Drive on the Beach

Many vacationers flock to the Outer Banks for the thrill of driving on the beach, a rare privilege that few East Coast beach vacation destinations can offer. On the Outer Banks, beach driving enthusiasts will find miles of shoreline to explore, from the uninhabited shoreline along Ocracoke Island to the solely 4WD accessible beaches of Carova, north of Corolla.

WHERE TO DRIVE ON THE OUTER BANKS BEACHES

Corolla – No permit required. 4×4 vehicles can access the beach at the Northern end of NC 12 where the paved road ends. 4×4 access South of this point is permitted between October 1 and April 30. Driving at night is allowed. Overnight parking is allowed if the occupant is actively fishing. ATV’s allowed for residents with permit.

Carova – No permit required. 4×4 vehicles can access the beach at the Northern end of NC 12 where the paved road ends. 4×4 access North of this point is permitted year round. From there, visitors can enjoy miles of beach driving, scenic ocean views, and if they’re lucky, a glimpse of the wild horses, the area’s first and most treasured local residents.

Duck – No public 4×4 access. Private access allows vehicles vehicles on the beach between October 1 – April 30.

Southern Shores – Driving on the beach is prohibited.

Kitty Hawk – Driving on the beach is prohibited.

Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head – Permit required; permit is reciprocal on beaches in both towns. Driving on the beach is permitted October 1 – April 30. Permits are available at the cashier’s window in the Kill Devil Hills Town Hall, 102 Town Hall Drive, and at the Nags Head Town Hall, 5401 South Croatan Highway, from 8:30 until 5:00 p.m.  They may also be obtained at TW’s Bait and Tackle Shop at 2230 South Croatan Highway in Nags Head during their business hours.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore – (Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras, and Ocracoke) – Obtaining an ORV permit is an easy process that takes only minutes from start to finish. You can choose to visit a visitor center at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in person or you can visit the Cape Hatteras ORV Permit page at Recreation.gov. Rules are always subject to change. For the most up to date information and additional tips regarding 4×4 beach driving visit OuterBanks.org