FAQ

Can You Drive on the Beach in the Outer Banks?

Yes! The Outer Banks is one of the few places on the East Coast where you can legally drive on the beach. Several areas allow beach driving, but the most popular is the 4x4 area north of Corolla—including Carova Beach.

Driving on Carova beach
The beach is your highway in the 4x4 area north of Corolla

Where Can You Drive on the Beach?

Beach driving is permitted in several areas of the Outer Banks:

Corolla 4x4 Beaches (Most Popular)

The 11-mile stretch from the end of NC Highway 12 to the Virginia state line is the most accessible beach driving area. This includes the communities of Swan Beach, Carova, and the area near False Cape. No permit is required.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Several beach access ramps along Hatteras Island allow beach driving. Unlike Corolla, you'll need a free permit from the National Park Service, available at visitor centers or online.

Ocracoke Island

Limited beach driving is available on Ocracoke, also requiring a National Park Service permit.

How to Access the 4x4 Beaches

For the Corolla/Carova 4x4 area, here's what you need to know:

  1. Drive to the end of NC Highway 12 in Corolla (past the Currituck Beach Lighthouse)
  2. Air down your tires to 16-18 PSI before reaching the access ramp
  3. Use the beach access ramp to drive onto the sand
  4. Drive north along the beach to reach Carova and the wild horse areas

Important

You need a 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle with adequate ground clearance. Regular cars will get stuck in the soft sand. See our guide on what vehicle you need for details.

Rules for Beach Driving

  • Speed limit: 25 mph on the beach
  • Stay below the high tide line on the hard-packed sand
  • Give horses the right of way—it's the law
  • No driving on dunes or in protected areas
  • Air down your tires (typically 16-18 PSI)
  • Air back up before returning to paved roads

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