A leading figure in the local music scene is found in Corolla, NC, things to do. Music events and festivals are scheduled regularly throughout the year, and they frequently coordinate the talents of local musicians with bigger acts from around the Southeastern U.S. and beyond. Corolla also hosts family-friendly events and festivals in the historic village throughout the year, which invites all ages to interact with local history and culture.
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Thing To Do in Corolla, NC
1101 Corolla Village Road, Corolla
The red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse towers above the Historic Corolla Village. Visitors to this Outer Banks attraction can climb the winding staircase, 220 steps in all, to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of Currituck Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Outer Banks. Inside the lighthouse, at the base and on the first two landings, there are museum-quality lighthouse exhibits. On the way up or down, stop to learn about the history of coastal lighthouses, the Fresnel lens, shipwrecks and the lighthouse keepers.
The 162-foot lighthouse was first lit on December 1, 1875. Onsite keepers, who lived in homes at the base of the lighthouse, operated the lighthouse until it was automated in 1937. With automation, the lighthouse no longer required a regular keeper. The lighthouse and its outbuildings fell into disrepair for decades until a nonprofit group called Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc. (OBC) stepped in to save the site in 1980. OBC renovated the keepers’ buildings to re-create their past glories and restored the lighthouse to make it safe to climb. In July 2003 The U.S. Department of the Interior awarded OBC ownership of the lighthouse.
It costs only $10 to climb the lighthouse. Payment conveys an understanding and acceptance of the lighthouse's posted waiver of liability (the tower construction predates modern building codes and safety regulations). Children must be 4 years old to climb, and children ages 4 to 12 years old must have adult supervision. Parents or guardians must sign a waiver for children ages 13 to 17 to climb alone. Children younger than 4 may enter free but only if in a carrier. Visitors stand in line to pay admission outside the lighthouse. The lighthouse is open daily from mid-March through December 1. Climbing hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During extreme weather, the lighthouse is closed to climbing. Parking is free. Leashed dogs welcome on the grounds.
The nearby Double Keepers’ House is used as a private residence, but it makes for great photographs. You can go inside the small Keeper’s House, moved to the site in 1920 from Long Point Light Station in the Currituck Sound, which is now a Museum Shop and stocks everything lighthouse-related you could ever imagine. T-shirts, hats, books, postcards, blankets, taffy, ornaments, jewelry, magnets, figurines and more fill this former keeper’s residence.
The red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse towers above the Historic Corolla Village. Visitors to this Outer Banks attraction can climb the winding staircase, 220 steps in all, to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of Currituck Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Outer Banks. Inside the lighthouse, at the base and on the first two landings, there are museum-quality lighthouse exhibits. On...read more
The red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse towers above the Historic Corolla Village. Visitors to this Outer...read more
Thing To Do in Corolla, NC
Today's Corolla Outback Adventures evolved from the original family business that began as Bender's Beach Service in 1962 when the paved road ended at Duck. This unique tour travels the same roadless beach into Corolla's “outback,” where wild herds of horses are still free to roam. The 20-mile round trip includes exclusive access into the wild horse habitat on land the Bender family donated for their...read more
Thing To Do 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
Thing To Do in Corolla, NC
The Corolla Raceway features one large track running single, double and junior go-carts. The junior go-carts run until 4:30 p.m. each day. For the tamer ones in your crowd, there are freestanding, gas-powered bumper cars. The on-site arcade is fun for the kids, and the ospreys in the nest overlooking the track are a hit with everyone. The Raceway is open every day except Sunday...read more
Thing To Do in Corolla, NC
Corolla Surf Shop opened in 1996. You will find all the best surf brand names in bathing suits, rash guards, surfboards, body boards, wet suits, skim boards, skateboards and standup paddleboards, etc., but you can also rent this gear and Corolla Surf Shop offers free delivery. Stop in if the waves come up and you’re not prepared or you’re looking to try something...read more
Thing To Do 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
Thing To Do in Corolla and Corolla, NC
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund has moved its museum shares the wonderful history and legacy of the Colonial Spanish mustangs, and the museum store offers everything for the horse lover in your life, including wine! All proceeds from this cool shop benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, the not-for-profit organization that protects and cares for wild Colonial Spanish mustangs living on the northern beaches of...read more
Thing To Do 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
Thing To Do 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
Thing To Do in Corolla, NC
From the mainland to the sound to the Outer Banks, Currituck County has a rich maritime history, and the Currituck Maritime Museum in Corolla honors and interprets it. The 10,000-square-foot opened in July 2021 with exhibit topics that include restored historic boats and the boat-building industry, fishing, hunting, decoy carving, lifesaving stations, weather and more. The self-guided experience includes exhibits, historic boats, photographs, videos, artifacts...read more
Thing To Do in Corolla, NC
The Corolla Outer Banks Visitors Center offers restrooms plus all the visitor information and assistance you'll need for a trip to Corolla and its surrounding areas. You'll find it on the west side of N.C. Highway 12 on the south end of the Currituck Club; if heading north, start looking for it on the left after you pass the Hampton Inn.
Currituck County also operates...read more
Thing To Do in Corolla, NC
Whether you want a full day of pampering or a quick hair cut, Eden Day Spa & Salon can fill the bill. This full-service salon offers massage therapy, European facials, makeup application, pedicures, manicures, hair treatments and a full menu of head-to-toe spa treatments. Wedding preparation is their specialty, and group appointments and spa packages are available.read more
Thing To Do in Corolla, NC
You haven’t seen Corolla until you’ve seen it from the air. As the closest parasail outfit to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and 4x4 beaches, Lighthouse Parasail will have you flying high with amazing views of the northern Currituck beaches and all the Corolla attractions – you may even see some of the wild horses! Parasailing is one of the most popular family activities on the...read more