Explore over 200 miles of pristine coastline from the wild 4×4 beaches of Corolla to the remote shores of Ocracoke Island.

Corolla & Carova (4×4 Beaches)

The northernmost beaches of the OBX require 4-wheel drive access. This is wild horse territory with pristine, undeveloped coastline.

Carova Beach

Location: North of MP 20 (4×4 only)

Notes: Wild horses, no facilities, 4WD required

North Swan Beach

Location: MP 18-20 (4×4 access)

Notes: End of paved road, 4WD required beyond this point

Corolla Beach (Public Access)

Location: MP 16-18

Notes: Paved parking, lifeguards in summer, pets allowed off-season

Whalehead Beach

Location: Near Currituck Heritage Park

Notes: Historic lighthouse nearby, public parking

Need a 4×4? Fly into Norfolk International Airport and rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access Carova and the wild horse beaches.

Duck & Southern Shores

Quieter, upscale beach communities with town boardwalks and soundside access.

Duck Town Beach

Location: Duck Village Center

Notes: Town boardwalk, shops and restaurants nearby

Duck Research Pier Beach

Location: MP 16

Notes: Public parking, pier access

Southern Shores Beach Access

Location: Multiple points MP 1-5

Notes: Residential area, limited public parking

Kitty Hawk & Kill Devil Hills

Family-friendly beaches with public access points and lifeguarded areas.

Kitty Hawk Beach

Location: MP 1-4

Notes: Multiple access points, lifeguards in summer

Avalon Pier Beach

Location: MP 6

Notes: Fishing pier, public parking, lifeguards

Kill Devil Hills Beach

Location: MP 7-10

Notes: Wide beaches, good for families, lifeguards

Nags Head

Popular beach town with iconic pier and easy beach access.

Jennette’s Pier Beach

Location: MP 16.5

Notes: Educational pier, aquarium, lifeguards, public parking

Coquina Beach

Location: MP 20 (Bodie Island)

Notes: National Seashore, bathhouse, lifeguards, pets allowed off-season

Nags Head Beach Access

Location: MP 11-17

Notes: Multiple access points, Jockey’s Ridge nearby

Hatteras Island

Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches with ORV access ramps and remote shoreline.

Pea Island Beach

Location: MP 25-35

Notes: National Wildlife Refuge, no ORV access, excellent birding

Rodanthe Beach

Location: MP 40-42

Notes: ORV ramps, fishing pier, lifeguards in summer

Salvo Beach

Location: MP 45-48

Notes: ORV access, quieter beaches

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach

Location: Near Buxton

Notes: Iconic lighthouse, ORV access, swimming beach

Frisco Beach

Location: MP 55-58

Notes: ORV access, less crowded

Ocracoke Island

Remote island accessible by ferry with pristine beaches and a charming village.

Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach

Location: Near village center

Notes: Bathhouse, lifeguards, parking, most popular beach

South Point Beach

Location: Southern tip of island

Notes: ORV access, remote, excellent shelling

North Ocracoke Beaches

Location: North end of island

Notes: Undeveloped, ORV access in designated areas

Related OBX Guides

More ways to explore: see the wild horses, climb the lighthouses, go pier fishing, or browse all our Things to Do in the Outer Banks.