12 Relaxing Things To Do In Corolla, North Carolina

things to do in corolla north carolina
Ryan
Ryan 
Updated
| 5 min read

Corolla is a small township in Currituck County along the northern Outer Banks. One of the first things you’d notice about it is everything feels very new. This was because a flood of development occurred when the area stopped being blocked off in 1984. Surrounded by the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, Corolla’s polished landscape is now seen as a luxurious seaside summer destination, complete with upscale shopping and dining complexes.

By now, most visitors already have a pretty good idea of what to expect when they hear “seaside summer destination.” But Corolla has plenty more to offer than just beautiful beaches. Here’s our full list of 12 recommended things to do here.

1. Go on a learning journey with the Outer Banks Center

Currituck Heritage Park -  Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education  Corolla North Carolina
Source: Photo by Flickr user C Watts used under CC BY 2.0

The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education is dedicated to exploring the coastal North Carolina wildlife, natural history, and heritage. With a theme of “Life by Water’s Rhythm,” the 22,000 sq ft (2,043.8 sq m) facility opened in 2006, showcasing the vast diversity of the natural eco-system. There are talks, films, and educational programs, including the Nest Turtle program, which brings awareness to endangered sea turtles and how to help them.

Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education

Address: 1160 Village Lane, Corolla, NC 27927, USA

Website: Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education

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2. Explore more wildlife at the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge

Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Abbygails used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Short of taking a flight halfway round the world to Africa’s safari parks, the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge is arguably the best alternative, with the four seasons bringing different wildlife to spot each season. In the spring, neo-tropical and shorebirds are aplenty. In the summer, turtles come out, while birdwatchers will easily spot Great Blue Herons and egrets. The fall brings pollinating insects, with ducks, geese, and tundra swans using the refuge as a stopover. Winter here is when it’s most exciting – Bald Eagles, Green-Winged Teal, Pintails, and Ring-Necked Ducks join thousands of other winged creatures, creating a true birdwatcher’s paradise.

Currituck National Wildlife Refuge

Address: Corolla, NC 27927, USA

Website: Currituck National Wildlife Refuge

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3. Stroll through Historic Corolla Park

If trying to spot wildlife or having information fed to you isn’t your kind of thing, then how about a nice, unassuming stroll through Historic Corolla Park? Spread over 39 acres (15.8 hectares), the park is ideal for those who love history, scenery or just want a relaxing, stroll alongside gorgeous views. Pack a picnic basket and blanket, and sit beside one of the many benches beside the calm waters or sprawl out under any of the large shady trees.

Historic Corolla Park

Address: 1100 Hunt Club Dr, Corolla, NC 27927, USA

Website: Historic Corolla Park

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4. Climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Currituck Beach Light - stairs
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user rpertiet used under CC BY 2.0

Part of Historic Corolla Park, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is easily identified by its red bricks and is a must for those who love history and scenery. If you prevail against the 1876 structure’s steady but intimidating 220 steps, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views. Historic Corolla Park is already beautiful as it is, but seeing it from up there is another thing altogether.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Address: 1101 Corolla Village Rd, Corolla, NC 27927, USA

Website: Currituck Beach Lighthouse

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5. Watch the sunset at the Whalehead

Whalehead Club in Corolla NC
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kenneth M Fischer used under CC BY-SA 4.0

First built in the 1920s as a private retreat, the Whalehead is an art nouveau residence in Heritage Park that is now one of the most popular attractions since it was opened to the public in 2002. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 21,000 sq ft (1,951 sq m) grand mansion by the sea offers regular tours, but it is best known as a prime location to watch the sun set. As is typical with large mansions, there is a paranormal myth of it being haunted. Feel free to return at night – at your risk.

The Whalehead

Address: 1100 Club Rd, Corolla, NC 27927, USA

Website: The Whalehead

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6. Corolla Wild Horse Tour: spot their most famous residents

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Brown horses with blonde manes and called Sorrels.

Posted by Corolla Wild Horse Tours on Thursday, July 25, 2019

While we may have mentioned paranormal myths above, we aren’t talking about the famous (and now deceased) knights who owned the Whalehead here. Corolla is also renowned for one of the few places in the US with wild horses that roam freely. There are plenty of tours that promise visitors sightings of these horses, complete with a money-back guarantee. These are done in an open-air safari style truck.

Corolla Wild Horse Tour

Address: 1210 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC 27927, USA

Website: Corolla Wild Horse Tour

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7. Check out the 4WD beaches

SpanishMustangsOfCorolla
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kevincollins123 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Whether you’d like a second look at these horses or just to enjoy its other scenic spots, visitors can explore Carova, informally known as the”4WD Beaches.” As the name suggests, these beaches are only accessible by ATVs or 4x4 vehicles. If you don’t have your own, visitors may rent a jeep for a day.

Carova Beach

Address: Carova Beach, North Carolina, USA

Website: Carova Beach

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8. Get your adrenaline pumping with Soundside Water Sports

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

It isn’t just all scenery and nature in Corolla. Visitors can check out some water sports in Currituck Sound. Visitors can kayak here, but those looking for a bigger challenge should try stand-up paddle boarding or go on a high-speed jet ski. Rentals are available by the hour or the whole day. Those who want to take things to the next level (literally) will be pleased to find parasailing activities are also available.

Soundside Water Sports

Address: 1566A Duck Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, USA

Website: Soundside Water Sports

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9. Explore Duck Town Park Boardwalk

scene marsh edge Duck Town Park and Boardwalk ncwetlands AM (29)
Source: Photo by Flickr user NC Wetlands used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

The Duck Town Park Boardwalk is great for those looking to wind down for the evening or just to take a quiet stroll whilst enjoying the surrounding scenery. This is perfect for families and couples who want a romantic atmosphere on their walks, with incredible views of the sunrise and sunset. The boardwalk is also popular with avid birdwatchers and joggers.

Duck Town Park Boardwalk

Address: Duck Town Park Boardwalk, Duck, NC 27949, USA

Website: Duck Town Park Boardwalk

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10. Enjoy waterfront dining

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

THANK YOU JACQUI RENAGER, MATT INGRAM AND PERFORMANCE FOOD GROUP FOR SOME BEAUTIFUL PICTURES

Posted by North Banks Restaurant & Raw Bar on Thursday, April 21, 2022

Surrounded by all this water and scenery, the city of Corolla would be remiss if they passed up the opportunity of offering quality cuisine on the banks and waterfront of the sound. The restaurants here specialize in local seafood, embracing the concept of freshly caught seafood direct to your table. Book early if you’re coming in the summer though. Such spots are in high demand, and a reservation would go a long way in guaranteeing your spot at a scenic waterfront table.

North Banks Restaurant and Raw Bar

Address: 794 Sunset Blvd G, Corolla, NC 27927, USA

Website: North Banks Restaurant and Raw Bar

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11. Enjoy a round of golf at the Currituck Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a round of golf and Corolla has a course at the Currituck Club. The 18-hole course takes in a range of habitats, from sand dunes to forests and wetlands. It’s a semi-private club, and members get reduced fees. 9 hole games, junior players and veterans can get reduced fees in the afternoons. There is an area to practice putting and driving. The full-service pro shop is available and you can arrange lessons. Relax at the Bunkers Grille and Bar after your game. The club is open every day except at Christmas.

Currituck Club

Address: 620 Currituck Clubhouse Drive, Corolla

Website: Currituck Club

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12. Go fishing in the Outer Banks

Outer Banks - Beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jarek Tuszyński used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Fishing in the Outer Banks might be slow, but you’re relaxing, so why not just enjoy the sounds of nature and the sea as you bait up and wait for something to happen. There are piers and beaches that make for a lazy day of fishing. Get your freshwater license if you are fishing in the northern sound from any tackle shop. Outer Banks fishing licenses can be purchased online through the ncwilifeorg. If you don’t have your own fishing equipment, many tackle shops in the area do rent equipment. Kids don’t need a license, so you can even let the kids fish and relax in the warm weather while they do all the work. If you pop into the Corolla Bait and Tackle you can buy what you need and get a lot of free advice on where to fish.

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The natural choice

Corolla is full of nature and scenic environments. If you’re seeking to connect with nature for a zen-like buzz, there’s no better place offering such sights all year round. Quick tourist tip: Corolla is pronounced as “Cor-rah-lah” by locals. Anyone who says “Cor-roll-la” a la the Toyota car, will instantly be recognized as a tourist.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Ryan, a dedicated writer and traveler, is either on flights or at the airport terminals in pursuit of his next destination. He holds the conviction that travel serves as an antidote to terrorism,...Read more

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