Top Things to do in Corolla
10 Free Things to do in Corolla That You Shouldn't Miss
You won’t find superstores or theme parks in Corolla. What you will find is a slow-paced vacation destination with vast, isolated stretches of beach. Corolla is the perfect place to gear down, relax and forget about your hurried life back home. While quiet dinners and strolls on the beach are mainstays of Corolla’s lifestyle, other more action-oriented recreation options include kayak tours, Jet Ski rentals, deep-sea fishing charters, and go-karting. No visit to Corolla is complete without climbing the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a 158-foot high structure built in 1875 that still flashes at 20-second intervals to warn ships hugging the chain of barrier islands. Next on the must see list is the Whalehead Club, a 21,000-square-foot Art Nouveau home that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A truly unique experience in Corolla is taking a tour of the Spanish Mustang Reserve, where you can see wild Spanish Mustang horses grazing in their natural habitat. Horse lovers will also enjoy the Corolla Wild Horse Museum located within the restored schoolhouse of Corolla Village. Kids have an opportunity to paint their own wild Colonial Spanish Mustang. For some great family fun, play the Grass Course, a miniature golf course on all natural grass.
Restaurants in Corolla
1. Currituck Outer Banks Visitor's Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By Anita767 - Sioux Falls, United States
The staff were excellent. They gave me a map of the OBX (Outer Banks) that showed by location recommended sites to see. This was so incredibly helpful. It helped me organize my trip and not miss opportunities.
2. Miss Kitty's Old Time Photos & Gifts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Let our studios put you in the mythical eras of the Old South, Wild West, Pirates, Civil War, American Indian, The Roaring Twenties, Victorian and more, with an original, Old Time Photo by Miss Kitty's Old Time Photos and Gifts OBX NC. All of our costumes are replicas of the Antique Clothing from the mid 19th through the early 20th centuries. Our photographers and assistants have been trained to pose each Old Time Photo setting in the most realistic manner and expression for the period of your choice. So by all means, look at our portfolio, make your choice. Then relax and have fun as we take you back to the thrilling days of yesteryear! Miss Kitty's Old Time Photos and Gifts is located in Corolla, North Carolina on the Outer Banks in the TimBuck II Shopping Village Corolla, Located just north of Nags Head NC, Kill Devil Hills NC, Kitty Hawk NC, Southern Shores, and Duck NC in Corolla, North Carolina on the OBX
Reviewed By E1336CTkellym - Johnstown, United States
We had a 7 person photo shoot as pirates and had a wonderful time and came out with great pictures!!!!
3. Currituck Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Location of the only lighthouse in the state of North Carolina that is still located where it was erected.
Reviewed By hwhi0218 - Buffalo, United States
This beach is gorgeous. Morning and evening seem to be the best time to see the wild horses. You MUST have a 4 wheel drive vehicle to drive on this beach, we saw multiple people attempt it with 2 wheel drive and got stuck. You don’t need a pass to drive on the beach but for $50 you can buy a 10 day pass that allows you to park on the beach and hang out. It was so convenient to be able to throw coolers, beach gear, etc into the back of the truck, drive onto the beach and have everything available right there to use all day.
4. Currituck Banks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
A small parking lot is provided for users of the maritime forest hiking trail. The trailhead is located by the informational sign west of the parking lot. Please close the gate behind you. It is there to keep wild horses from entering into Corolla. There is a 1/3 mile accessible boardwalk as well as a 1.5 mile (roundtrip) primitive hiking trail. Horses and other wildlife can be observed while hiking the boardwalk and trail. There is a 2 hour time limit for the parking lot. Anyone wishing to leave a vehicle temporarily so they can tour the 4 wheel drive area or walk to the beach must use the county beach access parking lots less than 1 mile south on Highway 12. Free public parking is located at the Heritage Park area and County parking lot near the lighthouse.
Reviewed By dbae27 - Staunton, United States
This is my second time visiting this area. There is a nice flat boardwalk out to the sound, about .3 miles. Accessible for those in wheelchairs, those pushing strollers, etc. We saw a snake in the water, a few lizards and spiders. We didn’t do the walk off the boardwalk this time, but it is .75 miles down to the sound and takes around an hour round trip. This is where we saw the wild horses last time. Nice parking are but it is small.
5. Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By DKMommy - Lancaster, United States
A free museum with a wonderful 30 minute film about the area. The exhibits are well done and enjoyable for all ages. You can probably tour the whole facility in about an hour. The bookstore was not open when we visited in a Monday. You can easily walk to the lighthouse from the parking lot.
6. The Island Bookstore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By always-ramblin - Allentown, United States
With online vendors dominating the book market it's refreshing to browse in a bricks & mortar bookstore with such a diverse collection. It's obvious that the owner and workers are thoughtful in the selection of inventory and for a small bookstore it covers all subjects with a wonderful children's section. This is the kind of store that you feel compelled to make a purchase to support their business.... and it's easy to find a book to take home.
7. Historic Corolla Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By N3624NOjoeb - New Market, United States
Great visit, great sermon, wonderful feeling when exiting because of its charm and coziness. The chapel welcomes ANYONE...
8. Flying Smiles Kites
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Visit Flying Smiles Kites for a great selection of Kites (and repairs, if needed!) along with Puzzles and Games for the whole family.
Reviewed By Grzeika56
Kites are the main focus of the shop, but there is something for everyone, in every price range and for every age. We weren’t necessarily there for a kite but still managed to leave with some good items. The layout of this store is great. It’s not overstuffed with product and what is there is good quality. The owners’ daughter was friendly and helpful and we enjoyed our conversation.
9. Corolla Wild Horse Fund Museum and Store
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 172 reviews
The Wild Horse Museum is operated by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund and features exhibits, photos and information on the Wild Mustangs of Corolla. Learn about the history of wild horses that have roamed the Outer Banks for nearly 500 years and still call these beaches home. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is the non-profit whose mission is to protect, conserve and responsibly manage the wild horses. Visit our gift shop for unique, fun and beautiful items. Check our calendar for upcoming events and children's activities. Find out when we will have a rescued mustang with us for you to meet. Open year round.
Reviewed By CarrieNJ18
Have a variety of things to buy that go to a good cause, always buy something every time I go. The pottery if unique and beautiful.
10. Super Wings
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