4x4 Beaches

The fun begins when the road ends on this unique stretch of Outer Banks shoreline just south of the Virginia border. A four-wheel drive vehicle and an adventurous spirit are required to explore this beach community, where there are no paved roads, no hotels or restaurants, and not even a convenience store! What you’ll find is an uncomplicated, fourteen-mile expanse of wide, sandy beaches, dense maritime forests, and marshy soundside coves.

Beach Rules and Regulations

• A 4x4 or AWD vehicle with at least 7.5 inches of ground clearance is necessary to drive on the 4x4 beaches. Parking passes are required during certain times of the year. See our Beach Driving Information page for more information about driving and parking on the 4x4 beaches.
• Home to the Corolla Wild Horses, the possibility of catching a glimpse of these extraordinary creatures is practically commonplace. Keep in mind they are wild - do not approach them. County ordinance states that you may not come within 50 feet of the horses at any time. Feeding, riding, or petting a wild horse is prohibited. A wild horse sighting is always an exciting event, but please remember to use caution and keep your distance.
• The beach is a public vehicular access area. Keep an eye on children and keep pets leashed.
• Beaches are pet-friendly year-round. Leashes are required, but there are no length requirements.
• Bonfires are not permitted on the 4x4 beaches.
• There are no fixed lifeguard stands on the 4x4 beaches. Three roving lifeguards patrol from the end of the road to the Virginia state line from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Currituck County does not allow personal motorized watercraft on the ocean. Jet skis and personal motorboats are allowed on the Currituck Sound. The closest boat ramp is located at Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park.