Explore the Outer Banks: Beach Driving Adventures

Discover popular Outer Banks destinations, historic landmarks, and untamed wilderness. Your coastal adventure begins where the pavement ends.

Carova Beach & the Wild Horses

Carova Beach is the northernmost community on the Outer Banks, accessible only by 4WD. No paved roads, no commercial businesses — just miles of open sand and the famous wild Spanish mustangs that roam freely. It’s a true bucket-list destination for any visitor with a beach-capable Jeep.

Corolla Beach

Corolla offers a perfect blend of accessibility and adventure. Drive on the beach, explore the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and enjoy family-friendly attractions while staying close to vacation rentals and dining. The Corolla 4WD ramp is also the gateway north into Carova.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers over 70 miles of pristine beaches, iconic lighthouses, and world-class fishing. Beach driving passes are included with your rental, giving you access to some of the most remote and beautiful coastline on the East Coast — including Buxton, Frisco, and Ocracoke Island.

Local Attractions

The Outer Banks offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. From the wild Spanish mustangs roaming the 4×4 beaches of Carova to the towering lighthouses that have guided sailors for centuries — Currituck Beach, Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke — there is something for every explorer. Add the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills and the unique sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and you have one of the East Coast’s most rewarding road trips.

Spending time in Norfolk before heading to the beach? Norfolk Shore Excursions is a local guide to quirky stops, walkable neighborhoods, and offbeat things to do around the waterfront — handy if you arrive a day early or have time to kill near the airport.