Top 10 Things to Do in Corolla, NC

Picture a place where wild horses roam free, coastal beauty abounds, and visitors feel at home. You can find this and more in the town of Corolla. This elegant southern community invokes a sense of awe with its stately oceanfront homes, wide open beaches, and historic attractions. Located on the northern end of the Outer Banks, the town of Corolla is magical place to vacation with family and friends. The young, old, and those in between, will fall in love with the coastal beauty and tranquility you’ll find there. Discover why Corolla is such a special destination with Resort Realty’s list of Top 10 Things to Do in Corolla, NC.

1 // Currituck Beach Lighthouse & Museum

220 steps is all it takes to climb to the top of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Panoramic views of the Currituck Sound, ocean, and Heritage Park make it worth the climb. The lighthouse has been a navigational aid since 1875 and continues to shine bright today. The lighthouse is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. from March 14th to November 26th and is $10 to climb.

*Travel Tip – Check out the exhibits at the base of the lighthouse for a quick history lesson. 

2 // Whalehead in Historic Corolla

The Whalehead Club has lived many lives over the years. It has served as a private minor, outdoorsmen’s lodge, military barracks, boarding school, and a rocket testing site. The club was renovated in 2002 and opened to the public to explore the 21,000 sq. ft. building, filled with historic portraits, art, and vintage architecture. Touring tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free to children 8 and under.

*Travel Tip – Pack your camera! You’ll want to capture the beautiful architecture and soundfront views. Evening sunset and ghost tours are also available.

3 // Wild Horse Tours

The true locals of the Outer Banks, the wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs, have lived on the beaches of Corolla and Carova for centuries. Take an off-road tour in a 15 passenger safari truck and see these beautiful animals up close. Enjoy the scenery, the wind in your hair, and learn a little more about these Outer Banks natives.

* Travel Tip – Ask about the Corolla Wild Horse Tours’ ongoing discounts if you’re touring with a large group or are an active duty military member.

4 // The Currituck Club Golf Course

Golfers will love the challenge and the landscape of The Currituck Club’s 18 hole course, designed by renowned designer, Rees Jones. It is typical to see wildlife and the occasional eagle soar by while you play. The coastal terrain makes for a fun and challenging course.

*Travel Tip – Reserve your tee time online or by calling 252-453-9400.

5 // Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education

The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education is a neighbor to the Currituck Lighthouse and Whalehead Club, located in Heritage Park. The center is free to the public from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Saturday and features many exhibits, displays, and artifacts that tell the story of Currituck County and its coastal environment. Kids will love the 8,000 gallon aquarium tank, filled with fish and species from the area.

*Travel Tip – The center also offers 4 nature trails nearby for visitors to explore by the sound.

6 // Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve

One of the most appealing qualities about the Outer Banks is that many places are undeveloped on purpose. The Coastal Estuarine Reserve is another beautiful landscape to visit to see local wildlife, fish, ponds, marshes and more. These lands have been preserved so travelers can enjoy mother nature for many years to come.

*Travel Tip – Remember to pack your binoculars for bird and animal watching and bug spray just in case.

7 // Historic Corolla Village

Take a step back in time at the Historic Corolla Village. Several of the town’s original landmarks and homes have been restored and are now places of business. Just down the road from Heritage Park, Historic Corolla Village is a great place to stroll around, shop, and admire the homes from long ago.

*Travel Tip – Take a rest stop under the pergola at A Village Garden. Check out the lovely blooms and landscaping while you take a break. 

8 // Tim Buck II Shopping Center

Unique gifts and homemade treasures are easy to find at the Tim Buck II Shopping Center. With over 60 stores, there is something for everyone to do and see. If you can’t keep up with the shopaholics in your group, there are plenty of eateries where you can relax and treat yourself to something sweet.

*Travel Tip – For suggestions on dining or other local attractions, stop by Resort Realty’s Corolla office, located in Tim Buck II. We’d be happy to tell you our favorites and give you one of our coupon books. 

9 // Corolla Adventure Golf & Bumper Cars

If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot to visit, make sure to stop by Corolla Adventure Golf & Bumper Cars. The mini golf course has a Corolla landmark theme with the Currituck Lighthouse, Whalehead Club, wild horses, and more! The kids will love pointing out all of the places they recognize at each hole.

*Travel Tip – If the park is busy before sunset, come back in the evenings. The course is well lit and the bumper cars have their own neon light display for late night fun. 

10 // The Beach & 4-Wheel Drive Beaches of Carova

Ahhh can you feel the warm beach days just ahead? Corolla offers several public beach accesses for guests, although most subdivisions provide their own oceanside parking. If you prefer wide open spaces, take your 4-wheeler drive vehicle down to beaches of Carova, just north of NC 12. Sunbathe, build sandcastles, surf, watch the wild horses or beach comb. The possibilities are endless!

*Travel Tip – Carova is only accessible with a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Make sure to let some air out of your tires for a smoother drive. Around 12 to 15 psi works best.

Gorgeous landscapes, wide open beaches, and historic attractions are yours for the taking in Corolla. If this sounds like your type of place, browse our selection of vacation rental homes to host your upcoming Corolla getaway.