.
Once you reach the Wright Memorial Bridge and continue south toward Kitty Hawk, a left turn onto NC Highway 12 leads north again into Corolla-marking your arrival into the northern Outer Banks. Go far enough North and paved roads give way to the 4x4 access sandy beach community of Carova.
Corolla is often the first stop for visitors to Currituck's Outer Banks. This upscale yet laid-back beach town offers a perfect blend of family-friendly fun, natural beauty, and historical intrigue. Known for its beautiful beaches, wild horses, and elegant vacation homes, Corolla has grown into a beloved summer escape while still maintaining a sense of peace and refinement.
Beaches & Outdoor Activities: Corolla's wide, clean beaches are perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and swimming. With no boardwalk or high-rise development, the beaches here are quieter and less commercialized than those further south in Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills. Popular activities include surf fishing, paddleboarding, dolphin tours, and kayaking along the soundside marshes. Several outfitters in town offer gear rentals and guided eco-tours through the Currituck Sound and its hidden coves.
Historic Corolla park & Attractions: A stroll through Historic Corolla Park reveals a different side of the town-one steeped in the past. Here, visitors can explore the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, an iconic red-brick beacon built in 1875 that still operates today. Climbing its 220 steps rewards visitors with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound. Just next door is the Whalehead Club, a stunning 1920s Art Nouveau mansion built as a hunting retreat. Now a museum, the home offers guided tours and beautiful grounds perfect for a picnic or sunset stroll.
Don't miss a Corolla Wild Horse Tour, a signature Corolla experience. These off-road excursions take guests into the protected dunes and beaches north of town, where they can spot the famous Corolla wild horses-descendants of Spanish mustangs brought to the Outer Banks over 400 years ago. These horses roam freely, and guided tours ensure both safety and respectful viewing.
Shopping & Dining: Despite its relatively small size, Corolla is home to a number of boutiques, surf shops, and eateries. Visitors can enjoy fresh-caught seafood at local restaurants like North Banks Restaurant & Raw Bar or sample a craft beer from the Corolla Beer Garden. The Timbuck II Shopping Village provides a convenient hub for shopping, dining, and evening entertainment.
Just north of Corolla lies Carova, one of the most remote and captivating stretches of the Outer Banks. What makes Carova special isn't just its location-but the fact that it's accessible only by 4x4 vehicle. There are no paved roads leading into Carova. Instead, visitors must drive on the beach itself, navigating the sandy shoreline with the ocean to one side and dunes to the other. For many, this is a bucket-list adventure in itself.
Wild and Untamed: Carova is unlike any other Outer Banks community. With no commercial development, no gas stations, and no shops, this area is purely residential and natural. Visitors often rent vacation homes here to "get away from it all," with the understanding that they'll need to bring their own supplies. What they get in return is seclusion, serenity, and an unspoiled connection to nature.
Home of the Wild Horses: Carova is also the best place to observe the wild Spanish mustangs in their natural environment. These horses are frequently seen wandering the dunes, grazing near beach houses, or even walking along the surf. Wildlife abounds in Carova, with deer, foxes, and shorebirds all making regular appearances.
Recreation and Relaxation: While Carova is peaceful, it's far from boring. Visitors enjoy shelling, surf fishing, swimming, and stargazing free from light pollution. The area is a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike. Because of the remoteness, many guests choose to explore by beach cruiser bike, kayak, or guided tour, especially if they're not driving a 4x4 themselves.
Currituck County, with its combination of rustic farmland, coastal wetlands, rich history, and pristine beaches, is a hidden gem along the East Coast. Whether you're traveling through the peaceful mainland towns or escaping to the dunes of Corolla and Carova, the region offers a rewarding blend of adventure and relaxation. For travelers new to the Outer Banks, a trip through Currituck is more than just a drive-it's an immersive experience into a part of North Carolina where wild horses roam, lighthouses stand tall, and time seems to slow down just enough to appreciate every salty breeze.
In Corolla and Carova, the northern Outer Banks reveals its soul. It's a place to reconnect with nature, your loved ones, and yourself. And once you visit, it's a place you'll always want to return to.
