Is Alcohol Allowed on Carova Beach?
Yes, on the beach itself. You can drink alcohol on Carova beaches. However, North Carolina's open container law still applies to vehicles—no open containers in the passenger areas of your car or truck, even on the beach.
The Rules
What's Allowed
- Drinking on the beach (sitting on the sand, at your beach setup)
- Alcohol at your rental property
- Sealed containers in your vehicle
What's Not Allowed
- Open containers in vehicles (driver or passenger areas)
- Drunk driving—DUI laws fully apply on the beach
- Glass containers on the beach (in many areas)
The Beach Is a Road
Remember: the beach is legally a roadway in Carova. All NC traffic laws apply, including DUI laws. The "road" just happens to be sand. If you're driving, you can't have an open drink—period.
Practical Tips
- Use a cooler: Keep beverages cold in a cooler at your beach spot
- Skip the glass: Cans and plastic are safer on the beach
- Designate a driver: Someone needs to drive back on the beach
- Stay hydrated: Sun, sand, and alcohol can dehydrate you quickly
- Pack it out: Take all cans and bottles with you
At Your Rental
At your vacation rental, there are no restrictions on alcohol. Enjoy drinks on your deck, by your private pool, or around the fire pit (if your rental has one). Most rentals have no rules about alcohol beyond basic courtesy to neighbors.
Buying Alcohol
Remember, there are no stores in Carova. Stock up before you head north:
- Food Lion & Harris Teeter: Beer and wine
- ABC Store: Liquor (North Carolina has state-run liquor stores)
The nearest ABC store is in Corolla. Plan ahead—you don't want to make a 40-minute round trip for a bottle of rum.