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.
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Nature & Outdoor Oriented in Corolla, NC
1130E Corolla Village Road, Corolla
Corolla Wild Horse Fund's museum, gift shop and offices are located in Historic Corolla Village. Visit them to discover the fascinating history and legacy of the Banker strain of Colonial Spanish Mustangs. Mustangs were brought to the Outer Banks nearly 500 years ago and their descendants are still with us today, although this hardy, majestic breed is now highly endangered. The whole family can learn about the horses and their cultural significance by visiting the Fund's new exhibit and speaking with their knowledgeable staff. Donations are accepted and benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, managers of the wild herd. All proceeds from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund gift shop also benefit the Fund and the wild horses. The Fund has a Porch Pick-Up program so you can shop online and pick up your merchandise on the porch.
Open all year, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund also offers special programming, especially in the summer. Activities include a weekly event called Mustang Mornings in which their rehabilitation facility at the Betsy Dowdy Equine Center in Grandy will be open for visitors to see the rescued mustangs under the Fund's care and the work that they do with them. It's an opportunity to get an inside look at things and perhaps meet a horse you've heard much about. There are also Meet a Mustang events at various locations and times throughout the summer where visitors can see and pet a tamed and gentled mustang as well as Paint a Mustang events using wooden horses in various sizes. For current information on hours of operation and the scheduling of any of these events, see the Fund's website and Facebook page. All events are subject to cancellation.
Corolla Wild Horse Fund's museum, gift shop and offices are located in Historic Corolla Village. Visit them to discover the fascinating history and legacy of the Banker strain of Colonial Spanish Mustangs. Mustangs were brought to the Outer Banks nearly 500 years ago and their descendants are still with us today, although this hardy, majestic breed is now highly endangered. The whole family can learn...read more
Corolla Wild Horse Fund's museum, gift shop and offices are located in Historic Corolla Village....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