With beach, marsh, sound and maritime forest environments condensed down to one location, things to do in Corolla, NC, include exploring this natural paradise. Appreciating the great outdoors in Corolla goes beyond playing in the Currituck Sound or on the beach. Take an off-road adventure north of the highway’s end, and put yourself in a prime position for glimpsing the wild horses in their natural habitats. Climb the lighthouse and drink in views of the sound, ocean, island and mainland all from one vantage point. Enjoy a tranquil retreat with a stroll down the boardwalk that wraps around the sound. Keep your eyes peeled for the area’s distinctive flora and fauna, then head to the wildlife education center to identify the unfamiliar sightings.
Featured for Your Visit
Nature & Outdoor Oriented in Corolla, NC
Meet at Corolla Light Town Center, 1159 Austin Street, Corolla
Scott Trabue’s Wild Horse Safari is an off-road eco-adventure that will deliver you and your family directly to the wild Spanish mustangs that have thrived on the northern Outer Banks for nearly 500 years. Your naturalist guide will carry you in custom open-air Safari Cruisers through 30 miles of beaches, dune and back-country sand lanes to discover the Outer Banks’ unique wildlife. Shore life including pelicans, dolphins and osprey are almost always present. You will hear stories about the Ghost Fleet and Outer Banks maritime history and learn about the mysterious petrified forest. Back Country Outfitters has exclusive access to the Spanish Mustang Preserve, where sightings of these regal wild horses are guaranteed, while your tour guide explains their Spanish Colonial heritage and the local preservation efforts. Reservations are required.
Scott Trabue’s Wild Horse Safari is an off-road eco-adventure that will deliver you and your family directly to the wild Spanish mustangs that have thrived on the northern Outer Banks for nearly 500 years. Your naturalist guide will carry you in custom open-air Safari Cruisers through 30 miles of beaches, dune and back-country sand lanes to discover the Outer Banks’ unique wildlife. Shore life including...read more
Scott Trabue’s Wild Horse Safari is an off-road eco-adventure that will deliver you and your...read more
Nature & Outdoor Oriented in Corolla, NC
Located in the heart of Timbuck II, Corolla Parasail partners with Corolla Water Sports – the original and one of the most comprehensive watersports’ locations on the Northern Outer Banks – delivering plenty of excitement. Their location in Timbuck II is a choice destination for those interested in parasailing, watersports (including Jet Ski, kayak, standup paddleboard and pontoon boat rentals), miniature golf, shopping and restaurants...read more
Nature & Outdoor Oriented in Corolla, NC
In the old days Corolla villagers raised their own food, caught it in the sea or shot it out of the sky. Everyone had a vegetable garden and fruit trees to provide fresh produce, and most everything was canned and preserved to save for the stark winter months. Because Corolla Village was on the more-protected sound side of the island, the gardens and plants were...read more
Nature & Outdoor Oriented in Corolla, NC
The Corolla wild horses are recognized as a significant cultural and historical resource by the state of North Carolina and were designated as the North Carolina State Horse in 2010. The herd is protected and monitored by the nonprofit Corolla Wild Horse Fund Inc. of Corolla. To learn more about the horses call or visit the Corolla Wild Horse Museum and Store at...read more
Nature & Outdoor Oriented in Corolla, NC
This beautiful boardwalk and trail leads from the road to the sound, traversing through maritime evergreen forest, swamp forest and brackish marsh. Along the 2/3-mile out-and-back route, you’ll see live oaks and loblolly pines, yaupon, holly, bayberry and wax myrtle, plus, closer to the water, sedges, cattails, black needle rush and giant cord grass. You may see signs of animals, like scat or tracks, or...read more
Nature & Outdoor Oriented in Corolla, NC
Permanent exhibits at this education center focus on conservation, waterfowl and hunting heritage, natural history, local heritage, ecology and fishing. Highlights of the exhibits are an extensive decoy collection and a real-life marsh diorama. The 22,000-square-foot building houses an auditorium with a video program plus an exhibit hall and classrooms. The location of the center is on the sound between Whalehead and Currituck Beach Lighthouse. It...read more
Nature & Outdoor Oriented in Corolla, NC
Whalehead is an historic house museum on the northern Outer Banks. The grand residence, dressed in bold yellow and striking copper, stands on a vast green lawn bordering the Currituck Sound. At first sight of the more than 21,000-square-foot Art Nouveau home, so out of place in the Outer Banks landscape, it’s immediately apparent that it has an intriguing past and a fascinating story to...read more
